The Midlands Engine Economic Observatory (Observatory) is a vital cog of the Midlands Engine, providing comprehensive and contemporary data, analysis and intelligence on the whole Midlands economy.
The Observatory, which is funded by both the Midlands Engine and Partnership contributions, brings together a unique collaboration of leading researchers and academics from our region’s universities, partner organisations and private sector research specialists. It brings extensive research capabilities to benefit all partners in the Midlands, with analysis and study findings helping to shape strategies, policies and delivery plans towards our shared ambition of a region of thriving businesses, places and communities.
The Observatory provides regular insights and commentaries to Midlands Engine partners – and current work includes evidencing the economic impact of Covid-19 across our region. Our shared investment in our Observatory is just one way in which the Midlands Engine Partnership works together to address challenges and act on the many opportunities ahead, to unlock the full potential of the Midlands.
Please contact us if you want to know more or if you’re interested in working with us to share information and research: observatory@midlandsengine.org
Midlands Engine First Independent Economic Review
The Midlands Engine Observatory has delivered the first Independent Economic Review (IER) ever undertaken for our region. Completed in February 2020, the IER is the result of a year-long, detailed analysis of the whole Midlands economy, delivered by leading economists and academics, together with in-depth-insight from over 50 of our region’s businesses.
The IER is a powerful resource for Government, policy-makers, investors and wider stakeholders as we work together to address the challenges and progress the Midlands Engine’s important growth agenda.
The IER and its underpinning evidence base is supplemented by many stand-alone pieces of research, including:
- An economic profile for each of the nine Midlands Engine Local Enterprise Partnership areas
- Economic growth scenarios for the Midlands
- An analysis of public sector funding across the Midlands
- An overview of the forecast impact of Brexit on the Midlands
- Qualitative study from interviews with Midlands Engine based businesses, on economic growth barriers and opportunities
- A study on the rationale for pan-Midlands interventions
The economic context has changed considerably in the short time since the completion of this work. The Observatory is working with partners to provide an addendum to this report (expected autumn 2020) to reflect this.
Downloadable Reports
Covid-19 Economic Impact monitoring
Understanding the Midlands-scale impact of Covid-19 is critical as we plan for economic recovery. Work is underway right across our Partnership, led by our Observatory, to gather data, provide insights and monitor impacts. This work will underpin recovery planning across the Partnership.
Downloadable Reports
Quarterly Economic Commentary
We produce a Quarterly Economic Commentary (QEC) reporting on a range of indicators of economic performance which give insights into the health of our regional economy. Each QEC brings together the latest economic performance data and what it means for the Midlands Engine, our partners, residents and business community.
Underpinning the QEC is a downloadable database of the latest economic statistics and information for the Midlands and its Local Enterprise Partnership areas. Each QEC focuses on the most recent data available, interpreted for our region.