Professor Jonathan S. Davies evaluates the government’s agenda in light of the English Devolution White Paper. It has long been recognised that English governance is hopelessly over-centralised, with control over money and power hoarded in Westminster and Whitehall, with Towns and Cities not getting a look in. Promises from the centre to “let go” of … Continue reading “The Struggle for Devolution Goes On!”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 April 2025
Concerns about geopolitical risks and further fragmentation of the global economy are leading to policy uncertainty and a weakening of business and consumer sentiment. In the Spring Statement the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer announced welfare reforms and civil service cost cuts, alongside an increase in defence spending. Businesses and households are facing increasing bills … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 April 2025”
The US Tariffs on the Automotive Sector Will Cost the UK £10 Billion in GDP Over 5 Years
Dr Matt Lyons and Dr Huanjia Ma investigate the impact that Trump’s tariffs will have on the UK’s automotive industry. The US has proposed tariffs of 25% on car imports. This blog aims to answer the following questions: What will this cost the UK, and where will it hit hardest? TLDR: The proposed tariffs are … Continue reading “The US Tariffs on the Automotive Sector Will Cost the UK £10 Billion in GDP Over 5 Years”
Birmingham Office Market: Resilience, Sustainability, and Shifting Demand
The Birmingham Economic Review is out now! It provides a comprehensive analysis of the city’s economy as we emerge from a period of high inflation and local, regional, and national elections and actionable measures businesses and stakeholders from across the city-region can take to drive economic growth. Read the full Birmingham Economic Review 2024. David … Continue reading “Birmingham Office Market: Resilience, Sustainability, and Shifting Demand”
What is the anticipated impact of the Spring Statement 2025?
There were few new announcements in this Spring Statement, the most significant announcements have been in changes to benefits and welfare. Below sets out the government current fiscal plans and their impact following the spring statement discussed by Alice Pugh. Benefits and Welfare There have been significant changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIPs) and Universal … Continue reading “What is the anticipated impact of the Spring Statement 2025?”
The Spring Statement 2025
In her first Spring Statement the Chancellor of the Exchequer has made few announcements. The Spring Statement has had few new policy and fiscal announcements; however, this is not too unusual for the Spring Statement. There will be more announcements around departmental spending in June following a spending review. Alice Pugh looks at the key … Continue reading “The Spring Statement 2025”
Work-Integrated Learning in the Midlands Space Cluster: Bridging Academia and Industry
This blog post by Dr Chloe Billing summarises her research into work-integrated learning (WIL) models in the Midlands space cluster and their role in addressing skills challenges and enhancing productivity in the UK space sector. The research, funded by the Productivity Institute’s “Investment in Places” initiative, examines WIL initiatives at four key institutions in the … Continue reading “Work-Integrated Learning in the Midlands Space Cluster: Bridging Academia and Industry”
Project Spotlight: National Civic Impact Accelerator
In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In the next blog from this series, we look at the National Civic Impact Accelerator and its recent report on demonstrating the economic impacts of civic universities. What are the 12 pillars of civic university economic impact? The … Continue reading “Project Spotlight: National Civic Impact Accelerator”
Birmingham’s Bright Future: Investment, Skills and Opportunity
The Birmingham Economic Review is out now! It provides a comprehensive analysis of the city’s economy as we emerge from a period of high inflation and local, regional, and national elections and actionable measures businesses and stakeholders from across the city-region can take to drive economic growth. Read the full Birmingham Economic Review 2024. Birmingham … Continue reading “Birmingham’s Bright Future: Investment, Skills and Opportunity”
Boosting Health and Productivity: The Role of Birmingham’s Workplaces
The Birmingham Economic Review is out now! It provides a comprehensive analysis of the city’s economy as we emerge from a period of high inflation and local, regional, and national elections and actionable measures businesses and stakeholders from across the city-region can take to drive economic growth. Read the full Birmingham Economic Review 2024. Birmingham’s … Continue reading “Boosting Health and Productivity: The Role of Birmingham’s Workplaces”