The West Midlands Economic Monitor – April 2019

This month’s edition of the West Midlands Economic Monitor is now available for download. We look at the changes in regional productivity, employment, business activity and house prices in the region, as well as business openings, transport changes, equality and diversity and major new housing developments. Get the April edition of the monitor by clicking … Continue reading “The West Midlands Economic Monitor – April 2019”

The Economic Impacts of Physical Inactivity and the West Midlands’ Strategy to Increase Walking and Cycling

The World Health Organization recommends that all adults aged between 18 and 64 years old should do at least 30 minutes a day of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week to achieve a healthy body mass and weight. Any individual that reaches the level of physical activity recommended according to their age is considered … Continue reading “The Economic Impacts of Physical Inactivity and the West Midlands’ Strategy to Increase Walking and Cycling”

The March edition of the West Midlands Economic Monitor is now available

This month’s edition of the West Midlands Economic Monitor is now available for download. We look at the changes in regional productivity, employment, business activity and house prices in the region, as well as projects that have been announced in rail, 5G internet, electric cars and adult education in the West Midlands. You can get … Continue reading “The March edition of the West Midlands Economic Monitor is now available”

Trade Policy, Tariffs and Job Creation and Destruction in the West Midlands: Lessons from Coventry and the 1860 Cobden–Chevalier Treaty

On the 13th of March, the UK government published a 1,477-page document outlining the new approach to tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. There is much to think about here. Under the proposed temporary scheme 87% of imports to the UK by value would be eligible for zero-tariff access.  It is important to … Continue reading “Trade Policy, Tariffs and Job Creation and Destruction in the West Midlands: Lessons from Coventry and the 1860 Cobden–Chevalier Treaty”

A Local Industrial Strategy for the West Midlands

This blog post has been produced to provide insight into the findings of the Birmingham Economic Review. The Birmingham Economic Review 2018 is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, with contributions from the West Midlands Growth Company. It is an in-depth exploration of the economy of England’s second … Continue reading “A Local Industrial Strategy for the West Midlands”

Could 5G Technology Power Economic Growth in the West Midlands?

As the next generation of mobile technology, 5G has increasingly become a technology buzzword in recent years. The UK government has suggested in their 5G Strategy that “5G promises a step-change in mobile connectivity with enormous potential to boost productivity and grow the economy”. However, what exactly is 5G technology and could it really power … Continue reading “Could 5G Technology Power Economic Growth in the West Midlands?”

The Birmingham Economic Review 2018: Business Environment

This blog post has been produced to provide insight into the findings of the Birmingham Economic Review. The Birmingham Economic Review 2018 is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, with contributions from the West Midlands Growth Company. It is an in-depth exploration of the economy of England’s second … Continue reading “The Birmingham Economic Review 2018: Business Environment”

The Exposure of the West Midlands Region to Brexit

There are many unknowns relating to Brexit, regarding (i) the nature of the final trade deal and (ii) the potential responses of firms and consumers to any major shock like Brexit. Nevertheless, “a partial but still very wide-ranging and impact assessment can be undertaken even without such specific knowledge of the final trade deal and … Continue reading “The Exposure of the West Midlands Region to Brexit”

Meet Laura Reynolds, our new Policy and Data Analyst

I have recently returned to the West Midlands for my role as a Policy and Data Analyst after five-years living and working in Wales. Coming back to the area after time away, I can see first-hand the changes across the city. Birmingham is rising to its position as the United Kingdom’s second city; attracting more … Continue reading “Meet Laura Reynolds, our new Policy and Data Analyst”

The Future of the Business, Professional and Financial Services sector

On the 7th November 2018, City-REDI hosted an event on the ‘Future of the BPFS sector’. Our event was one of 303 that took place across the UK, part of the 2018 ESRC Festival of Social Science, which aims to showcase social science research to diverse and new audiences. The event provided a unique opportunity for regional … Continue reading “The Future of the Business, Professional and Financial Services sector”