One year on from winning the General Election, the Labour Government have outlined its spending review for 2025. Over the course of the Government’s first year, headlines about public finances have focused on tightening budgets. On the one hand, this Spending Review follows in a similar vein. But there are also relatively significant increases in … Continue reading “What does the 2025 Spending Review mean for Place-Based Economic Development?”
Tag: West Midlands
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”
Report Spotlight: Unlocking Procurement Insights
In a new series of blogs, we will be reviewing the current and historical work of City-REDI. In this latest blog, a recent study by Annum Rafique (University of Birmingham) and Pei-Yu Yuan (University of Manchester) delves into how text mining can be harnessed to analyse procurement contracts, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. … Continue reading “Report Spotlight: Unlocking Procurement Insights”
Birmingham’s Economic Miracle – How can everyone benefit?
I recently spoke at the Lunar Society, attempting to discuss this topic, an “expert view”. In looking at addressing these questions I thought about a more provocation approach, but first breaking down the topics in the question: Has Birmingham experienced an economic Miracle? Do people benefit? How can they benefit? Watching the recent news, it … Continue reading “Birmingham’s Economic Miracle – How can everyone benefit?”
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”
Boosting Health and Productivity: The Role of Birmingham’s Workplaces
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. Birmingham’s … Continue reading “Boosting Health and Productivity: The Role of Birmingham’s Workplaces”
Powering Net-Zero: How Universities and Regions Can Transform Together
Amal Umar (BSc Global Environmental Change & Sustainability) presents the outcomes of the University’s Summer Sustainability Internship at City-REDI. Amal summarises the findings of her work – decarbonisation pathways in the City of Birmingham and the West Midlands region and what the University of Birmingham can do and must do to achieve the goal. Two … Continue reading “Powering Net-Zero: How Universities and Regions Can Transform Together”
Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure: A Path Toward a Cleaner, Greener Future
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”
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”