In a recent parliamentary address, Erdington MP Paulette Hamilton brought national attention to the remarkable achievements of the North Birmingham Economic Recovery (NBER) Board and Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA). We are hugely grateful to Paulette for leading this important debate and for highlighting the transformative impact we are having on the local economy and job market.

Parliamentary Recognition

MP Paulette Hamilton, who chairs the NBER Board, addressed Parliament to highlight these significant achievements. She emphasised the board’s commitment to maximizing economic opportunities and supporting thousands of residents into training and employment.

Minister of State for Employment Alison McGovern MP also highlighted the work of Witton Lodge Community Association and the North Birmingham Economic Recovery (NBER) Board. This mention came just a month after her visit to Witton Lodge in January, where she participated in a roundtable discussion with the NBER board and engaged with local young people in an employment and skills workshop to hear their firsthand experiences and ideas about employment and career prospects.

A Collaborative Approach to Economic Recovery

The NBER Board, convened by WLCA, has emerged as a vital resource for bolstering the North Birmingham economy. By bringing together expertise from leading employers, training providers, community organisations, and public agencies, the NBER has created a powerful partnership dedicated to driving economic growth and employment opportunities.

Impressive Results

Since 2022/23, the NBER’s efforts have yielded impressive results including:-

– Over £15 million secured in investment

– 8,000 residents supported, with two-thirds aged 24-49

– More than 1,000 individuals helped into employment

– 1,500 residents enrolled in gateway courses linking to jobs

– Support for major recruitment drives, including Amazon’s Peddimore site.

WLCA’s Crucial Role

The WLCA’s employment delivery programme plays a pivotal role in supporting the NBER’s work. Through regular skills workshops, social enterprise programmes and job fairs, WLCA connects local jobseekers with diverse employers, creating pathways to meaningful employment.

 A Model for Success

The success of the NBER and WLCA demonstrates the power of community-driven initiatives in addressing economic challenges. Their collaborative approach, bringing together various stakeholders, serves as a blueprint for unlocking potential and driving economic recovery.

As we look to the future, the spotlight on Witton Lodge and the NBER in Parliament not only celebrates their achievements but also reinforces the importance of community-led initiatives in shaping a brighter economic future for North Birmingham.