Birmingham’s Business Confidence: Boom or Bust?

Beth Clewes discusses the impact of Covid-19, Brexit, energy prices and inflation on business confidence in the region. This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2022. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by City-REDI at the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is … Continue reading “Birmingham’s Business Confidence: Boom or Bust?”

City-REDI / WMREDI Round Up – October 2022

Events – presenting work / speaking engagements City-REDI / WMREDI held two fringe events during the party conference season. Professor Adam Tickell hosted the second event held at The Exchange. On 19th October, City-REDI / WMREDI hosted the Civic Network Advisory Group Dinner at The Exchange. On 20th October, City-REDI and the Greater Birmingham Chambers … Continue reading “City-REDI / WMREDI Round Up – October 2022”

Megatrends and the West Midlands: Generations

Liam O’Farrell examines the age-old trope of intergenerational conflict. Does the evidence support the idea of generations at war or is categorising people by age a poor way of understanding our society?  This article is part of larger project looking at Megatrends in the West Midlands. Megatrends are major movements or patterns or trends that … Continue reading “Megatrends and the West Midlands: Generations”

West Midlands Impact Monitor – 28th October 2022

Rishi Sunak is now UK Prime Minister. Concerns about inflation remain paramount for businesses, households and individuals. Russia has continued its targeted attack on Ukrainian energy supplies since last Monday, with an estimated 1.5m households now without electricity. Almost a third of Ukraine’s power stations and other energy-generating facilities having been destroyed in the attacks … Continue reading “West Midlands Impact Monitor – 28th October 2022”

International Trade and Supply Chain Disruptions in the Light of the Russian-Ukraine war

With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, both countries reduced their trade with the world, and supply chains were disrupted. Maryna Ramcharan looks at UK international trade with both countries and the subsequent supply chain disruptions. International trade in the UK has a negative trade balance. Imports from Ukraine accounted for 0.2% of all goods imports. … Continue reading “International Trade and Supply Chain Disruptions in the Light of the Russian-Ukraine war”

Regional Clusters: Place Branding for the Co-Location of Firms

Professor Simon Collison discusses how city-regions need to build a straightforward narrative that captures why people and businesses would want to visit, live, work, invest and commit to that particular place. Place branding and local leadership is often focused on promoting inward investment around clusters of economic activity, which can contribute to regional economic growth … Continue reading “Regional Clusters: Place Branding for the Co-Location of Firms”

West Midlands Impact Monitor – 2nd September 2022

This week forecasters are predicting that the UK will enter a recession in the 4th quarter of the year and global climate change issues are compounding the inflationary effects of energy prices, product supply and war. The West Midlands is being buffeted and affected by these impacts, the region particularly hit by fuel and energy … Continue reading “West Midlands Impact Monitor – 2nd September 2022”

REDI Updates 3: Lessons from City-REDI / WMREDI Research on Levelling Up

Welcome to REDI-Updates. REDI-Updates aims to get behind the data and translate it into understandable terms. In this edition, WMREDI staff look at the government’s flagship policy – Levelling Up. We look at the challenge of implementing, understanding and measuring levelling up. Rebecca Riley summarises some of the key points to come out of our … Continue reading “REDI Updates 3: Lessons from City-REDI / WMREDI Research on Levelling Up”

REDI Updates 3: Review of Metrics

Welcome to REDI-Updates. REDI-Updates aims to get behind the data and translate it into understandable terms. In this edition, WMREDI staff look at the government’s flagship policy – Levelling Up. We look at the challenge of implementing, understanding and measuring levelling up. Josh Swan maps the most appropriate metrics from our City Index dashboard to … Continue reading “REDI Updates 3: Review of Metrics”

Perspectives on the Future of Work and Training

Abigail Taylor looks at trends that might impact the future of work and training and what this could mean for the West Midlands. This article is part of larger project looking at Megatrends in the West Midlands. Megatrends are major movements or patterns or trends that are having a transformative impact on business, economy, society, … Continue reading “Perspectives on the Future of Work and Training”