Business working together for good

This event will explore how diversity drives innovation and resilience across the region’s social economy, bringing together business leaders, social entrepreneurs, and civic stakeholders.

Delivered as part of the Social Economy Drive 2025, this is a movement designed to shine a spotlight on organisations that are putting people, planet and purpose at the heart of business.

What we’ll explore: 

✔️ How the West Midlands’ diversity powers innovation and resilience across the social economy

✔️ The contribution and social value of ethnic minority businesses - evidence from CREME and real-world case studies from the ABCC and the Black Business Collective

✔️ Inclusive procurement with anchor institutions: what anchors look for, proven examples, and how to become supply-ready

✔️ Practical next steps: connecting to opportunities, measuring impact, and a shared call to action for businesses and civic partners

Who should attend?

This session is ideal for:

  • Business leaders, social entrepreneurs and civic partners 
  • Those interested in exploring social economy and inclusive innovation

Agenda 

  • 8:30am – Registration & Networking
  • 9:15am – Welcome & Framing:
    • The West Midlands as one of Europe’s most diverse city-regions
    • Why diversity is an asset to the social economy
  • 9:20am - Contributions of Ethnic Minority Businesses in the Social Economy:
    • Monder Ram Aston University’s CREME: Research insights on ethnic minority enterprise and social value
    • Case studies from Asian Business Chamber of Commerce and Black Business Collective members
    • Stories that show innovation, resilience, and measurable community impact
  • 9:50am – Anchor Network Perspective
    • Presentation from Birmingham Anchor Network (with CLES)
    • Case studies of anchor institutions who have successfully procured from social economy organisations
    • Practical guidance: How businesses (particularly EMBs and social enterprises) can engage anchors to access procurement opportunities
  • 10:15am - Closing Remarks & Call to Action

 

Speakers

Shale Ahmed

Founding Director, Aspire and Succeed

Kasim Choudhry

Project Director, Pathway Group

Matthew Inniss

Chair, Black Business Collective

Conrad Parke

Coordinator, Birmingham Anchor Network

Professor Monder Ram

Director, Centre for Research in Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship , Aston University

Venue 

BMet,
Matthew Boulton Campus,
1 Jennens Rd,
Birmingham
B4 7PS

Get directions

Event sponsorship available for just £250+VAT
Want to sponsor this event?

 

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