The role of players in driving economic change:
At any scale, change is brought about by the interaction of a considerable numbers of
players or stakeholders.
Players = individuals, groups of people or formal organisations who can influence the
process of change, including:
• National government, local government, planners and the EU.
• British industries, retailers, TNCs and trade unions.
• Local community groups, cultural groups, non-government organisations and
education bodies.
• Banks and private investors
Case Study – Structural economic change in Birmingham Metropolitan Region
Large metropolitan region in the West Midlands conurbation (large urban area made from
the merging of previously separated towns). About 25% of British manufactured exports
originate in Birmingham.
Birmingham’s development to the 1960s:
• Initially bought by the de Bermingham family who purchased a royal charter,
allowing them to hold a market.
• Developed during the industrial revolution from 1700s onwards
Metals and manufacturing guns, jewellery, buttons and brass. Bournville (Cadbury)
factory, Dunlop tyres, Austin cars and chemical industries.
• Population growth from natural increase and immigration substantiated growth.
• Heart of national canal network.
• 1950 over 50% of employment in metals
• Until 1950s housing predominantly inner-city terraced housing close to factories and
employment for working (Blue Collar) class. Population mainly white in ethnic origin.
Employment was dominated by males 60%
• The middle classes and transport improvements facilitated outward growth.
• Issues with pollution from industrial activity.
• Unemployment was below 1%.
Industrial Decline:
• 1970s & 80s earnings fell, and unemployment reached 19.4%.
• Global recession due to the OPEC oil crisis, increased competition from cheaper
labour costs in Japanese car manufacturing (decline in British vehicle industry
despite rising car-ownership levels) and industrial action (strikes).
• Industry mainly SMEs (small & medium sized industries). Slum clearance forced small
businesses into expensive purpose-built premises.
Large metropolitan region in the West Midlands conurbation (large urban area made from
the merging of previously separated towns). About 25% of British manufactured exports
originate in Birmingham.
Birmingham’s development to the 1960s:
• Initially bought by the de Bermingham family who purchased a royal charter,
allowing them to hold a market.
• Developed during the industrial revolution from 1700s onwards
Metals and manufacturing guns, jewellery, buttons and brass. Bournville (Cadbury)
factory, Dunlop tyres, Austin cars and chemical industries.
• Population growth from natural increase and immigration substantiated growth.
• Heart of national canal network.
• 1950 over 50% of employment in metals
• Until 1950s housing predominantly inner-city terraced housing close to factories and
employment for working (Blue Collar) class. Population mainly white in ethnic origin.
Employment was dominated by males 60%
• The middle classes and transport improvements facilitated outward growth.
• Issues with pollution from industrial activity.
• Unemployment was below 1%.
Industrial Decline:
• 1970s & 80s earnings fell, and unemployment reached 19.4%.
• Global recession due to the OPEC oil crisis, increased competition from cheaper
labour costs in Japanese car manufacturing (decline in British vehicle industry
despite rising car-ownership levels) and industrial action (strikes).
• Industry mainly SMEs (small & medium sized industries). Slum clearance forced small
businesses into expensive purpose-built premises.
Post War Birmingham:
Housing –
• Over 100,000 sub-standard houses.
• New dwellings constructed to redistribute people from central zone into peripheral
estates (Castle Vale).
• Increased housing demand and social housing.
• Green belt developed to restrict urban sprawl, increasing land value and number of
commuters.
Demography –
• Post 1950 significant international in-migration from Caribbean, South Asia and Far
East.
• Cosmopolitan city reflected in religious landscape.
• Relatively youthful population compared to UK average.
Recent Regeneration:
Socio-economic profile showed characteristics of industrial decline and urban decay, but a
variety of players are actively involved in repositioning Birmingham as a modern, forwardlooking city.
• Role of the Government – attracting inward investment e.g. NEC, Birmingham New
Street, European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). New Deal for Communities
(NDCs) scheme provided broadband and increased employment opportunities.
• Role of planning & flagship developments – Physical regeneration to catalyse socioeconomic change. More public spaces, such as Centenary and Victoria Square. The
Canal and River Trust to revitalise canals. Refurbishment of city centre,
pedestrianised areas and Bull Ring Shopping Centre. 3 universities contribute
demographically to youthful population and economically attract investment and
student-spending.
• Role of Transport – Improvements in transport infrastructure. Investment of £700
million in New Street railway station created 1000 jobs, HS2 (London 50 minutes
away on high-speed train), road network transport hubs e.g. M1 and M42. M6 toll
road privately funded to ease congestion. Birmingham Development Plan (BDP)
guides decisions on regeneration up to 2031- dealing with locating new homes, jobs,
services and infrastructure.