This month US President Joe Biden has announced he will run for re-election in 2024, seeking a second Presidential term. War has returned to Sudan, potentially leading to a greater humanitarian crisis in the region. Overall key features of the economic outlook remain the cost of living crisis and inflation. Economy Latest data shows there … Continue reading “West Midlands Impact Monitor – 27th April 2023”
Tag: Business
West Midlands Impact Monitor – 6 April 2023
This is the 100th edition of the Monitor! The first one was published in late March 2020. At that time, PMI (Purchasing Managers Index) had dropped to 37.1, 1 in 3 businesses had closed due to regulation, Jaguar Land Rover had shut its production plants, and the numbers of calls for business support were increasing … Continue reading “West Midlands Impact Monitor – 6 April 2023”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 25 November 2022
This fortnight we saw another budget announcement, which has highlighted the global and national economic situation post pandemic and makes it difficult to read, we have a full summary of activities and an assessment of some of the implications for the region. PMI is reflecting the low current business confidence, as energy prices rise, and … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 25 November 2022”
Megatrends in the West Midlands – Future Business District Podcast
What are megatrends? Megatrends are major movements, patterns or trends that have a transformative impact on the economy, business, society, cultures and personal lives. In a series of podcasts, City-REDI / WMREDI, University of Birmingham examines the impacts of megatrends in the West Midlands, by speaking to a series of experts from the region. In … Continue reading “Megatrends in the West Midlands – Future Business District Podcast”
West Midlands Impact Monitor – 14th October 2022
An interesting fact: marmalade has seen a rapid rise in sales surging by 18%, as the nation paid its respects to the Queen. Sales of supermarket own brands continue to surge in an effort to battle the cost-of living crisis. Sales of wonky fruit and vegetables have soared 38% and Lidl is the fastest growing … Continue reading “West Midlands Impact Monitor – 14th October 2022”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 30th September 2022
This week has seen an escalation of tensions in Ukraine as Russia mobilises reservists. In the UK, the domestic economic news has been dominated by the announcement of, and fall out from, a ‘mini budget’.
Megatrends in the West Midlands: Podcast Series
What are megatrends? Megatrends are major movements, patterns or trends that have a transformative impact on the economy, business, society, cultures and personal lives. In a series of podcasts, City-REDI / WMREDI, University of Birmingham examines the impacts of megatrends in the West Midlands, by speaking to a series of experts from the region. We … Continue reading “Megatrends in the West Midlands: Podcast Series”
An Early Assessment of the Economic Impact of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games
Dr Matt Lyons provides an early assessment of the economic impact of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. The Commonwealth Games have kicked off in Birmingham and the buzz about the city has been infectious. Spectators have flocked to events to see elite athletes compete and/or to see the supporting art exhibits like the giant mechanical … Continue reading “An Early Assessment of the Economic Impact of the Birmingham Commonwealth Games”
Megatrends in the West Midlands: Business Models and Operations
Alice Pugh examines some of the key trends impacting businesses and their operations in the West Midlands. Many of these trends started before the pandemic, but Covid-19 has accelerated them. This article is part of a larger project looking at Megatrends in the West Midlands. Megatrends are major movements or patterns or trends that are … Continue reading “Megatrends in the West Midlands: Business Models and Operations”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 10th June 2022
This fortnight the key data release is the long awaited GVA for 2020, which is the first one to reflect the impact of Covid-19. The region has kept its economy above the £100bn mark but dropped to £102bn, a decrease of 4.5% (generally across all GVA indicators the region performs poorly against the UK). This … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 10th June 2022”