Soho Road BID business Invited to Discover the Power of AI – and the Path to MBA-Level Leadership

July 14, 2025 by

14th July 2025

Business owners and directors of private limited companies on and around Soho Road are being urged to seize a golden opportunity to unlock the productivity and growth benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) at a free lunchtime workshop on Thursday, 24th July, from 12:30pm to 2:00pm at the Nishkam Centre.

Register

Hosted in partnership by the Soho Road Business Improvement District (BID) and the Nishkam Centre, this event is designed specifically for forward-thinking business leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re new to AI or already exploring digital tools, this hands-on session will show how AI can help your business reduce costs, increase productivity, and streamline day-to-day operations.

The session will be led by Professor Upkar Pardesi OBE, Board Director of Soho Road BID, who is also a nationally respected expert in small business growth, AI integration and strategic leadership.

“This is not just a workshop, it’s a chance to take your business thinking to the next level,” said Prof Pardesi. “Join us for a lively and engaging discussion, practical advice, and lunch on us!“

Private limited liability companies in Birmingham and surrounding areas are especially encouraged to attend, as they often face the dual challenge of managing day-to-day demands while planning long-term growth. This workshop will give them the tools to do both, with the help of AI.

Importantly, attendees will also be introduced to the fully-funded Senior Leadership Programme (SLP), a prestigious Level 7 qualification (equivalent to a Master’s degree) aimed at developing strategic, values-led leadership within SMEs. Graduates of the SLP can even progress towards a full MBA with additional credits.

Find out more about the SLP

Bob Balu, Chair of Soho Road BID, emphasised the urgency: “Every BID business should attend this workshop, AI isn’t a novelty and a passing fad, it’s a necessity for innovation and competitiveness and we must develop our future leaders, especially when fully-funded programmes like the SLP are available.“

Rakesh Soni, BID Manager, added: “We need more owners and directors who embrace a learning mindset. AI and leadership go hand in hand and this session will show you how to build both.“

Venue: Nishkam Centre, 6 Soho Road, B21 9BH

Time: 12:30pm – 2pm (includes lunch)

Register

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Small Charity Week 2025 – How Small Charities Are Having to do More With Less

June 26, 2025 by

Until June 28th, we’re proud to mark Small Charity Week 2025, a moment to celebrate the extraordinary impact of small charities across the UK. These organisations are often integral to their communities, offering vital support despite working under immense pressure.

This year’s theme, Financial Resilience and Sustainability, couldn’t be more appropriate. With the Cost of Living and Energy Crisis still affecting households and organisations alike, small charities are being asked to do more with less. Demand is rising, yet resources continue to shrink.

Financial Vulnerability

Small charities have been battling tough conditions since the pandemic. Between 2020-21 and 2021-22, public donations to small charities fell drastically, from making up 54% of their income to just 25%. As a result, 73% have had to seek alternative funding sources.

As seen in the graphic below, operational costs are also climbing steeply.

Rising Demand, Shrinking Capacity

As the economy strains families and communities, demand for charitable services is surging. Over half (56-57%) of charities report rising service demand.

But nearly a quarter (24%) of small charities have already had to cut services, with no room left to reduce further, creating a growing burden on those that remain.

The Path Forward: Investing in Leadership

In times like these, strong leadership isn’t optional – it’s essential. But how do small charities upskill their senior teams when funding is tight?

Apprenticeships are the solution

Through the government’s co-investment scheme, small organisations with a payroll under £3million can access 95% funded training, making professional development both accessible and affordable.

Empowering Charities Through Leadership

As a charity ourselves, we understand these challenges. That’s why we developed our Senior Leadership Programme (SLP), built specifically for the third sector, and rooted in values-led leadership.

With the SLP, you can:

  • Upskill your senior team to master’s level leadership
  • Do it for just 5% of the cost (£700)
  • Lay the foundation for a future MBA, in partnership with select universities

Prof. Chris Jones delivering a session to students participating in the first cohort of the SLP.

Find Out More

Let’s equip our sector’s leaders with the tools they need to face the future.

Visit: www.nishkamapprenticeships.org/leadership-hub

Or call: 0121-515-4229

Read about the successful start of our first cohort:

Early Success of Senior Leadership Programme with Outstanding Learner Retention and Impact

References

[1] Public giving to small charities fell from 54% of income to 25% (2020–2022).

https://www.lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk/news-and-reports/publications/small-charities-responding-to-crisis

[2] 78% of charities reported rising costs in the past year; 17% experienced increases of 30% or more.

https://www.cafonline.org/about-us/publications/2023-publications/uk-giving-2023

[3] 62% of charities experienced a drop in income.

https://www.cafonline.org/about-us/publications/2023-publications/uk-giving-2023

[4] 56–57% of charities have seen demand for services increase during the cost-of-living crisis.

https://www.cafonline.org/about-us/publications/2023-publications/uk-giving-2023

https://locality.org.uk/

[5] 24% had already reduced services and had no further room to scale back.

https://www.dsc.org.uk/research

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