West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 26 April 2024

The forecast for global growth five years from now—at 3.1%—is at its lowest in decades. Global inflation is forecast to decline steadily, from 6.8% in 2023 to 5.9% in 2024 and 4.5% in 2025, with advanced economies returning to their inflation targets sooner than emerging markets and developing economies. Economic momentum is set to return … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 26 April 2024”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 28 March 2024

The final monitor before the Easter break brings us the news that input prices continue to slowly fall, which should contribute to decelerating inflation, yet the global economy is still showing slow growth. Most indicators show a moderate improvement, but all indications are that recovery will continue to be very slow. The Office for Budget … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 28 March 2024”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 23 February 2024

The UK economy entered a recession at the end of last year. Meanwhile at the global scale growth has been revised upwards to just over 3% in 2024 and 2025, but below the historical norm that is closer to 4%. Regionally, business confidence is increasing.  Global trends The IMF has released its World Economic Outlook … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 23 February 2024”

Self-Employment in the West Midlands

Darja Reuschke looks at the impact the pandemic had on self-employment in Birmingham and the West Midlands. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review 2023. The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an in-depth exploration of the economy of … Continue reading “Self-Employment in the West Midlands”

The King’s Speech – The Economic Impact for the West Midlands

Alice Pugh discusses the key bills highlighted during the King’s Speech and what they might mean for the economy of the West Midlands. This blog was first posted on the Birmingham Business School blog. This week the King delivered the first King’s Speech since 1951, though the King had previously delivered the speech when the … Continue reading “The King’s Speech – The Economic Impact for the West Midlands”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 12 October 2023

In a week marked by escalating unrest in the Middle East, global leaders face critical decisions, raising concerns about the world economy. Amid rising international tensions, the global economy has shown unexpected resilience in early 2023, but growth prospects remain low. Although headline inflation is decreasing, core inflation persists due to the services sector and … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 12 October 2023”

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

Joanne Mills from the University of Wolverhampton delivers an update on the Institute for Community Research and Development’s current 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 (ICRD) webpage. Social prescribing aims to help … Continue reading “The Potential Impact of Youth Social Prescribing in the West Midlands on Employment and the Economy: Recommendations Report”

New paper: The Impact of University STEM Assets – A Systematic Review of the Empirical Evidence

This literature review from the West Midlands Regional Development Institute (WMREDI), looks at the effect of university Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) assets on regional economies and innovation ecosystems. Innovation is good for growth and significant for regional development. The innovation process consists of multiple interlinked steps – innovative products and processes must make … Continue reading “New paper: The Impact of University STEM Assets – A Systematic Review of the Empirical Evidence”

WMREDI Policy Briefing – STEM Assets in the West Midlands Innovation Landscape: STEAMhouse

In this policy briefing, Juliane Schwarz discusses the STEAMhouse, a Birmingham City University (BCU) asset, exploring its contribution to improving economic performance and social inequality in our region. Special thanks to Professor Joanna Birch, Director of Innovation, Enterprise and Employability at Birmingham City University, and STEAMhouse staff for their contributions. What are the benefits of … Continue reading “WMREDI Policy Briefing – STEM Assets in the West Midlands Innovation Landscape: STEAMhouse”

REDI-Updates: Cost-Of-Living Crisis – The Impact of the Crisis and the Supply-Side Failures Driving It

The latest edition of REDI-Updates is out now – providing expert data insights and clear policy guidance. In this edition, the WMREDI team investigates what factors are contributing to the cost-of-living crisis and the impact it is having on households, businesses, public services and the third sector. We also look at how the crisis in … Continue reading “REDI-Updates: Cost-Of-Living Crisis – The Impact of the Crisis and the Supply-Side Failures Driving It”