Rural Wales needs a national growth and communities plan
A national rural growth and communities plan is needed to unlock economic potential across rural Wales, argues Professor Dylan Jones-Evans, moving beyond agriculture-focused policies.
Category : Economic Growth
West Midlands economy recovers but inequality risks persist
West Midlands economy has recovered to above pre-pandemic levels, but inequality, child poverty and housing pressures could prevent hundreds of thousands from sharing in the growth, warns the State of the Region 2026 report.
North East business confidence falls sharply in August
North East business confidence dropped to 45% in August, down from 75% in July, as firms' economic optimism fell 37 points, Lloyds Business Barometer shows.
£324k Creative Careers Boost in Greater Lincolnshire
A £324,000 funding boost has been secured to transform creative careers in Greater Lincolnshire, creating apprenticeships, rural support, and mentoring.
UK economy grows 0.4% in Q2 but slowdown looms
The UK economy grew 0.4% in Q2 2026, beating forecasts, but experts warn of a slowdown ahead due to Middle East tensions and rising prices.
Birmingham ranks second as UK's best business hub for side hustles
Birmingham ranks second in the UK for entrepreneurial ambition, with 46% of Brits now running side hustles, up from 39% in 2025, according to 1st Formations research.
Wakefield growth plan targets business investment and skilled jobs
Wakefield Council unveils economic growth strategy to attract investment, create skilled jobs, and boost productivity, aiming to become the best place for business in northern England.
Horse Racing Economic Impact Study on Wales
The first independent research into horse racing's contribution to the Welsh economy has been commissioned, with expectations of tens of millions in annual benefits.
Bank Holds Rates at 3.75% Warns of Future Hikes
The Bank of England kept interest rates at 3.75% in a 6-3 vote, but warned that policy could tighten if Middle East conflict reignites inflation, with projections showing inflation rising to 3.2% early next year before falling back.
Cradley Heath Shops Closed for Illegal Tobacco Sales
Two Cradley Heath shops, International Vape and All Day, have been ordered to close for up to three months after raids uncovered illegal tobacco, bringing total closures in the area to six.
Cotmanhay £20m Pride in Place Boost with Free Health Festival
A free health and wellbeing festival in Cotmanhay offers activities and advice as the area prepares for a £20m government regeneration investment over ten years.
Notabene Investment Ripple Boosts Birmingham Tech
A major investment in Notabene is creating a ripple effect across Birmingham's tech sector, with new jobs and growth expected.
Wales Needs Ambidextrous Economy to Avoid Stagnation
Wales must adopt an ambidextrous economic strategy to avoid stagnation, combining modernization of current industries with creation of high-value IP-based sectors, says Frank Holmes.
Collaboration Key to Boosting Welsh Economy, Says ICAEW
ICAEW Wales director Robert Lloyd-Griffiths urges governments to work together for sustainable economic growth, citing falling business confidence and the need for a new development agency.
David J.C. Austin dies at 67
David J.C. Austin, chairman of David Austin Roses, has died at 67 from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. The Albrighton-based company's roses are loved by the Royal Family and David Beckham.
North East Business Confidence Grows Amid Challenges
North East business confidence climbed 14 points since January, reaching a six-month high of 69% in May, as firms adapt to uncertainty with strategic cost-saving and inventory measures, according to Lloyds Business Barometer.
Burnham Pledges New Economy in First Speech as PM
New PM Andy Burnham vows to 'build a new economy' with cost-of-living support measures expected tomorrow, emphasizing public control and industrial revival.
Holiday Park's £20m Transformation Gets Green Light
Unity Holidays' £20m redevelopment of Skirlington Coast holiday park in East Yorkshire has been approved, creating over 120 jobs but closing the long-running Skirlington Market.
BCC Backs Burnham's Economic Growth Plans
The British Chambers of Commerce, representing 50,000 businesses, positions itself as a delivery partner for PM Andy Burnham's growth agenda, emphasizing devolution and reindustrialisation.
Northern Business Leaders Urge PM Burnham for Stability
Northern business leaders welcome Andy Burnham as PM, calling for government stability to unlock private investment and drive growth across the UK.
£8M Funding for West Midlands Project
A major West Midlands project has secured an £8 million funding boost, with the investment aimed at driving economic growth and creating jobs across the region.
UK Economy Grows 0.1% in May as Services Offset Iran Impact
The UK economy grew 0.1% in May, driven by a 0.3% expansion in services, offsetting declines in manufacturing and production amid the Iran conflict.
UK Mid-Market Firms Lead Growth Despite Inflation
Mid-market firms in the UK are driving economic growth despite inflation, with turnover rising 12% annually, according to a new report.
Reindustrialisation: What It Means for West Midlands
The West Midlands is set to undergo reindustrialisation, aiming to revive manufacturing and boost the regional economy with new technologies and green jobs.
Jonathan Lewis chairs new Welsh economic agency panel
Jonathan Lewis appointed chair of independent advisory panel shaping Wales' new economic development agency, aiming to boost productivity and attract investment.
Nine in 10 homeowners plan to dine al fresco this summer
New research reveals that 89% of UK homeowners will dine al fresco this summer, spending £1.7bn on garden upgrades and social gatherings.
Devon Mayor Could Unlock £3bn Investment, Leader Says
Electing a Devon mayor could attract up to £3bn in funding over a decade, says council leader Julian Brazil, who hopes Andy Burnham will devolve more power if he becomes PM.
UK Households Suffer Worst Wealth Crash, Average Loss £28,500
British families have suffered the worst wealth crash of any developed nation since 2020, with the average person losing £28,500 in real terms, according to a UBS survey of 37 wealthy countries.
Good Growth Summit Debates Burnham's Vision
At the Good Growth Summit in Manchester, leaders debated Andy Burnham's 'good growth' vision, focusing on inclusive prosperity, reindustrialisation, and place-based change.
Greater Manchester Growth Fails to Boost Outer Borough Incomes
Greater Manchester's economic boom has not increased household incomes across outer boroughs, with earnings remaining stagnant despite regional growth, according to new Oxford Economics research.
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