Perspectives on the Future of Work and Training

Abigail Taylor looks at trends that might impact the future of work and training and what this could mean for the West Midlands. This article is part of larger project looking at Megatrends in the West Midlands. Megatrends are major movements or patterns or trends that are having a transformative impact on business, economy, society, … Continue reading “Perspectives on the Future of Work and Training”

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”

Back Issues of the West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor

WMREDI has been tasked with providing an up to date monitor of the current COVID-19 economic impacts, on a weekly basis. These reports will help regional partners to shape responses and interventions to boost the region’s resilience so that it can thrive going forward. Each week the focus of the report is based on research … Continue reading “Back Issues of the West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor”

STEM Assets in the West Midlands: Tyseley Energy Park

In this policy briefing, Robert Lynam, Chloe Billing and Simon Collinson look at the Tyseley Energy Park, University of Birmingham and explore the extent to which it is being leveraged to improve economic performance and social inequality in our region. The research represents the initial phase of a project which City-REDI/WMREDI are delivering on ‘Universities’ … Continue reading “STEM Assets in the West Midlands: Tyseley Energy Park”

The National Minimum Wage: An International, National and Regional Perspective

Maryna Ramcharan and Abigail Taylor examine the National Minimum Wage in terms of how it compares to minimum wage rates internationally, its national impact and its implications for the West Midlands. The 1st of April 2022 marks the 23rd year since the introduction of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) in the UK by Tony Blair’s … Continue reading “The National Minimum Wage: An International, National and Regional Perspective”

Policy Briefing – STEM Assets in the West Midlands: The Warwick Manufacturing Group

In this policy briefing, Robert Lynam, Dr Chloe Billing and Professor Simon Collinson outline the publicly available information about Warwick Manufacturing Group’s (WMG) capabilities and impact, as well as identifying any gaps. This basic scoping work was conducted via internet searches and has a particular focus on what is known about WMG’s governance structure, size, … Continue reading “Policy Briefing – STEM Assets in the West Midlands: The Warwick Manufacturing Group”

Smart Specialisation and the Diversification of Related Sectors: The Context of Developing a West Midlands Space Cluster

Dr Chloe Billing and Professor Raquel Ortega-Argilés discuss smart specialisation and regional diversification processes, and how the West Midlands can use its unique strengths to secure future regional diversification pathways into the space sector. This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2021. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced … Continue reading “Smart Specialisation and the Diversification of Related Sectors: The Context of Developing a West Midlands Space Cluster”

Rethinking Public Procurement for Post-COVID Recovery

Malcolm Harbour CBE from Connected Places Catapult examines how the public sector can use procurement to drive innovation in Birmingham and the West Midlands. This blog post was produced for inclusion in the Birmingham Economic Review for 2021. The annual Birmingham Economic Review is produced by City-REDI, University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers … Continue reading “Rethinking Public Procurement for Post-COVID Recovery”

Brexit and COVID-19 in the Midlands

Will Rossiter, Associate Professor of Regional Policy & Development at Nottingham Trent University, reflects on the impact of Brexit and the pandemic in the Midlands over the last two years. Reflecting on Brexit and the pandemic A year-on from the end of the transition period covering the UK’s exit from the EU and roughly two … Continue reading “Brexit and COVID-19 in the Midlands”