Digital Skills shortage could cost the UK economy up to £27.6 billion and more than 380,000 jobs by 2030. As the UK races towards a digital-first economy, the consequences of persistent digital skills shortages are becoming increasingly apparent. Projections indicate that without intervention, these shortages could cost the UK economy up to £27.6 billion by … Continue reading “Digital Skills Shortage : UK Faces £27.6 Billion Loss by 2030 Due to Digital Skills Shortage”
Tag: West Midlands
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”
When will the UK hit ‘Peak Car’?
New car purchases have fallen since their peak in 2016 and driving licenses are falling amongst the young. In this blog, Matt Lyons, Kurt Kratena and Sara Hassan consider the question when will the UK reach peak car? People are driving less Figures from the DfT (Figure 1) show that the proportion of adults holding … Continue reading “When will the UK hit ‘Peak Car’?”
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”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 26 September 2024
This week has seen the first Labour Party Conference since the General Election in July 2024. Looking ahead to the Chancellor’s first budget in October, Rachel Reeves announced there would be no increase in income tax, national insurance or VAT, refusing to return to austerity. There was an announcement of the return of industrial strategy. … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 26 September 2024”
West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 30 May 2024
This month brings news of a General Election on 4 July, following on from the May local elections where Labour won 9 out of 10 mayoral elections, including in the West Midlands. This is happening against the backdrop of global growth rates above 3% and inflation falling rapidly globally. In the UK, the Consumer Prices … Continue reading “West Midlands Economic Impact Monitor – 30 May 2024”
Britain the ‘World’s Worst on Homelessness’ – What About the West Midlands?
The UK has the highest rates of homelessness in the developed world, with a significant increase over the past 14 years, particularly in the West Midlands. Alongside the physical, emotional and psychological impact it has on the individual, homelessness creates a substantial financial burden on local authorities, with Birmingham having the highest temporary accommodation expenses … Continue reading “Britain the ‘World’s Worst on Homelessness’ – What About the West Midlands?”
Getting our Transport System Closer to the Standards of London
Adam Harrison, Principal Transport Policy and Strategy Officer, Transport for West Midlands discusses how we can make our transport systems in the region better and stronger for our communities. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review 2023. The review is produced by City-REDI/ WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and the Greater Birmingham Chambers … Continue reading “Getting our Transport System Closer to the Standards of London”
The Impact of the Cost of Living Crisis and The Issue of Deprivation in Birmingham
Simone Connolly, CEO, FareShare Midlands discusses the impact of the cost of living crisis in Birmingham, with large increases in the numbers of people turning to them for help. This article was written for the Birmingham Economic Review, published in September 2023. The review is produced by City-REDI / WMREDI, the University of Birmingham and … Continue reading “The Impact of the Cost of Living Crisis and The Issue of Deprivation in Birmingham”