West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 14 April 2022

COVID-19 cases have been rising. In England, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 remained high in the week ending 2 April 2022; ONS estimate that 4,141,600 people in England had COVID-19 equating to 7.60% of the population, which is about 1 in 13 people, but deaths still remain low. This level of illness … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 14 April 2022”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 1 April 2022

It is now two years since the beginning of the pandemic, and the Global Economy is being rocked by another severe shock. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is foremost a human tragedy and a reminder of the terrible costs of war and the immense and immeasurable consequences for those who are caught up in them. … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 1 April 2022”

What Does the Future Business District Look Like?

Covid-19 ushered in a dramatic change in working practices. Professor Anne Green looks at three major impacts this will have for cities like Birmingham.  This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2021. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers … Continue reading “What Does the Future Business District Look Like?”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 18 March 2022

In the last fortnight we have seen considerable world turmoil, war in Eastern Europe, sanctions on Russia, further weakening of supply chains and escalating prices which are putting considerable stress on people and businesses. Whilst Covid-19 is still also in our midst, upheaval and migration could create greater risks of infection growth. However, it is … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 18 March 2022”

Investing in Infrastructure: Best Practice From Bilbao to New South Wales

Abigail Taylor, Anne Green and Gina Coe discuss how governments around the globe have focused on infrastructure investment in attempt to address regional inequalities.  Governments have turned to infrastructure development to stimulate economic growth. From the UK’s Plan for Growth and the European Green Deal to the US’s Build Back Better Plan, infrastructure has been … Continue reading “Investing in Infrastructure: Best Practice From Bilbao to New South Wales”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 4 March 2022

This week, the news has been dominated by developments in Ukraine, and this has affected the data and research published on general economic conditions. Many forecasters and now reviewing their forecasts given the unfolding situation across Europe, and its wider impacts on the global economy. Once again this has flagged how interrelated countries are and … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 4 March 2022”

The Future Business District

Kevin Johnson from Urban Communications discusses the future business district study and how this research can benefit city centres.  This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2021. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an … Continue reading “The Future Business District”

Young People Into Work

Professor Anne Green looks at how the pandemic has impacted young people’s experiences of work, the support available to enhance job prospects and how employers can help by playing a key role. This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2021. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by City-REDI, … Continue reading “Young People Into Work”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 18 February 2022

This week commentary has focused on the Levelling Up White Paper, and the WMCA forecast provider Oxford Economics’ latest summary looks at the impact on UK cities and regions. Their assessment is: “The Levelling Up White Paper contains nothing to cause us to revise our forecasts for the UK’s various nations and regions, let alone … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 18 February 2022”

National Apprenticeship Week: The Importance of Apprentices

Ellie Macdonald recently started at City-REDI / WMREDI as a Digitial Marketing Apprentice. For National Apprenticeship Week, Ellie talks about why she decided to become an apprentice and the significance of apprenticeships for the workplace. Apprenticeships help you get your foot in the door in a work environment that you want to be in. They … Continue reading “National Apprenticeship Week: The Importance of Apprentices”