West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 August 2023

While in the UK July 2023 has not seen anything close to the all-time temperature record of 40.3°C set on 19th July 2022, over the last month extreme weather has dominated international news headlines, with record high temperatures in the southern part of the USA and in southern Europe in particular and flooding in parts … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 August 2023”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 11 November 2022

This fortnight, with a new PM in place, leading business representative organisations, including the CBI, FSB and the Chambers of Commerce have called for certainty and stability from the new Prime Minister to restore business confidence in the UK. They are calling for Rishi Sunak to restore fiscal credibility, stabilise the economy and deliver much … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 11 November 2022”

West Midlands Impact Monitor – 2nd September 2022

This week forecasters are predicting that the UK will enter a recession in the 4th quarter of the year and global climate change issues are compounding the inflationary effects of energy prices, product supply and war. The West Midlands is being buffeted and affected by these impacts, the region particularly hit by fuel and energy … Continue reading “West Midlands Impact Monitor – 2nd September 2022”

West Midlands Impact Monitor – 19th August 2022

This week has seen rapidly rising inflation globally and a return to double-digit inflation in the UK for the first time in 40 years. Extreme weather events continue to cause concern, with drought conditions in parts of Europe, low river levels and wildfires. With athletes leaving Birmingham, attention is focused on capitalising on the impact … Continue reading “West Midlands Impact Monitor – 19th August 2022”

West Midlands Impact Monitor- 22nd July 2022

This week has seen the UK’s previously highest temperature record smashed with temperatures in excess of 40C recorded. Wildfires have raged across many parts of Europe. Inflation has been rising globally. In the UK the cost of living crisis has intensified as inflation hit 9.4% for the 12 months to June 2022. Record temperatures Wildfires … Continue reading “West Midlands Impact Monitor- 22nd July 2022”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor- 8th July 2022

This week has been a tumultuous week in politics and is still unfolding as this monitor is written. This will not help the instability in the economy, which continues to show signs of contraction. The latest MakeUK Survey shows exports on a precipice and investment nosediving, and the OBR are predicting the effects of the … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor- 8th July 2022”

West Midlands Impact Monitor- 13th May 2022

High inflation rates are combining with slower economic growth. The rising cost of living remains a key concern. These trends are partly fuelled by war in Ukraine, with geopolitical tensions heightening as Sweden and Finland sign new security deals with European allies. Regionally, the West Midlands Business Activity Index has decreased. But the picture is … Continue reading “West Midlands Impact Monitor- 13th May 2022”

West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor- 29 April 2022

With the devastation caused by war in Ukraine continuing, Russia has halted gas exports to Poland and Bulgaria in what has been termed a strategy of ‘energy blackmail’. Many European countries are working to reduce dependence on gas from Russia. Awareness of supply pressures on certain goods, notably cooking oil, is becoming more apparent with … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor- 29 April 2022”

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”