A recipe for holiday cheer: Should Christmas films stick to their tried-and-tested formula?

By Dr Veselina Stoyanova, Associate Professor in Strategy and International Business Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham It is that time of year again—when we curl up with a warm blanket and cup of hot chocolate in hand in front of a feel-good Christmas film. Let’s be honest, the holiday season wouldn’t really feel complete … Continue reading “A recipe for holiday cheer: Should Christmas films stick to their tried-and-tested formula?”

Toyland Triumphs: The Marketing and Popularity of Christmas Toys 2024

By Sarah Montano, Professor of Retail Marketing Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham It’s the time of year when thoughts turn to that elusive Christmas wish list. One thing we do know will feature on many lists is toys. Whilst, we know that little ones will be anxiously waiting for Santa to deliver, we should … Continue reading “Toyland Triumphs: The Marketing and Popularity of Christmas Toys 2024”

Jaguar rebranding – A wilful controversy or a strategic misstep?

By Dr Achilleas Boukis, Associate Professor in Marketing Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham Jaguar’s recent rebrand video got everyone talking. Their bold and dramatic rebranding move signalled the long-expected transition to an all-electric future as well as sparked shock, excitement and a heated debate among branding experts, celebrities and marketers. Many experts long argue that … Continue reading “Jaguar rebranding – A wilful controversy or a strategic misstep?”

Save Our Shops: Can the High Street Survive the Latest Challenges? 

By Sarah Montano, Professor of Retail Marketing and Dr Inci Toral, Associate Professor Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham Once again, the UK’s retail sector is facing challenges, as highlighted by protests and a letter signed by over 80 major retailers. Key measures, including a rise in National Insurance contributions, an increase in the minimum wage, … Continue reading “Save Our Shops: Can the High Street Survive the Latest Challenges? “

Christmas ads 2024: Sisters, singing oven gloves and Shaun the Sheep

By Sarah Montano, Professor of Retail Marketing Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham It’s that time of year, when we anticipate our favourite Christmas ads and wait to see which ones spark our emotions! Why is it that we see such an investment in Christmas ads, what do we think of this year’s ads and … Continue reading “Christmas ads 2024: Sisters, singing oven gloves and Shaun the Sheep”

Labour’s new Employment Rights Bill: an initial assessment

By Tony Dobbins, Professor of Work and Employment Relations Department of Management, Birmingham Business School The Labour Government’s new Employment Rights Bill undoubtedly heralds a significant boost in workers’ rights after 14 years of Conservative government espousal of a liberalized flexible labour market model – translated as let the market run its course/let people do … Continue reading “Labour’s new Employment Rights Bill: an initial assessment”

The Bank of England has maintained its base interest rate – what does that mean for UK Real Estate?

By Dr Anandadeep Mandal Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham In September 2024, the Bank of England (BoE) made the strategic decision to maintain its base interest rate at 5.25%. This move follows a series of interest rate hikes in response to inflationary pressures throughout 2023 and early 2024. The decision to pause further rate … Continue reading “The Bank of England has maintained its base interest rate – what does that mean for UK Real Estate?”

Beneficial constraints: stronger workers’ rights can underpin better work in left-behind UK regions

By Professor Tony Dobbins Professor of Work and Employment Relations, Birmingham Business School The King’s Speech 2024 commits to legislating for an Employment Rights Bill, reflecting promises in Labour’s Plan to Make Work Pay-New Deal For Working People. The extensive policy proposals include: creating a single enforcement body (Fair Work Agency); a new Fair Pay … Continue reading “Beneficial constraints: stronger workers’ rights can underpin better work in left-behind UK regions”

King’s Speech: Will government’s more active role in housing improve availability and affordability?

By Dr Jacob Salder Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Organisation, Birmingham Business School Housing availability, housing affordability, and access to housing and the housing market have been a critical issue for many people in the UK in recent years. Seeking to resolve these issues has therefore become a priority for successive UK governments. The success of … Continue reading “King’s Speech: Will government’s more active role in housing improve availability and affordability?”

Is AI’s future in the past?

By Professor Stephanie Decker Department of Strategy and International Business, Birmingham Business School Much of the buzz around Artificial Intelligence (AI), and more specifically Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI), focuses on what the widespread access to these new technologies will mean for the future of society, professions and the workplace. But AI also has the potential … Continue reading “Is AI’s future in the past?”