Network Gathering June 2026

At our June gathering, Ifor Jones from Loconomy introduced a framework for understanding how local economies work and how local people can benefit more directly from jobs, investment and economic development.

Rather than looking at issues like employment, housing or poverty in isolation, the framework considers how they connect. It explores the relationship between people, businesses, institutions, community assets and investment, and asks how wealth can be retained and shared more fairly within local places.

The framework will be available on the Loconomy website soon for anyone who would like to explore it in detail.

Conversations across the network

The presentation led into five small group discussions covering:

• Young people and NEETs
• Community enterprise
• Tackling poverty
• Community-led housing
• Local employment and regeneration

Each group explored what they’re seeing in practice, the barriers they’re encountering, and where there are opportunities for change. Although the conversations took different directions, several themes came up repeatedly.

Connecting investment with local people

Participants reflected on the amount of investment planned across Birmingham over the coming years, but also on the importance of ensuring local communities see the benefits.

Discussions covered access to jobs, skills and training, support for community businesses, affordable housing, and the role of local organisations in helping people navigate opportunities.

There was also recognition that communities already have considerable knowledge, experience and capacity. The challenge is making sure local people have a stronger voice in shaping decisions and that investment builds on those existing strengths.

Looking beyond individual issues

One of the useful aspects of the discussion was that it brought together people working on very different issues.

Whether the starting point was youth employment, poverty, housing or community enterprise, many of the same challenges emerged. The conversations reinforced the idea that these issues are connected and that lasting change is more likely when organisations work together rather than tackling problems in isolation.

Continuing the conversation

Economic Justice Brum exists to bring together people who care about creating a fairer economy for Birmingham. Our network includes community organisations, campaigners, researchers, businesses, public sector organisations and residents, all bringing different experiences and perspectives.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in June, and to Ifor Jones for sharing the Loconomy framework and helping to shape the discussion.

If you’d like to join a future gathering or keep up to date with the network, you can sign up to our newsletter.