Sectors
Agriculture
LIVE Economics director, Ulrike Hotopp, published a briefing note, jointly with colleagues from the University of Kent, during the election campaign of 2017. This can be read here. Agriculture is one of the most contentious topics in the Brexit debate. With about 40% of the EU’s budget support for agriculture plays an important role compared to its share in the economics (under 2% of GDP).
Energy
Seeing the combination of a coal fired power station and wind turbines is likely to be a long transition to renewable energy sources.
Another attractive combination can be different forms of renewable energy such as wave and wind, both resources, of which the UK has ample supply.
It is difficult to spot the white turbines against the light blue sky in both pictures.
We provide economic advice on energy investment.
Environment
Environmental economics is often seen as unquantifiable and irrelevant for business. However, recent flooding events, the effects of air pollution on health including the productivity of workers has shown that the environment is closely linked to the economy.
LIVE Economics ltd uses the method developed by the UK’s Natural Capital Committee to work with companies, the charitable and the public sector to ensure that natural capital is used, just as other capital to optimise the overall performance of an organisation in the longer term.
Health and Safety
The economics of health and safety
Health and safety is often described as something that gets in the way of profits. However, economic evidence shows that organisations that look after the health and safety of their workers are also more productive.
Ulrike Hotopp, the director of LIVE Economics ltd has written about health and safety, for example in the context of an aging workforce.
International Trade & Development
Ulrike Hotopp, the director of LIVE Economics, holds a PhD in international economics. One of her areas of expertise is international trade.
The humble tulip earned a reputation in international trade circles after the price spike early in 1637 caused by increasing demand for tulips. A particularly rare tulip allegedly cost as much as a small house in Amsterdam. However, the mania didn’t last long. Prices collapsed in February leaving many investors bankrupt.
The development of new trade links has been of interest and will help in the current Brexit debate. This article will be of interest.