News
iSE Showcases Women Leading Social Impact at International Women’s Day Conference & Expo
iSE joined the International Women’s Day Conference & Expo as both sponsor and exhibitor, contributing to a full day of connection, insight, and shared experience. Through its panel on women delivering social impact, iSE highlighted leaders driving change across communities, technology, and housing.
£50m Innovation Fund Signals Major Growth Opportunity for West Midlands Social Economy
A new £50m government-backed innovation fund is set to accelerate business growth, job creation, and investment across the West Midlands. With a focus on collaboration between research, industry, and communities, the initiative presents new opportunities for organisations contributing to social and economic impact.
Minister Visits Women’s Enterprise Hub to Spotlight Work Tackling Health Inequality in Birmingham
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Celebrating Neurodiversity in Business: An Exclusive Workshop with Maxine Laceby
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She Beasts CIC: A Space Where Real Lives Matter
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Lunch With the Winners: A Seat at the Table of Social Impact
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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.