The West Midlands is in a strong position to tackle the challenges of Brexit

City-REDI’s John Bryson, Professor of Enterprise and Competitiveness at Birmingham Business School, spoke on BBC West Midlands last week. He was asked to respond to recent figures released by Centre for Cities that suggest that cities in the West Midlands are in a stronger position to tackle the challenges of Brexit that those in the south … Continue reading “The West Midlands is in a strong position to tackle the challenges of Brexit”

West Midlands’ Service exports to the EU: Brexit will not be the same for every region

On July 11, the ONS has released its estimates of regional Service exports for GB regions. The release is here – https://goo.gl/4d7Kjx Doing one of my favourite things and turning absolute figures to percentages, a number of interesting insights come up. Below, the commentary focuses only on Manufacturing; Wholesale and Motor Trades; Information and Communication; … Continue reading “West Midlands’ Service exports to the EU: Brexit will not be the same for every region”

What are the economic impacts of Brexit on the UK’s sectors, regions and cities?

This piece was written by City-REDI’s Professor Raquel Ortega-Argilés. Recent research suggests that the UK’s cities and regions which voted for Brexit are also the most economically dependent on EU markets for their prosperity and viability (Los, McCann, Springford and Thissen, 2017). This is a result of their differing sectoral and trade composition. Different impacts are … Continue reading “What are the economic impacts of Brexit on the UK’s sectors, regions and cities?”

“Article 218(11) TFEU, Opinion 2/15” or “Herding European Cats” and Post-Brexit Negotiations? The European Commission and the Negotiation of Free Trade Agreements

The following piece was written by City-REDI’s Prof. John Bryson. Managing academics is often described as a process that is more akin to herding cats – in other words, academics are impossible to manage, or perhaps very difficult to manage and their management is perhaps more akin to a process of negotiation. The more parties … Continue reading ““Article 218(11) TFEU, Opinion 2/15” or “Herding European Cats” and Post-Brexit Negotiations? The European Commission and the Negotiation of Free Trade Agreements”

The United Kingdom – Free Trade Nation or Foolish Nation? Beyond the Limitations of the Brexit Debate

The following piece was written by City-REDI’s Prof. John Bryson. I returned from Singapore recently having missed the media discussions of the results of the UK local elections. Nevertheless, the papers, radio and television are saturated with coverage of the June general election and Brexit. As I write this, the radio is on in the … Continue reading “The United Kingdom – Free Trade Nation or Foolish Nation? Beyond the Limitations of the Brexit Debate”

Brexit and the Lessons from Singapore – Geography Matters, Free Trade Agreements, Integrated Policy and Independence

The following piece was written by City-REDI’s Prof. John Bryson. This week is one spent in Singapore and this provides an opportunity and a stimulus to reflect on the relationship between Brexit, the UK and the example set by Singapore. Singapore comes with associations of free trade, global finance, a major Asian centre, integrated approaches … Continue reading “Brexit and the Lessons from Singapore – Geography Matters, Free Trade Agreements, Integrated Policy and Independence”

Understanding Brexit and migration: implications for Birmingham

On Tuesday 2nd May City REDI’s Catherine Harris presented her research on EU entrepreneurs in Birmingham in response to Brexit at the event Understanding Brexit and migration: implications for Birmingham. The event was held at the Impact Hub Digbeth and was a collaboration between the University of Birmingham and the University of Warwick. Birmingham is … Continue reading “Understanding Brexit and migration: implications for Birmingham”

Forthcoming Event: Understanding Brexit – Brexit and migration: implications for Birmingham

Tuesday 2 May 2017, 18.00 – 20.00  Impact Hub Birmingham, 58 Oxford Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5NR  This event will discuss the implications of Brexit for Birmingham in terms of migration. Birmingham is one of the most diverse cities in the UK, having experienced major migration flows over many decades. What does Brexit mean for … Continue reading “Forthcoming Event: Understanding Brexit – Brexit and migration: implications for Birmingham”

Manufacturers in the UK – Taking Their Eye off the Ball

Here, City-REDI’s Amir Qamar discusses the fate of British manufacturing after Brexit. The fate of the British manufacturing industry is currently unclear, with many organisations concerned about the effects that Brexit may have on their business; however, the potential impact will become much clearer once the government negotiates with the EU and concrete trade deals … Continue reading “Manufacturers in the UK – Taking Their Eye off the Ball”

All Change? The Implications of Theresa May’s Lancaster House ‘Exiting the European Union’ Speech (16 January 2017) for Everyday Britons

Here, City-REDI’s Prof. John Bryson discusses what Theresa May’s speech on ‘Exiting the European Union’ earlier this week means for everyday Britons. “Well, that’s all folks!” This well-known phase from the world of Hollywood cartoons perhaps sums up Theresa May’s Lancaster House speech that has laid out some of the principles that underpin the UK Government’s approach … Continue reading “All Change? The Implications of Theresa May’s Lancaster House ‘Exiting the European Union’ Speech (16 January 2017) for Everyday Britons”