At iSE, we are proud to spotlight the achievements of people who started their journey with us and continue to make a lasting contribution to the social economy. One of those people is Dr Birgit Kehrer, founder and CEO of ChangeKitchen CIC.
Birgit has recently been named as one of the UK’s 100 most inspiring female entrepreneurs for 2026, a national recognition that reflects years of dedication, leadership and impact rooted right here in Birmingham.
National Recognition for Local Impact
Birgit has been selected as part of the f:Entrepreneur #IAlso100 campaign, delivered by Small Business Britain. The campaign highlights women who are not only running successful businesses, but also contributing positively to their communities and wider society.
Founded in 2010, ChangeKitchen CIC has grown into an award-winning, climate-friendly catering social enterprise based in Balsall Heath. Its work combines high-quality food with a clear social purpose…addressing food injustice, reducing waste and creating opportunities for people who face barriers to employment.
A Longstanding Relationship with iSE
Birgit’s journey is one we know well. In the early days of ChangeKitchen CIC, she accessed free business support through iSE, building the foundations of what has since become one of the Midlands’ most respected social enterprises.
More recently, Birgit was recognised at our Social Economy Drive Awards, where she received the Overall Contribution to the Social Economy Award, celebrating her long-term commitment, leadership and tangible impact across Birmingham and beyond.
Seeing founders return years later as sector leaders is exactly why we do what we do.
Food as a Route to Opportunity
ChangeKitchen CIC is widely recognised for using food as a way into dignity, skills and community. Over the past fifteen years, their work has included:
- Cooking and distributing 95,000 free meals since 2020
- Delivering nearly 10,000 emergency food parcels
- Providing 20–50 supported work placements each year
- Growing from 2.5 staff to 12, many recruited through supported routes
- Saving 50–100 tonnes of surplus food from landfill annually
- Operating a fully climate-friendly kitchen powered by low-carbon energy
This impact has been built steadily, with care and intention, values that sit at the heart of the social economy.
A Moment of Reflection and Pride
Speaking about her inclusion in the #IAlso100 list, Birgit shared that the recognition is about more than an award, it helps give visibility, confidence and aspiration, particularly for women building businesses with social purpose.
From our perspective at iSE, this recognition is also a reminder of what happens when early support, determination and community come together over time.
Why This Matters
Female-led businesses continue to play a vital role in the UK economy. Research suggests that up to £250 billion could be added to the economy if women started and scaled businesses at the same rate as men. Stories like Birgit’s show what is possible when talent is supported and opportunity is accessible.
With Pride from iSE
We are proud to spotlight Dr Birgit Kehrer and ChangeKitchen CIC, not only for this national recognition, but for years of consistent contribution to Birmingham’s social economy.
Her journey reflects the kind of long-term impact we aim to support: practical, people centred and rooted in place. We look forward to continuing to celebrate the successes of founders and organisations who are building sustainable futures for their communities.
For more information about ChangeKitchen CIC, visit changekitchen.co.uk or follow them across social media.