Birmingham businesses are being encouraged to play a leading role in shaping the city’s future by supporting Common Purpose’s Birmingham Legacy Programme, a fully funded leadership experience developing the next generation of civic and business leaders.
Delivered in October 2025, the programme brought together 48 young people aged 18–25—including those in work, education, volunteering, caring roles or seeking employment—to connect with senior figures from across Birmingham’s civic and commercial sectors. The results have been striking:
- 87% reported increased confidence as leaders
- 97% feel more willing and able to make a positive impact in the city
- 90% have identified clear goals for the changes they want to make
Beyond leadership development, participants are already accessing mentoring, work placements and real employment opportunities with local organisations—demonstrating the programme’s growing value as a talent pipeline.
For businesses, sponsoring the Legacy programme offers a practical, high‑impact way to deliver social value, strengthen social mobility, and invest in future skills. By engaging directly with emerging young leaders, employers can help shape a more inclusive, connected Birmingham while benefitting from access to motivated, diverse talent.
Colin Fyfe, CEO of Unity Trust Bank, praised the programme’s impact:
“As a sponsor of the Birmingham Legacy programme, Unity Trust Bank enjoyed being part of the development of the local focus as well as experiencing the first-hand growth of the participants.”
Common Purpose is now seeking new sponsors for the 2026 cohort. Businesses interested in supporting the programme, hosting opportunities or exploring partnership options are encouraged to contact Louise Teboul at Common Purpose, or visit Legacy – a global campaign by Common Purpose for more information.
