The Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Women

Professor Anne Green looks at the impact COVID-19 is having on the lives of women in the West Midlands, especially those from BAME groups.  Introduction This commentary draws in particular on two reports relating to the impact of Covid-19 on women and with a particular focus on the West Midlands. The first report from the … Continue reading “The Impact of the COVID-19 Crisis on Women”

To V or Not to V? Are We Heading for a V-Shaped Recovery?

  Ben Brittain analyses the available data to discuss whether the Bank of England is right in predicting that the UK economy is heading for a V-shaped recovery. The Bank of England has suggested the UK economy is heading for a V-shaped recovery. It has used a variety of indicators to come to its conclusion. … Continue reading “To V or Not to V? Are We Heading for a V-Shaped Recovery?”

Better Transport Infrastructure Can Increase Well-Being in the West Midlands

Welcome to REDI-Updates. REDI-Updates is a bi-annual publication which will get behind the data and translate it into understandable terms. WM REDI staff and guest contributors will discuss various topics, with this first publication focusing on how inclusive growth can be a tool to tackle regional imbalances across the UK. In this article, Dr Magda Capeda … Continue reading “Better Transport Infrastructure Can Increase Well-Being in the West Midlands”

The Burden of Inequality 

Welcome to REDI-Updates, a bi-annual publication which will get behind the data and translate it into understandable terms. West Midlands REDI staff and guest contributors will discuss various topics, with this first publication focusing on how inclusive growth can be a tool to tackle regional imbalances across the UK. In this article, Dr Deniz Sevinc … Continue reading “The Burden of Inequality “

Business Recovery Measures in China (COVID-19)

In this blog, Dr Fengjie Pan explores China’s approach to supporting enterprises weather the economic storms generated by Covid-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has made a profound impact on many enterprises, completely disrupting their normal work rhythm and plans. Production and operations are blocked, yet they have to bear huge expenses such as personnel and rent. … Continue reading “Business Recovery Measures in China (COVID-19)”

The Impact of COVID-19 on Firm Innovation: The Case of the West Midlands

In this blog, Dr Chloe Billing explores the impact of COVID-19 on innovation activities in the West Midlands. A full range of business support measures has been made available to UK businesses to help with the current COVID-19 crisis. These were discussed in a recent blog by Professor Raquel Ortega Argiles and include the Coronavirus … Continue reading “The Impact of COVID-19 on Firm Innovation: The Case of the West Midlands”

‘Getting on the Ladder’ – Challenges Facing Young People Leaving Education During COVID-19

Professor Anne Green looks at both the short and longer-term effects that COVID-19 will have on youth employment levels, as well as the influence different levels of education will have on this. Getting On The Career Ladder – Challenges for the Young When unemployment rates were relatively low and employment rates high a key concern … Continue reading “‘Getting on the Ladder’ – Challenges Facing Young People Leaving Education During COVID-19”

Implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The Lessons for Cities From International Examples

In this blog, Taichi Kato explains Sustainable Development Goals, why they are important for cities and how they can be implemented. The “Sustainable Development Goals” or “SDGs” for short. You probably have come across this term recently on the news, at school, or perhaps in your workplace. Indeed, an increasing number of local governments have … Continue reading “Implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The Lessons for Cities From International Examples”

West Midlands Economic Monitor: December 2019

December’s edition of the West Midlands Economic Monitor is now available for you to keep up to date with recent developments in the region. The headlines for this month’s monitor are: Headline West Midlands business activity—accounting for services and manufacturing—has fallen to 49.4, returning to contraction In 2018/19 there were 31,740 apprenticeship starts across the … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Monitor: December 2019”

West Midlands Economic Monitor: November 2019

November’s edition of the West Midlands Economic Monitor is now available for you to keep up to date with recent developments in the region. The headlines for this month’s monitor are: Headline West Midlands business activity—accounting for services and manufacturing—has risen to 50.6, the second-highest in the country, behind London. The West Midlands was one … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Monitor: November 2019”