News
Lunch With the Winners: A Seat at the Table of Social Impact
A Moment...
From Early Support to National Recognition: Celebrating Dr Birgit Kehrer of ChangeKitchen CIC
iSE proudly spotlights Dr Birgit Kehrer, founder of ChangeKitchen CIC, following her recognition as one of the UK’s 100 most inspiring female entrepreneurs for 2026, celebrating a journey rooted in Birmingham and built through long-term social impact.
Where Business Meets Purpose: iSE Events 2026
iSE’s 2026 events programme brings together free workshops, online sessions and in-person gatherings designed to support people at every stage of their enterprise journey. With a focus on practical learning, wellbeing, digital skills and connection, these events offer a welcoming space to share knowledge, build confidence and stay connected throughout the year.
England’s New Environmental Improvement Plan Sets a Clear Path for Cleaner, Greener Communities
England’s revised Environmental Improvement Plan sets out a five-year programme to boost air quality, restore habitats and support the growth of a greener economy. For organisations like iSE and the wider social economy, the plan reinforces the importance of community leadership, enterprise innovation and locally driven solutions in improving environmental wellbeing.
This Year’s Social Economy Drive Champions Revealed
This article celebrates the winners of the Social Economy Awards 2025 organisations and individuals whose dedication has strengthened communities across the West Midlands.
A look back at the achievements, partnerships and people who made this year’s celebration unforgettable.
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
The West...