West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 15 October 2021

This week the IMF has dropped its expected growth forecast for many of the leading economies globally. This reflects disruptions to supply chains and a softening of consumption in the third quarter. As government spending is slowing down on Covid-19 relief programmes, many consumers are reining in their spending, especially as inflation is hitting prices … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 15 October 2021”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 1 October 2021

The optimism about the economic recovery that characterised many indices of business confidence in June and July has given way to a much more mixed picture as we move into Autumn. Recently it has become clear that multiple global issues, such as climate change, port delays, container shortages, HGV driver shortages, Covid-19 spikes and subsequent … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 1 October 2021”

City-REDI / WM REDI Round Up – September 2021

Events – presenting work / speaking engagements Professor Raquel Ortega-Argiles will be presenting at the Innovation Places Summit 2021, organised by Connected Places Catapult on the 23rd of September 2021. Media engagements / News City-REDI / WMREDI are involved in a University of Birmingham partnership with UAE Ministry policymakers to help with its regional economic development. … Continue reading “City-REDI / WM REDI Round Up – September 2021”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 17th September 2021

This fortnight there have been a number of significant announcements on social care financing, latest furlough data and the PMI, along with a cabinet reshuffle this week. Midlands MP Nadhim Zahawi is the new Education Secretary and Michael Gove has moved to MHCLG. As an avowed public sector reformer, this latter appointment could signal changes … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 17th September 2021”

The Launch of the West Midlands Data Lab

WMREDI and its partners have launched the West Midlands Data Lab. The data lab provides a single interactive portal for a wealth of up to the minute regional data and research. A unique tool to inform decision making around key investments and policy formulation for economic, social and environmental benefit in the West Midlands. The … Continue reading “The Launch of the West Midlands Data Lab”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 20th August 2021

Whilst the world is looking at events in Afghanistan, the UK has seen a resurgence in infection rates, and the number of daily new cases confirmed in the UK is now the highest out of the selected European countries. 8% of West Midlands adults reported they were self-isolating; the highest region in Great Britain for … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 20th August 2021”

State of the Region 2021 – Informing Regional Decision Making in the West Midlands

On the 4th August, WMREDI hosted the launch of the State of the Region Report. This report is written on behalf of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), and all its partners, by the WMREDI partnership. It presents a balanced approach to regional monitoring and is a useful tool to understand the progress the region … Continue reading “State of the Region 2021 – Informing Regional Decision Making in the West Midlands”

State of the Region 2021 – The Key Challenges Facing the West Midlands

On the 4th August 2021, WMREDI and partners held an event to launch the State of the Region 2021 report. Rebecca Riley, Administrative Director, City-REDI /WM REDI, University of Birmingham and Head of Research and Office for Data Analytics ODA, West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), provided an overview of this year’s State of the Region … Continue reading “State of the Region 2021 – The Key Challenges Facing the West Midlands”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 6th August 2021

This week three major intelligence products for partners have been launched. These are: (1) the Cultural Infrastructure Map – cultural facilities are the cornerstone of our arts and cultural ecology, which will help support the arts and cultural sector. (2) The WMREDI partnership launched the State of the Region 2021 and the reports can be … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 6th August 2021”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 23rd July 2021

This week England has opened up, lifting most of the restrictions in place to date. This has been met with mixed reviews, especially as Covid-19 cases are rising. It remains to be seen what impact opening up has overall and how public perceptions and behaviour unfold over the coming weeks. The UK has seen a … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 23rd July 2021”