Our July issue debates the nature of power in the region during a recession as our Power 100 lists those people who can get the Midlands moving. Our round table debates have also got the economy in mind, looking for green shoots in the region and within the commercial property sector in particular. Paul Kehoe, chief executive of Birmingham International Airport, outlines his future plans, while our economic forum roadshow arrives in Derby. Elsewhere, we explain the intricacies of Islamic finance and report on how to build a brand. And we ask whether universities are doing enough to help local businesses.
A friend of mine worked at LDV. He had been there for years and worked his way up to foreman. He’s had two weeks’ pay and no work this year, and now he’s on the scrapheap, one of the 810 out of 850 workers at the Washwood Heath factory to be laid off so far.
Recession-proof sectors may not exist but there are some showing more resilience than others and offering greater opportunities to dealmakers. Claire Robson reports.