A Moment That Meant Something
On 28th January, inside NatWest Accelerator Birmingham, we gathered not to pitch, rush or perform…but to pause. Lunch With the Winners was a chance to reconnect after the Social Economy Drive 2025, to sit alongside the people doing the work, and to reflect on what happens when purpose meets consistency.
This wasn’t a standard networking lunch. It was a room full of shared experiences, honest conversations and a sense of pride in what the West Midlands continues to build together.
Voices Behind the Work
Hearing directly from our Social Economy Awards 2025 winners reminded us why this space matters. Stories weren’t polished; they were real. Challenges, lessons, growth and the ripple effect that recognition can have on teams, communities and confidence.
Alongside reflections from Drew Currie, Kasim and Si Chun Lam, the room heard what support actually looks like when it’s consistent and rooted in community.
Why the Social Economy Still Matters
The social economy is not a side conversation.
Across the UK, social enterprises contribute over £60bn to the economy, support 2 million jobs and reinvest the majority of their profits back into communities. In the West Midlands alone, thousands of organisations exist to tackle inequality, improve wellbeing, support climate action and create access to opportunity where it’s often missing.
This is the work iSE stands beside every day.
A Week That Brought It All Together
Social Economy Drive took place in November 2025 as a week long series of events celebrating organisations that improve disadvantaged communities, support underrepresented founders and address social and environmental challenges.
The week concluded with the Social Economy Awards Gala Dinner, a black tie evening bringing together social entrepreneurs, cooperatives, policymakers and community leaders.
With 11+ award categories, 40 finalists and hundreds of attendees, the Awards recognised the depth, diversity and consistency of social impact across the region.
Lunch With the Winners was the closing chapter and a meaningful one.
Recognition Beyond the Trophy
To every winner, finalist and nominee…past and present, your work continues to matter long after the applause fades. Recognition opens doors, but sustained support keeps organisations standing. This lunch was about reinforcing that support system and strengthening relationships that last beyond a single event.
Community You Can Walk Into
iSE exists so that social entrepreneurs don’t have to navigate growth, funding or strategy alone. If you’re in the West Midlands and need business support, space to think or people who understand your journey…our Women’s Enterprise Hub in Sparkbrook is open.
Even if you’re at idea stage, scaling, or restructuring, you’re welcome here.
Location: Women’s Enterprise Hub, Birmingham, 249A Ladypool Road
Contact: info@i-se.co.uk
Partners Who Made It Possible
None of this happens in isolation. Our thanks go to our partners, sponsors and supporters who stood alongside the Social Economy Drive 2025, and to West Midlands Combined Authority for their continued backing of social value across the region.
What Comes Next
The conversations don’t stop here. More workshops, gatherings and opportunities are on the way – all rooted in access, collaboration and practical support.
👉 Keep an eye on our Events page
👉 Stay connected with iSE
👉 Step into the Hub, or get in touch
Because the social economy isn’t abstract. It lives in rooms like this, built by people who show up.
Your commitment strengthens the ecosystem we all rely on.