Sara Hassan and Hannes Read discuss how universities in Birmingham can act as anchors and civic institutions for the benefit of the city-region. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review. The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an in-depth … Continue reading “The Role of Universities in Birmingham’s Economy and Communities”
Tag: Hannes Read
Key Announcements From the Spring Statement 2023
Wednesday 15th March 2023 was Budget Day. Jeremy Hunt delivered his first spring budget, and first major economic policy reveals since the revoking of policies outlined in Liz Truss’ mini-budget in September 2022. Alice Pugh and Hannes Read take a look at some of the key announcements from the budget. OBR Forecasts for the economy … Continue reading “Key Announcements From the Spring Statement 2023”
The Devil and the Detail: The Two Things Hiding Behind the UK Levelling Up Fund
Whilst the Levelling Up Fund provides much-needed support for local regions, Hannes Read discusses two issues with the programme. The patchwork delivery of funding and a lack of focus on how the funds are spent. The continued patchwork approach to regional economic development is the devil behind the Levelling Up Fund. Despite the roots of … Continue reading “The Devil and the Detail: The Two Things Hiding Behind the UK Levelling Up Fund”
Megatrends in the West Midlands: The ‘New Normal’ Must Embrace ‘Building Back Better’
Johannes Read delves into how the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the way people and businesses work in the city centre as the UK emerges from the crisis. 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 having a transformative … Continue reading “Megatrends in the West Midlands: The ‘New Normal’ Must Embrace ‘Building Back Better’”
Where is “The Level” in “Levelling Up”?
Welcome to REDI-Updates. REDI-Updates aims to get behind the data and translate it into understandable terms. In this edition, WMREDI staff look at the government’s flagship policy – Levelling Up. We look at the challenge of implementing, understanding and measuring levelling up Josh Swan, Rebecca Riley and Hannes Read discuss the need for places to … Continue reading “Where is “The Level” in “Levelling Up”?”
Brexit and the West Midlands: What Has Happened in the Last Five Years?
On 29th March 2017, article 50 was triggered and the UK began the process of leaving the EU. To mark the day, Hannes Read looks at the impact Brexit has had on the West Midlands. The 29th March 2022 marks five years to the day since Article 50 was formally triggered; beginning the process for … Continue reading “Brexit and the West Midlands: What Has Happened in the Last Five Years?”
Why Offices Must Adapt to Encourage People to Return
Hannes Read discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the world of work, and how we can change the office to improve the wellbeing of employees and encourage them back. A new study by Aviva has found that 47% of employees were less career-focused because of the pandemic. Just 14% of employees favoured returning to the office … Continue reading “Why Offices Must Adapt to Encourage People to Return”
Looking Ahead: The Future Business District Study and the Future of the Office
Hannes Read discusses a study looking at the impacts of COVID-19 on business districts and working practices, and what the way forward might be. The Future Business District Study Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many people and businesses have been required to work from home rather than the office. The sudden shift away from working in … Continue reading “Looking Ahead: The Future Business District Study and the Future of the Office”
Meet Hannes Read, City-REDI’s New Policy and Data Analyst
I have a keen interest in economic development research, policy, and practice. In particular, I am interested in the links between place and the economy. I graduated with a BA in Geography and an MA in Local and Regional Development from Newcastle University. I am fascinated by how each place is unique and distinctive, and … Continue reading “Meet Hannes Read, City-REDI’s New Policy and Data Analyst”