News
25 Years of iSE: A Celebration of Legacy, Leadership and the Future of the Social Economy
iSE marked 25 years of supporting social enterprise, innovation, and inclusive economic growth across Birmingham and the West Midlands with an inspiring celebration. The evening brought together Social Economy Drive finalists, founders, and community leaders to reflect, connect, and look ahead to the Social Economy Drive 2025.
How Neighbours Are Beating Rising Bills (and Winning for the Planet)
An exciting wave of community-owned energy clubs is giving households a say in where their power comes from and cutting bills by up to 30%. Drawing on local wind and solar schemes, these cooperative ventures show how the social economy can tackle cost of living pressures and carbon targets together.
FREE Business Support to Help Birmingham Thrive
iSE Birmingham, in partnership with Business Growth West Midlands, offers free business support to empower local entrepreneurs, social enterprises and changemakers to start, grow and thrive. With a community-first approach, iSE provides one-to-one guidance, workshops, and networking opportunities for underrepresented founders, ethnic minority-led businesses and innovators across Birmingham. Join our vibrant network of changemakers and discover the tools, connections and confidence to turn your ideas into lasting impact.
West Midlands Regeneration Milestone: 600 Homes Approved for Friar Park
One of the West Midlands’ largest brownfield sites is finally being transformed. Sandwell Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) have appointed Keepmoat, a top 10 UK housebuilder, to deliver 600 new homes in Wednesbury with at least 25% affordable housing. The Friar Park Urban Village will not only tackle the housing shortage but also create jobs, green spaces, and stronger community infrastructure.
Building Bridges Across Borders: Groundwork Mishima’s Visit to Birmingham
On 1st October 2025, iSE will welcome Groundwork Mishima, a Japanese non-profit known for rebuilding Mishima City’s rivers and green spaces through citizen action, business partnerships and local government support. Their visit to Birmingham is a chance to share knowledge, explore corporate engagement in social initiatives and connect Japan’s environmental innovation with the West Midlands’ ambition to double the social economy within a decade.
Jericho Foundation Wins Green Impact at the Social Economy Drive Awards 2024
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Inclusive Growth: Mayor’s £17 Billion West Midlands Plan Puts People First
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Why the Social Economy Deserves the Spotlight: Celebrating Unsung Changemakers Across the West Midlands
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Inclusive Health Pitch Day: Courage, Creativity and Community!
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How West Midlands Employers Are Prioritising Wellbeing at Work
Supporting your staff’s mental health is more than just good practice…it’s smart business. During Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker is urging employers to sign up to the Thrive at Work programme, a practical and proven initiative helping over 300,000 workers access better wellbeing support.
Veterans Find New Opportunities as Social Enterprise Launches Traffic Sign Production Line
A new traffic sign production line at Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) is creating meaningful job opportunities for military veterans. The initiative, developed in partnership with HW Martin (Traffic Management) Ltd, strengthens social enterprise efforts while improving service delivery. This collaboration highlights how business and purpose can align to support those who’ve served.
Regional High Growth SMEs
The West Midlands’ flagship High Growth Accelerator programme has entered its second year, following a successful pilot that saw 50 local SMEs generate over £4 million in new investment and project a combined £15 million uplift in turnover. Backed by Mayor Richard Parker and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and delivered by consultancy firm Gateley Global, the initiative has become a springboard for high potential companies in sectors from tech to manufacturing.