BSSEC CIC: Building a Stronger Social Economy in the West Midlands
4th June 2025
The West Midlands is on an ambitious journey to double the size of its social economy within the next decade. At the heart of this drive is a growing recognition that social enterprises and community-led organisations aren’t just solving problems—they’re creating jobs, building resilience, and delivering real economic value.
At the recent BSSEC CIC Roundtable (14 May 2025), practitioners, policymakers, and private sector partners gathered to explore how the region’s support ecosystem can evolve to meet the current economic challenges. The discussions were rich, practical, and grounded in the lived experiences of those leading change on the ground.
What’s Working: A Strong Regional Framework
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) has already laid out a clear roadmap for growth through its Framework for Growth, including accelerator programmes, regional investment, advisory groups, and dedicated procurement targets for VCSEs.
The results speak for themselves:
- 9,314 organisations
- 103,000 employees
- £14 billion turnover
The region also boasts a higher-than-average number of Community Interest Companies and stronger trading figures than many parts of the UK.
What’s Not Working (Yet): Challenges Ahead
But the sector isn’t without obstacles. Key issues flagged include:
- Rising costs and delayed payments
- Recruitment and skills shortages
- A lack of investment in innovation
- Risk-averse governance and underutilised assets
- Difficulty navigating the support landscape
Ifor Jones, founder of Loconomy, shared his powerful experience of launching a mutual to support young people into employment. His story reflects both the hurdles, like cash flow struggles and system complexity, and the rewards of innovation and perseverance.
Voices from the Roundtable: What Needs to Change?
Participants called for practical changes to strengthen the ecosystem, including:
✅ Better partnership working across neighbourhoods and regions
✅ Targeted support for asset acquisition to reduce overheads and unlock growth
✅ Shared expertise and peer learning on data, finance, and innovation
✅ Stronger visibility of support and easier access to advice
✅ Greater public and private sector collaboration
There was also a strong call for bringing social economy learning into schools, ensuring young people are aware of how business can be a force for good.
Looking Ahead: Recommendations for Action
To deliver on its vision, the West Midlands must now focus on:
🔹 Protecting procurement access for VCSEs
🔹 Funding innovation and organisational development
🔹 Backing place-based infrastructure and leadership training
🔹 Encouraging private sector partnerships through shared values and goals
Conclusion: Turning Vision Into Reality
The West Midlands has a solid foundation and a clear plan. But the next stage requires bravery, investment, and trust—in both the ecosystem and the people who power it.
This Roundtable made one thing clear: if we continue to work collaboratively, think creatively, and invest in what works, the social economy in the West Midlands won’t just survive—it will thrive.
View and download this Roundtable report below >
BLOG authored by Sarah Beaumont | Director, BSSEC CIC | Connect | Email