Ladywood, one of Birmingham’s most socioeconomically challenged wards, is undergoing a quiet transformation.
This blog by Michele Wilby, CEO of Colmore Business District (BID), explores the current economic state of Birmingham with a spotlight on Ladywood, highlighting how targeted social impact initiatives, especially those focused on youth, are creating new pathways to opportunity and prosperity.
The UK’s second-largest city is at a pivotal moment. According to the State of the City 2025 report, Birmingham is navigating a complex economic landscape shaped by post-pandemic recovery, rising living costs, and a growing diverse population. While the city shows signs of resilience and innovation, disparities remain stark – particularly in inner-city wards like Ladywood.
Ladywood: A Ward of Contrasts
Ladywood, encompassing much of Birmingham’s city centre, is a paradox. It houses iconic landmarks and major developments, yet many of its residents face persistent economic hardship.
The Office of National Statistics (ONS) details that in the Ladywood Ward, 62.5% of households are deprived in one or more dimensions.
55% are unemployed or economically inactive, and 21% have never worked or are long-term unemployed.
The Ladywood Ward Plan 2022-2026 reveals that the average incomes are significantly below the city average, with high levels of unemployment and economic inactivity. Despite this, Ladywood is a hub of cultural diversity, youthful energy, and untapped potential.
The Power of Social Impact
In areas like Ladywood, economic regeneration isn’t about infrastructure – it’s about people. Social impact work, particularly with young people, is proving to be a catalyst for change. Initiatives that focus on skills development, mentorship, and community leadership are helping to bridge the opportunity gap.
One standout example is our assistance towards Ladywood Community Project’s key support schemes. We addressed essential needs by supporting 88 families with food assistance, bridging the gap for those reliant on free school meals.
Our 2024 School Uniform donation drive further aided 41 families, ensuring 65 children were equipped with new uniform for the academic year.
Another initiative forms part of the wider city-centre calendar. For Birmingham Hospice’s Bulls in the City Wild in Art trail, we partnered with a local primary school in Ladywood to provide children with a mini calf sculpture to decorate as part of the wider trail. Activities should always happen with our partners, instead of ‘for’ our partners, and so engaging children in this crucial exercise helped them feel more connected to the city core.
We always do whatever we can to create experiences and opportunities that those in the community haven’t experienced before. Two members of the Ladywood Community Project attended Birmingham Pride 2025 for free, thanks to our partnership. Representation and engagement are what truly matters to communities.
Why This Matters Economically
Social impact isn’t just a moral imperative – it’s an economic strategy. By investing in the younger generation on our doorsteps, we’re cultivating a future workforce that is skilled, motivated and rooted in their community. According to the Birmingham City Observatory, such grassroots interventions are essential to achieving the city’s long-term vision of inclusive growth.
Ladywood’s proximity to Birmingham’s commercial core means that empowering its residents has a direct impact on the city’s broader economic health. When local talent is nurtured, business can benefit from a more diverse, resilient labour pool.
Looking Ahead
The road to economic equity in Birmingham is long, but the seeds of transformation are already being sown in Ladywood. Through sustained investment in social impact work – especially with young people – we can turn one of the city’s most challenged wards into one of its greatest success stories.
This blog was written by Michele Wilby, CEO of Colmore BID.
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this analysis post are those of the authors and not necessarily those of City-REDI / WMREDI or the University of Birmingham.