The Birmingham Economic Review is out now! It provides a comprehensive analysis of the city’s economy as we emerge from a period of high inflation and local, regional, and national elections, and actionable measures businesses and stakeholders from across the city-region can take to drive economic growth. Read the full Birmingham Economic Review 2024. Dr … Continue reading “Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure: A Path Toward a Cleaner, Greener Future”
Tag: West Midlands
Devolution and Civil Service Expansion in the West Midlands: A New Era of Local Governance
The Birmingham Economic Review is out now! It provides a comprehensive analysis of the city’s economy as we emerge from a period of high inflation and local, regional, and national elections, and actionable measures businesses and stakeholders from across the city-region can take to drive economic growth. Read the full Birmingham Economic Review 2024. The … Continue reading “Devolution and Civil Service Expansion in the West Midlands: A New Era of Local Governance”
Transforming Policies into Actions: The Role of Governance Structures in Inclusive Economic Development
Governance structures and institutions play a crucial role in converting policies into tangible actions to pursue inclusive economic development. Institutional frameworks can support or hinder progress, making their study essential for ensuring that innovative ideas translate into real outcomes. This blog delves into the key findings, impacts, and recommendations from various research projects, all aimed … Continue reading “Transforming Policies into Actions: The Role of Governance Structures in Inclusive Economic Development”
Digital Skills Shortage: UK Faces £27.6 Billion Loss by 2030 Due to Digital Skills Shortage
Digital Skills shortage could cost the UK economy up to £27.6 billion and more than 380,000 jobs by 2030. As the UK races towards a digital-first economy, the consequences of persistent digital skills shortages are becoming increasingly apparent. Projections indicate that without intervention, these shortages could cost the UK economy up to £27.6 billion by … Continue reading “Digital Skills Shortage: UK Faces £27.6 Billion Loss by 2030 Due to Digital Skills Shortage”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 30 January 2025
In the first 2025 edition of the West Midland’s Impact Monitor, President Trump re-entered the White House as the 47th President of the USA in January 2025. The Trump presidency is expected to foster a more protectionist trade environment. Renewed trade hostilities could disrupt global commerce, create supply chain bottlenecks and most likely increase costs … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 30 January 2025”
Economic Geographies of the West Midlands – Current Features and Future Implications
In December 2024 the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) published a study on Economic Geographies of the West Midlands co-authored by SQW, City-REDI and Automatic Knowledge. The purpose of the report was to expand and deepen understanding of the economic geographies of the West Midlands, with a particular focus on the interdependencies and connections between … Continue reading “Economic Geographies of the West Midlands – Current Features and Future Implications”
When will the UK hit ‘Peak Car’?
New car purchases have fallen since their peak in 2016 and driving licenses are falling amongst the young. In this blog, Matt Lyons, Kurt Kratena and Sara Hassan consider the question when will the UK reach peak car? View our policy briefing – Preparing the region for ‘peak car’ People are driving less Figures from … Continue reading “When will the UK hit ‘Peak Car’?”
Expert Insight: Developing Skills for Innovation and Business Growth in the West Midlands
Anne Green, Professor of Regional Economic Development and Co-Director of City-REDI, University of Birmingham, is a commissioner for the Business Commission West Midlands. She has been supporting engagement in the region’s business community and the creation of the final ‘Roadmap for Business Growth’ report. In this blog, Anne reflects on her role in the commission … Continue reading “Expert Insight: Developing Skills for Innovation and Business Growth in the West Midlands”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 26 September 2024
This week has seen the first Labour Party Conference since the General Election in July 2024. Looking ahead to the Chancellor’s first budget in October, Rachel Reeves announced there would be no increase in income tax, national insurance or VAT, refusing to return to austerity. There was an announcement of the return of industrial strategy. … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 26 September 2024”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 30 May 2024
This month brings news of a General Election on 4 July, following on from the May local elections where Labour won 9 out of 10 mayoral elections, including in the West Midlands. This is happening against the backdrop of global growth rates above 3% and inflation falling rapidly globally. In the UK, the Consumer Prices … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 30 May 2024”