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”
Tag: West Midlands
What Could the £4 billion Expansion of Childcare Support mean for the West Midlands Economy?
In the 2023 Spring Statement the UK Government announced plans to expand free childcare to children between 9 months and 2 years old. Matt Lyons and Abi Taylor investigate what this could mean for the West Midlands. The UK Government announced a £4bn childcare expansion policy in England. Key objectives of the policy include removing … Continue reading “What Could the £4 billion Expansion of Childcare Support mean for the West Midlands Economy?”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 9th June 2023
Despite some bright spots of recovery in the nation and West Midlands, the forecast remains turbulent for the UK economy. Perhaps the biggest news is inflation: despite falls in inflation over the period since the previous monitor, the base rate is now at 4.5% and the hopes of easing interest rates in the medium term … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 9th June 2023”
What Makes a Cluster and Who (and Where) Benefits?
Policymakers are once again focused on the potential of clusters to boost regional growth. However, as James Davies and Simon Collinson demonstrate, a cluster’s contribution to growth can cross regional, national or even continental boundaries. Policymakers, consultants and academics have focused on the potential of clusters to contribute to regional economic growth for a long … Continue reading “What Makes a Cluster and Who (and Where) Benefits?”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 12th May 2023
Latest results suggest business conditions continue to remain challenging, but estimates show small signs of positive improvement for some measures; examples include a stable proportion of businesses reporting they were able to get materials, goods and services from within the UK, and more businesses reported having fewer concerns for their business. Both the Institute of Chartered … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 12th May 2023”
Podcast: Productivity in the West Midlands
In the latest City-REDI podcast, Associate Professor Rebecca Riley and Charlotte Horobin, Region Director for the Midlands & East of England for Made UK, discuss a recent report looking at productivity in the West Midlands, produced by WMREDI. The Podcast covered the following topics: Report Findings Vs Charlotte’s Manufacturing Knowledge Rebecca and Charlotte talk about … Continue reading “Podcast: Productivity in the West Midlands”
West Midlands Impact Monitor – 27th April 2023
This month US President Joe Biden has announced he will run for re-election in 2024, seeking a second Presidential term. War has returned to Sudan, potentially leading to a greater humanitarian crisis in the region. Overall key features of the economic outlook remain the cost of living crisis and inflation. Economy Latest data shows there … Continue reading “West Midlands Impact Monitor – 27th April 2023”
Screen Skills, Shortages and Silicon Spa
Dr James Davies and Dr Matt Lyons discuss how we can solve the creative skills shortage in the West Midlands. This blog and research is part of a project for the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre. The phenomenon of skills shortages in the creative industries is well-known in the academic literature and policy debates. … Continue reading “Screen Skills, Shortages and Silicon Spa”
The Green Economy in Birmingham and the West Midlands
Professor Martin Freer discusses what the region needs to do to meet net zero targets. This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2022. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by the University of Birmingham’s City-REDI and the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. It is an in-depth exploration of … Continue reading “The Green Economy in Birmingham and the West Midlands”
What Characteristics Influence the Retention/Migration Decisions of Birmingham Graduates?
Anne Green and Kostas Kollydas provide a breakdown of the type of graduates that remain in the region after they complete their degrees. The skills composition of the labour force plays a vital role in a region’s productivity, economic growth and innovation capabilities. In this context, creating the conditions for retaining highly skilled university graduates … Continue reading “What Characteristics Influence the Retention/Migration Decisions of Birmingham Graduates?”