Tag: Economy

“Breathing Life Into Britain’s High Streets”: What Hope Have We Got?

In our latest blog, Hannes Read looks at the Labour Party’s short-term intervention proposals like banking hubs and addressing shoplifting alongside their long-term changes such as reforming business rates to favour high street commerce. The Labour Party are firmly on the election hunt. Quickly off the back of the announcement of Labour’s “five missions” for … Continue reading ““Breathing Life Into Britain’s High Streets”: What Hope Have We Got?”

City-REDI Wins Impact Award

Following the success at the 2024 Impact Awards, City-REDI reflects on the team’s influential research on economics, commerce and productivity. The University of Birmingham performs cutting-edge research in a variety of fields. No two projects are the same, but they all require significant amounts of time and planning to ensure that our research has civic … Continue reading “City-REDI Wins Impact Award”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 13 September 2023

This month there is another natural disaster; rescue efforts are ongoing after a powerful earthquake struck central Morocco on Friday night just after 11pm. The death toll has soared to more than 2,000, with a similar number of injured. Inflation continues to be an issue globally post-pandemic. Heatwaves, fires and floods are hitting key supply … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 13 September 2023”

West Midlands Impact Monitor – 27th April 2023

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”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 February 2023

This fortnight the second round of the Levelling Up Fund has been announced causing a significant reaction. We have yet to see the full results of the inquiry into the Levelling Up policy implementation and what it may say about the process.  The IMF is still not positive about the UK economy; the forecast has … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 February 2023”

The Potential Impact of Youth Social Prescribing in the West Midlands on Employment and the Economy

Joanne Mills from the University of Wolverhampton introduces the Institute for Community Research and Development’s new project with WMREDI to identify the potential impact of youth social prescribing within the West Midlands on employment and the economy. Visit the Institute for Community Research and Development webpage. Read the report and find out more about the … Continue reading “The Potential Impact of Youth Social Prescribing in the West Midlands on Employment and the Economy”

Megatrends in the West Midlands – Local Living

Gina Hunt examines the megatrend of local living, brought on by Covid-19, causing people to stay at home or in their own locality, increasing homeworking and spending money locally in their neighbourhoods. This article is part of larger project looking at Megatrends in the West Midlands. Megatrends are major movements or patterns or trends that … Continue reading “Megatrends in the West Midlands – Local Living”

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- 16th September 2022

In a truly historic week, after reigning for 70 years, Queen Elizabeth II, the UK’s longest-serving monarch, died peacefully on 8th September. She is succeeded by King Charles III. Also, Liz Truss became the UK’s third female Prime Minister two days before the death of Her Majesty, succeeding Boris Johnson. Economy The System Average Price … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor- 16th September 2022”