By: Paul Ormerod

Paul Ormerod is an economist at Volterra Partners LLP, author and an Honorary Professor at the Alliance Business School at the University of Manchester

All 221 Articles

If the ONS can’t measure productivity, how are we meant to improve it?

April 23, 2025

The ONS's shortcomings are far from trivial, its bad maths is holding back the UK economy, writes Paul Ormerod.
Method in Trump’s madness? What economic theory teaches us about tariffs

April 9, 2025

Trump's tariffs have sent the world into a frenzy but there could be method yet. Economic theory shows that tariffs reduce prices, writes Paul Ormerod.
Reeves’ black hole alarmism is creating something scarier: A real one

April 2, 2025

Reeves' fearmongering has scared Brits into saving. The consequences will be more frightening than Reeves' 'black hole', writes Paul Ormerod.
Spring Statement: Reeves should abolish the OBR

March 26, 2025

By strengthening the OBR, Reeves has created severe difficulties for herself. Vital decisions about our economic future should be made by politicians, not unelected quangocrats, says Paul Ormerod Later today we will know for certain what is in Rachel Reeves’ Spring statement, a budget to all intents and purposes. But as is usually the case [...]
The bond markets must not be allowed block defence spending

March 19, 2025

The Germans are funding increased defence spending through debt so why can’t we? The Chancellor needs to start telling a better story about the future direction of our economy, says Paul Ormerod President Trump wants European countries to spend five per cent of GDP on defence. Kier Starmer plans to increase UK spending from 2.3 [...]
If crises are the test of a nation, Western Europe is failing

March 12, 2025

The financial crisis and the pandemic have shown how modern Europe deals with crises. And it's not pretty, writes Paul Ormerod.
What ever happened to levelling up?

March 5, 2025

Levelling up has all but disappeared from the government's agenda. That's a big mistake for growth, writes Paul Ormerod.
The West has been free riding on US defence spending

February 25, 2025

The West has been free riding on US defence spending for decades. It's no surprise Trump is now calling us to account, writes Paul Ormerod.
I’m sorry Ed Miliband, your big green energy plan is all fantasy

February 12, 2025

Ed Miliband's green vision is admirable, but the history of energy consumption shows it is but a fantasy, writes Paul Ormerod.
Yes, AI will wipe out some jobs. But this is the story of progress

February 5, 2025

AI will inevitably make some jobs redundant, but the benefits to society are far worth it, writes Paul Ormerod.

Frasers slams ‘nonsense rumours’ over Harvey Nichols bid

England semi pulls in 24m on BBC but falls short of Euros final

Toast the City Awards 2026 finalists announced – vote now!

By: Paul Ormerod

All 221 Articles

Subscribe