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 196 Articles

As Derby’s historic rail industry declines, it should look to Redcar for a model of letting go

April 3, 2024

From steelworks to freeport, Redcar's redevelopment offers a model for moving on which Derby may wish to follow, writes Paul Ormerod.
The big challenge isn’t funding public services, it’s making them productive

March 27, 2024

With the public sector no more efficient than it was in the late 1990s, it's time to start seriously scrutinising our public services, writes Paul Ormerod.
What if the OBR is too optimistic about growth?

March 21, 2024

Chancellors preparing for Budgets fret over their fiscal headroom, but what matters in the long-term is the trend rate of growth. And if the OBR has it’s projections wrong, there will be big consequence for the next government, says Paul Ormerod The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) published its economic and fiscal outlook document in [...]
For once, Humza Yousaf has set an example other politicians should follow

March 15, 2024

In overriding the advice of “experts” and channelling aid to Gaza, Yousaf did what politicians are elected to do, says Paul Ormerod Humza Yousaf, the First Minister of Scotland, does not often attract plaudits. But last week he overrode the advice of his officials. Shock, horror. Surely Sir Humphrey and the “experts” always know best. [...]
Tech is in turmoil – but there is an upside

March 6, 2024

There’s no need to panic about cutbacks and uncertainty around AI, capitalism is all about change and innovation, says Paul Ormerod The Greek god Chronos, known as Saturn to the Romans, was notorious for eating his own children. Something similar seems to be going on within the tech industry. Tech giants such as Google, Microsoft [...]
Interest rates aren’t as influential as you think

February 28, 2024

Andy Haldane’s criticisms of the Bank of England’s persistence with higher rates are misguided. Just as near-zero rates following the financial crisis were hardly a stimulus to growth, the more recent actions of the MPC can’t be said to be ‘crushing the economy’, says Paul Ormerod Criticising the Bank of England has become fashionable in [...]
Ricardian Equivalence and why Britain’s really in a recession

February 21, 2024

The intriguing factor governing low household spending isn't mortgages or energy prices, argues Paul Ormerod, but saving...
There’s a solution to dire public services: make our public sector more productive

February 14, 2024

If productivity can be raised, more services can be provided to the public for any given level of spending, writes Paul Ormerod
Academics publishing pointless papers is another sign of a dire crisis in universities

February 7, 2024

With lecturers incentivised to carry out worthless research and students let in on ability to pay, it is high time universities were reformed.
Marriage: Romantics bemoan its demise but so should economists

January 31, 2024

As the share of adults in the UK who are married drops below 50 per cent for the first time ever, economists as well as romantics should be concerned, writes Paul Ormerod

Substack implements native advertising following $1.1bn valuation

Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium Beats Fulham’s Riverside Stand to top award

Christmas gifts 2025: Top presents from tech to games and books

By: Paul Ormerod

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