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MISSION POSSIBLE
Local Balsall Heath business, ChangeKitchen CIC, has been shortlisted for Britain’s best ‘Mission Possible Award’ for best social enterprise at this year’s Small Awards.
Now in its tenth year The Small Awards is a nationwide search for the UK’s greatest small firms, across all sectors. It is organised annually by Small Business Britain, which champions and supports the nation’s 5.5 million small firms.
ChangeKitchen CIC is in its 16th year and works tirelessly to end food poverty in Birmingham, reduce food waste, and increase employment opportunities for those far from the workplace. Every catering booking, business functions or private celebrations as well as every coffee bought in their Kindness Café, provides free community meals, healthy eating training in the community, volunteering and work experience in the hospitality sector.
It has been selected as one of just eight finalists for the ‘Mission Possible’ category that recognises the best social enterprise that is driven by its mission over and above financial performance, that benefits a group, a community or society more widely.
The Small Awards celebrate the successes of Britain’s small businesses, with eleven different awards for small firms leading the way across everything from sustainability to digital adoption, and showcasing all types of small businesses including social enterprises, family-owned businesses, sole traders and start-ups.
“We are so proud to be celebrating a decade of the Small Awards. The awards celebrate the very best of the UK’s small business owners, who make such a difference in their local communities and are a key driver of the nation’s economic growth,” said Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder of Small Business Britain.
“The awards are a great opportunity to recognise the success and contributions of so many small businesses – ChangeKitchen CIC is extremely deserving of being a finalist, and we look forward to celebrating together in May.”
Birgit Kehrer, Founder and CEO of ChangeKitchen CIC said, “This has been a real surprise but a very happy one. To be recognised nationally in this category of best social enterprise is remarkable. I am so grateful for the acknowledgement of what I, and the whole team at ChangeKitchen CIC, is so passionate about.”
“We’re passionate about good food that’s tasty and nutritious but also does good for people and planet – we’re actually the only climate-friendly caterer in the Midlands! Every booking makes a difference as free community meals are an essential ingredient in every catering menu.”
“The Small Awards, run by Small Business Britain, show just how important small businesses are to the UK economy. ChangeKitchen CIC would very much like to wish all those shortlisted ‘good luck’ and we’re looking forward to meeting everyone at the Awards evening!”
Judged by a panel of industry experts, the winners of all categories, including the overall winner of the Small Business of the Year award, will be announced at an awards ceremony in London on 21st May 2026.
The ceremony will this year be held at Christchurch in Spitalfields London, with plans underway for a night of entertainment, inspiration and celebration for the UK’s greatest small businesses.
