MD+Founder of independent,West Midlands,not-for-profit think tank, focussed on development of new ideas to enrich the lives of the region’s citizens.Views own!
West Midlands
Joined April 2020
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Want to help shape new ideas for the #WestMidlands? We want you and your organisation to join our new regional networking group - 'Reimagining the Region'
thenewmidlands.org.uk/reimag… #thinktank #regions #Covid #BuildBackBetter #midlands #devolution #Coventry #Birmingham #ideas
I am genuinely astonished that this seems to be a 3 line whip for the Goverment comms teams.
If this is seriously the Government's response to the absolutely horrific price of fuel, we are in big trouble. They either have no levers to pull or think this is sufficient.
When fuel prices are high, finding the best deal matters.
That's why we've launched Fuel Finder in @googlemaps, helping you compare prices more easily and find your cheapest local option.
Chris Smith retweeted
Birmingham is ranked 1 out of total spending for benefits as a local authority at £4.1bn
The benefits bill per resident is £3,521 which has increased by over 25% in just two years!
benefitsdata.uk/mybill?local… – at Birmingham, England
Chris Smith retweeted
Senior Birmingham City councillor Waseem Zaffar dies suddenly aged 44 itv.com/news/central/2026-01…
Truly vomit inducing. Get a grip @FIFAcom. Sycophancy on a truly global stage.
Wow. I'm sure having some time back in parents' days is all very welcome but my understanding of this policy was that it was all about giving children (who were going to school hungry) food to start their days in a way their parents couldn't afford to support? Strange video again
Beyond the Sport: Investing in People, Purpose and Place - mailchi.mp/thenewmidlands.or…
Chris Smith retweeted
This Watermelon is crushing Britain.
What you’re about to see should terrify every taxpayer...
Chris Smith retweeted
Last week at PHTA!
🧪 @gino_prof presenting at Clinical Immunology Services' inaugural IVD Innovation & Adoption Conference
🏏 A day at Edgbaston Stadium for @TheNewMidlands #CFP25
🔬 Visit from our local MP @AlistairCarns
Learn more about our work 👉 phta.co.uk
Chris Smith retweeted
Today, the Government launches plans to fast-track driverless vehicle trials in the UK.
One of the companies involved says London presents a big challenge:
“It has seven times more jaywalkers than San Francisco.”
Except… it doesn't. 🧵
ALT The UK Accelerates Its Self-Driving Car Ambitions
ALT A Traffic Problem - Jay Walking poster
Chris Smith retweeted
Edgbaston has been granted planning permission by Birmingham City Council for a major ground redevelopment project that will include a new on-site hotel.
Planners unanimously approved the £42-million scheme today and work is expected to start in September.
#Edgbaston | Story ⬇️
Chris Smith retweeted
This is so nuts. The president sits at his desk in the Oval Office while Elon Musk stands answering questions with a small kid on his shoulders. I mean. Where to begin
Chris Smith retweeted
📣 NEWS: US firm Knighthead Capital Management has invested £100m into a regeneration project in East Birmingham, creating a new stadium, commercial spaces & generating thousands of new jobs for the region 👉 gov.uk/government/news/birmi…
@jreynoldsMP #UKIndustrialStrategy
Chris Smith retweeted
City Arcade will be closed from 27 January, with no pedestrian access from Queen Victoria Street through to Shelton Square.
As part of the closure, hoarding will be installed.
The closure is a major step for the City Centre South Scheme.
ALT A picture of City Centre South
Chris Smith retweeted
Many stats regarding London’s overseas social tenants conveniently ignore the fact that most have been here decades
But that doesn’t mean our social housing - already strained - is immune from the pressure of a large influx of refugees
My column 👇
thetimes.com/article/cd0c0aa…
Chris Smith retweeted
The Sunday Times - Hundred Tech. Britain’s fastest growing Tech Companies. Not good reading if you are interested in the future of the West Midlands.
linkedin.com/posts/dsfrost_a…
@MayorWestMids @WestMids_CA @LunarSoc @TheNewMidlands
Chris Smith retweeted
Not good. Worse than expected (consensus forecast was actually for a 0.4% rise). And means it's now not implausible that the UK economy contracted in Q4.
Retail sales fell 0.3% in Dec 2024, following a small rise of 0.1% in Nov 2024.
Falls in supermarkets were partly offset by a rise in non-food stores, as clothing retailers rebounded from falls in recent months.
Read more ➡️ ons.gov.uk/businessindustrya…
ALT A line chart showing retail sales fell 0.3% in Dec 2024, following a small rise of 0.1% in Nov 2024.
Chris Smith retweeted
Delighted to go to the @TheNewMidlands Winter Reception at the Houses of Parliament last night, hosted by Rachel Taylor MP and Saqib Bhatti MBE, in order to reflect on the achievements and successes of 2024.
#CNM #thinktank #digitalskills
