West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 1 April 2022

It is now two years since the beginning of the pandemic, and the Global Economy is being rocked by another severe shock. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is foremost a human tragedy and a reminder of the terrible costs of war and the immense and immeasurable consequences for those who are caught up in them. … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 1 April 2022”

Why do Policymakers Need a Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics (PSED) in the West Midlands?

Meng Song and Mark Hart discuss the need to examine the demographic characteristics and motivation of entrepreneurs to increase our understanding of people who create new businesses and to track them throughout their start-up journey to improve our support for them.  This blog highlights the work of a new project “Lifting the Lid on Enterprise … Continue reading “Why do Policymakers Need a Panel Study of Entrepreneurial Dynamics (PSED) in the West Midlands?”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 18 March 2022

In the last fortnight we have seen considerable world turmoil, war in Eastern Europe, sanctions on Russia, further weakening of supply chains and escalating prices which are putting considerable stress on people and businesses. Whilst Covid-19 is still also in our midst, upheaval and migration could create greater risks of infection growth. However, it is … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 18 March 2022”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 4 March 2022

This week, the news has been dominated by developments in Ukraine, and this has affected the data and research published on general economic conditions. Many forecasters and now reviewing their forecasts given the unfolding situation across Europe, and its wider impacts on the global economy. Once again this has flagged how interrelated countries are and … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 4 March 2022”

Rapid Review of Evaluations and Evaluative Studies of Cultural and Heritage Sector Activity in the West Midlands

Jo Mills discusses a new report from WMREDI reviewing evaluations and evaluative studies of the cultural and heritage sector activity in the West Midlands.  As part of my secondment to the WMREDI consortium Evaluation Lab,  I undertook a rapid review of evaluations and evaluative studies of cultural and heritage sector activity in the West Midlands published … Continue reading “Rapid Review of Evaluations and Evaluative Studies of Cultural and Heritage Sector Activity in the West Midlands”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 18 February 2022

This week commentary has focused on the Levelling Up White Paper, and the WMCA forecast provider Oxford Economics’ latest summary looks at the impact on UK cities and regions. Their assessment is: “The Levelling Up White Paper contains nothing to cause us to revise our forecasts for the UK’s various nations and regions, let alone … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 18 February 2022”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 4 February 2022

The long-awaited Levelling Up White Paper was published on 2 February, setting out 12 missions: living standards, R&D, transport infrastructure, digital connectivity, education, skills, health, well-being, pride in place, housing, crime and local leadership. Domestically, ‘partygate’ has been dominating the news agenda: on 31 January the Cabinet Office published Sue Gray’s Update Report on the … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 4 February 2022”

Which Parliamentary Constituencies Will Most Likely Face a Homelessness Rise?

Dr Maryna Ramcharan examines which constituencies will most likely face a homelessness rise in the West Midlands.  This is part of WMREDI’s research into Income Inequality, Policies, and Inclusive Growth.  Effects of Covid-19 A Covid-19 related ban on bailiff-enforced evictions in England ended in May 2021 and has been tapering off since. As a potential … Continue reading “Which Parliamentary Constituencies Will Most Likely Face a Homelessness Rise?”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 21 January 2022

Infection rates from the Omicron variant remain high but are falling. On 19 January it was announced that England’s Plan B measures would end from 27 January, with use of mandatory face coverings in public places and Covid passports both discontinued, while the advice for people to work from home has been dropped with immediate … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 21 January 2022”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 7 January 2022

This week we have seen infections from the Omicron variant rise to new highs. Plan B restrictions remain in place and the NHS and other frontline services are under strain. The hospitality and live events sectors have lost crucial income over the Christmas and New Year trading period. Concerns about inflation continue, including as a … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 7 January 2022”