Economic growth is the primary mission of the current UK government, with more people in good jobs, higher living standards and productivity growth. Yet traditional economic development approaches have been questioned in academic and policy debates about how inclusive and sustainable economic performance can be achieved across the UK. A recent paper in Urban Studies … Continue reading “Facing up to the Foundational Economy”
Author: Anne Green
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 June 2025
Fragile growth, rising trade tensions and increased cost pressures are shaping the national and regional economic outlook. In this context, business leaders have warned that firms are seeking a ‘platform of stability’. Trade deals between the UK and the US and between the UK and India are viewed as positive. Curbs on immigration set out … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 June 2025”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 April 2025
Concerns about geopolitical risks and further fragmentation of the global economy are leading to policy uncertainty and a weakening of business and consumer sentiment. In the Spring Statement the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer announced welfare reforms and civil service cost cuts, alongside an increase in defence spending. Businesses and households are facing increasing bills … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 3 April 2025”
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”
Understanding Labour Demand and Skills Trends in Greater Birmingham and Solihull
This year’s 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. … Continue reading “Understanding Labour Demand and Skills Trends in Greater Birmingham and Solihull”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 28 November 2024
This month the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts stable but underwhelming global growth. US upgrades offset downgrades for European economies and emerging markets impacted by conflicts, weather events, and commodity disruptions. The UK’s Invest 2035 plan is under consultation. It focuses on tackling growth barriers and creating high-quality jobs in high-growth sectors, with a modern … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 28 November 2024”
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”
Vision to Legacy
Anne Green looks back at the achievements of the now-defunct Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP), summarising some of the findings from our report about the partnership – From Vision to Legacy. What were the Local Enterprise Partnerships? Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) were non-statutory bodies responsible for local economic development in England, until … Continue reading “Vision to Legacy”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 27 June 2024
This month, the World Bank has recommended global cooperation to safeguard trade, support green and digital transitions, deliver debt relief, and improve food security. Economy and Business Despite an improvement in near-term prospects, the global outlook remains subdued by historical standards. In 2024-25, growth is set to underperform its 2010s average in nearly 60 percent … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 27 June 2024”