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”

Covid-19 and Business: Has Government Support Worked?

Alice Pugh looks at the impact of lockdown on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), what support they’ve received and how they have fared compared to their larger counterparts. Covid-19 has created significant shocks throughout the business base. In the first wave, 47% of all UK industries reported that their turnover had been lower than normal … Continue reading “Covid-19 and Business: Has Government Support Worked?”

Brexit Deal: What Is New for the Regions?

After eight months of negotiations, the UK and EU agreed on a new Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Professor Raquel Ortega-Argiles examines what the Brexit deal means for the UK and its regions.    This blog was first posted on the Birmingham Brief site.  On 24 December 2020, after eight months of negotiations, the UK and … Continue reading “Brexit Deal: What Is New for the Regions?”

West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 15th January 2021

This week we have seen continuing unrest in the USA as the administration changes, increasing infection rates globally and turmoil as Brexit impacts continue to unfold in the short-term. Below is a summary of the key issues this week which influence and shape the policy issues in the region. In the USA thousands of Trump … Continue reading “West Midlands Weekly Economic Impact Monitor – 15th January 2021”

Regional Resilience: The Co-dependence of Business and Regions in Recovery

This article was written by Professor Simon Collinson for the National Centre for Universities and Business’ seventh annual assessment of the health of collaborative partnerships – The State of the Relationship Report 2020.  The article reflects on regional specialisms, the unequal impact of the disruptions of 2020 and the value of analysis of regional economies. … Continue reading “Regional Resilience: The Co-dependence of Business and Regions in Recovery”

Changes to the UK Immigration System After the Brexit Transition Period

Professor Anne Green discusses how Brexit, recession and COVID-19 will impact immigration to the UK and create an unpredictable situation where some sectors and occupations may struggle to meet their labour and skills needs.  This is part two of a blog series on International Travel, Migration and Immigration. View the first blog.  Summary Recession and … Continue reading “Changes to the UK Immigration System After the Brexit Transition Period”

New publication: UK analysts’ and policy-makers’ perspectives on Brexit: challenges, priorities and opportunities for subnational areas

Dr Deniz Sevinc, Professor Raquel Ortega-Argiles and Dr Chloe Billing discuss how the voice of the expert was sidelined during the Brexit debates, and why it is crucial for these voices to be heard again for local and regional areas.  Over the last two years, as a part of our ESRC funded project “The Economic Impacts … Continue reading “New publication: UK analysts’ and policy-makers’ perspectives on Brexit: challenges, priorities and opportunities for subnational areas”

City-REDI / WM REDI Round Up – November 2020

Media engagements Research from Professor Raquel Ortega-Argiles and her UK in a Changing Europe team featured on the Andrew Marr Show on the BBC. Andrew Marr referred to modelling that (14:20 in) looks at the impact of Brexit on the car industry in the West Midlands. It was also mentioned on the FT as well. … Continue reading “City-REDI / WM REDI Round Up – November 2020”

Brexit and Losses of UK Regional Competitiveness: What Does this Mean for the West Midlands, ‘Levelling Up’ and a UK-EU Trade Deal?

A UK in a Changing Europe research team led by Professor Raquel Ortega-Argilés from City-REDI, University of Birmingham, and also involving the University of Sheffield, University of Groningen, Erasmus University and Dutch Environmental Assessment Agency, has recently published new research which extends our understanding of the likely consequences of Brexit for UK and EU regions. … Continue reading “Brexit and Losses of UK Regional Competitiveness: What Does this Mean for the West Midlands, ‘Levelling Up’ and a UK-EU Trade Deal?”