Birmingham skyline against a blue sky with white clouds

The University of Birmingham, along with Aston University, Birmingham City Council, Bournville Village Trust, The Pioneer Group, and University Hospitals Birmingham, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalise its strategic relationships as part of the Birmingham Anchor Network. 

My priority is to tackle inequalities in neighbourhoods right across the city and this network has a huge part to play.

Councillor John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council

First established in September 2019, the Birmingham Anchor Network is a partnership of the six institutions set up to support community wealth building. With combined budgets of more than £4bn and a workforce of over 40,000, these anchor institutions are major economic agents in the city. By working together on procurement, employment, and the management of land assets, they can maximise their positive impact.

Cllr John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “My priority is to tackle inequalities in neighbourhoods right across the city and this network has a huge part to play. This is an important element of our inclusive growth approach, with community wealth building at its heart, which seeks to ensure that the strengths of a growing economy reach every corner of the city and that the wealth is retained within our communities.”