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West Midlands Regeneration Milestone: 600 Homes Approved for Friar Park 

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.

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Building Bridges Across Borders: Groundwork Mishima’s Visit to Birmingham

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.

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How West Midlands Employers Are Prioritising Wellbeing at Work 

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.

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Regional High Growth SMEs 

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.

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Why Are So Many Funders Closing Their Doors? 

Why Are So Many Funders Closing Their Doors? 

Across the UK, the heartbeat of social change is faltering not because the passion has gone, but because the funding is. In recent months, a rising number of major funders have paused their grant programmes or exited entirely, leaving charities and social enterprises wondering what the future holds.

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