The Social Economy Drive (SED) returns this November, a week-long celebration of businesses and organisations that are creating positive change in communities across the West Midlands.
Running from Monday 17 to Friday 21 November 2025, the Drive brings together social enterprises, community organisations, businesses and local authorities to explore how social value can be at the heart of growth, innovation and local prosperity.
Backed by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the Initiative for Social Entrepreneurs, the campaign has grown from its Birmingham roots into a region-wide movement. Its goal is to double the size of the region’s social economy within the next decade – creating more jobs, opportunities and stronger, fairer communities.
What is the Social Economy Drive?
The Social Economy Drive celebrates and supports the 11,000-plus organisations across the West Midlands that are delivering social and environmental impact through business.
Together, these organisations generate £3.5 billion each year for the regional economy, employ around 30,000 people, engage over 70,000 volunteers and improve the lives of 150,000 residents annually.
From community-owned businesses and social enterprises to charity trading arms and co-operatives, the Social Economy Drive showcases the collective power of business for good.
Join Sandwell’s Social Economy Networking Event
As part of the 2025 Drive, Sandwell Business Growth’s partner SWEDA invites you to a special networking event celebrating the social economy in action.
Tuesday 18 November 2025
11:00am – 2:00pm
West Bromwich Town Hall, High Street, West Bromwich, B70 8DJ
This event will bring together business leaders, social entrepreneurs and community organisations to explore how social value can drive meaningful change – both for your business and for Sandwell’s residents.
Why it matters
The Social Economy Drive is more than a campaign, it is a movement for inclusive growth. By connecting social enterprises, businesses and local authorities, it creates opportunities to collaborate and build a stronger regional economy.
Whether you’re a start-up, SME, community business or social enterprise, this is your chance to connect, learn and shape a fairer future for the West Midlands.
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