Grasping the Nettle: The Urgent Reform of Business Rates

John Webber, Director & Head of Rating at Colliers, discusses how the current business rates system needs reform. With rate bills becoming increasingly unaffordable for many businesses and the appeal process overly complex and costly, urgent action is needed to address the unsustainable nature of the system. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic … Continue reading “Grasping the Nettle: The Urgent Reform of Business Rates”

Getting our Transport System Closer to the Standards of London

Adam Harrison, Principal Transport Policy and Strategy Officer, Transport for West Midlands discusses how we can make our transport systems in the region better and stronger for our communities. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review 2023. The review is produced by City-REDI/ WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers … Continue reading “Getting our Transport System Closer to the Standards of London”

Tackling Congestion and the Rise of Single Occupancy Cars

Daljit Kalirai, Sales & Partnerships Director at National Express, explains that by prioritizing mass transit, reducing congestion, and fostering partnerships with businesses to promote commuting by bus, the West Midlands can mitigate environmental damage and stimulate economic growth. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review 2023. The review is produced by City-REDI/ WMREDI, … Continue reading “Tackling Congestion and the Rise of Single Occupancy Cars”

More for Less? The Four-Day Week

Andy Dawson, Director and Co-Founder of Curium Solutions discusses the four-day workweek movement, highlighting the benefits for employers and employees. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review, published in September 2023.  The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an … Continue reading “More for Less? The Four-Day Week”

The Role of Further Education in Workforce Development

Rebecca Waterfield, Director of Business Development, South and City College Birmingham discusses how Further Education Colleges are crucial for supporting economic growth in Birmingham and the region. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review, published in September 2023.  The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and the Greater … Continue reading “The Role of Further Education in Workforce Development”

The Rise in Economic Inactivity Due to Long-Term Health Issues

Dr Justin Varney, Director of Public Health, Birmingham City Council discusses how retention of staff is key to the health and wealth of Birmingham and the wider region, as well as business.  This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review, published in September 2023.  The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University … Continue reading “The Rise in Economic Inactivity Due to Long-Term Health Issues”

The Impact of the Cost of Living Crisis and The Issue of Deprivation in Birmingham

Simone Connolly, CEO, FareShare Midlands discusses the impact of the cost of living crisis in Birmingham, with large increases in the numbers of people turning to them for help.  This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review, published in September 2023.  The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and … Continue reading “The Impact of the Cost of Living Crisis and The Issue of Deprivation in Birmingham”

Doing the Right Thing – Lending Amongst Uncertainty

James Russell, former Head of Marketing and Impact at BCRS Business Loans discusses how business confidence is low, and how economic circumstances are becoming more difficult. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review, published in September 2023.  The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham … Continue reading “Doing the Right Thing – Lending Amongst Uncertainty”

The Shrinking £, The Invisible Man, The Disappearing Village

Ann Tonks, Director, Chapter Restaurant discusses the impact of the increases in hospitality and how venues are closing. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review, published in September 2023. The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an in-depth exploration … Continue reading “The Shrinking £, The Invisible Man, The Disappearing Village”

West Midlands Combined Authority Deeper Devolution Deal

Alice Pugh discusses the West Midland Combined Authority (WMCA) Deeper Devolution Deal and the main issues local institutes face. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review. The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an in-depth exploration of the economy … Continue reading “West Midlands Combined Authority Deeper Devolution Deal”