In addition to the regular publications, the Economy Module produces ad hoc pieces including
Special briefings
Business start-ups in the South West - July 2009
The analysis in this paper is based on a business start-up (BSU) database provided by BankSearch in collaboration with UK banks and the British Banking Association. This is a new dataset for the region. It reflects the openings of first current accounts from a bank’s small business product range, covering mainstream start-ups (businesses new to banking) and businesses previously operated through a personal current account.
Transport in the South West - does it matter for the performance of the economy?
This paper examines the relationship between transport and the economy in SW England. It looks on the importance of transport drawing upon regional research and statistics. This is especially relevant following business leaders in the region expressing concern over regarding proposed cuts and delays to major transport projects.
Public Expenditure in SW England, May 2010Each year the Treasury releases statistics on public expenditure by region and function. Known as the PESA (Public Expenditure Statistical Analyses), the 2010 version has just been released. PESA 2010 is an important baseline from which to judge the expectation that many areas of public spending will be cut to help reduce the UK’s budget deficit. This document summarises the latest figures for 2008/9.
Economic Growth - Principles for Regional Development, May 2010
The recession has raised intense debate about economic growth. This paper lays out the economic principles that underpin economic development, providing an essential foundation for discussions about growth in any regional future
Special Risks to Recovery, March 2010RBS economists have just released an analysis of the risks to recovery. This paper paraphrases their arguments in terms of our view of what it might mean for SW England. The higher risks are mostly concerned with policy mistakes. For the region, the concern is that the policy safety net is removed before the economy has regained its balance and achieved momentum.
South West Trade Briefing, March 2010 This analysis is based on a paper prepared for the SW International Business Forum, looking at the development in national and regional trade patterns using the latest release of SW trade statistics.
South West Priority Sectors, January 2010
The Regional Economic Strategy (RES) for South West England 2006-2015 identifies eight priority sectors for more focussed support to address market or institutional failure, add value and, over time, make a significant difference to the regional economy. This article provides an update on the state of each of the priority sectors given the trends of the pre-recession years
South West GVA special briefing, December 2009
This paper provides analysis of the new data for regional Gross Value Added (GVA), which were released on the 9th December. GVA is the measure of total annual economic output or income, used to monitor each region’s performance and to make inter-regional comparisons.
South West Briefing-Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, November 2009
This paper is prepared by the South West Economy Module and the ONS South West Regional Team. The ASHE survey - which was undertaken in April and the data released 12th of November 2009 - gives an insight into how the recession has affected earnings and working hours in the region. This briefing highlights the changes between April 2008 and same month in 2009.
SW Regional Trade briefing-November, 2009
This papers is prepared for the SW International Business Forum and it looks at the development in national and regional trade patterns using the latest release of SW trade statistics. It also looks at the outlook for world trade.
Credit rating - November, 2009 Would it matter if the UK lost its "triple A" status?
The Treasury is alarmed that the UK government might lose its “triple A” credit rating. In practical terms, it would increase the burden of the current economic crises on the fiscal accounts and make future government spending and taxation plans more difficult. In political terms, it would undermine the UK’s positions at many “top tables” and raise further doubts about economic management in this country. This briefing explains what credit ratings are, who does them and why they are important
Public Sector Deficit, September, 2009
Large public sector deficits are a problem because they tend to depress growth and employment prospects and have to be repaid from future revenues, implying higher taxes, which again depress growth. This paper provides an insight into why the fiscal deficit has become a crucial economic issue.
RDA National Business Survey, July 2009
These are the final results from the latest (Spring) wave of the National Business Survey, which surveyed over 500 South West businesses.
South West Regional Trade Outlook, June 2009 Prepared for the SW International Business Forum, the SW regional trade briefing looks at the development in national and regional trade patterns, as well as looking at the outlook for world trade.
Quantitative Easing: What does it mean and will it work? June 2009
The special briefing provides an explanation as to why the Bank of England and other monetary authorities around the world are pursuing quantitative easing (QE) in these difficult economic times and provides some insights into the burning question - will it work?
The Recession in South West England; Sector vulnerability amongst the Sub-regions
The report focuses on the impact of the recession on the South West, with particular emphasis on the venerable sectors within the sub-regions, those being; manufacturing and engineering, construction, retail and distribution, and Financial and business services.
Changing South West Labour Market Structures, April 2009.
This article analyses the South West labour market projections data produced by the Cambridge Econometrics and Institute for Employment Research (IER) for the Working Futures Project. It explores the anticipated long term changes in employment by gender status, industrial sector and occupation structure.
SW Labour Market - Recession, July 2008
This report, written by the Economics and Evidence team of the South West Regional Development Agency, looks at the impact of the current economic slowdown on the region's labour market.
SMEs Report - 2007 Update.
This report, written by the Economics and Evidence team of the South West RDA, considers estimates of the number, size, sector and composition of Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in South West England.
Data release briefings
Annual Survey of Hours and Earning Data Briefing June 2009
This briefing considers the headline figures for South West England which emerge from this data release. Analysis includes a comparison between full time earnings in SWE and other parts of the UK, a description of the disparity between male and female workers and the difference between part time and full time hourly pay.
2007 Regional GVA Data, December 2008
2007 data for regional gross value added (GVA) has been released. This briefing summarises the headline messages from this annual release. The data are historical: the latest years available for inter-regional outcomes are 2007, and 2006 for intra-regional and sectoral outcomes.
VAT Registrations and Deregistrations, November 2007.
This publication looks at the BERR release of VAT registrations and deregistrations which is used as a proxy for business start-ups and closures. This report looks at the trends witnessed in the UK and the South West in the period 1994 to 2006/07.
Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings November 2007.
The Office for National Statistics has recently published the 2007 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE). This report analyses trends in earnings across the South West Region.
Explanation papers
Measuring the Economy
A review of measuring the economy at both a national and a regional level.
