Zaporizhzhia delegation in Birmingham.

Zaporizhzhia delegation in Birmingham.

Moseley for Ukraine presents its services for Ukrainians in Birmingham

Olga Popova presents the results of the MFU Business Support Programme for Ukrainians in Birmingham

On May 21 2025, a meeting was held at Moseley Hive with representatives from Birmingham City Council, the Ukrainian delegation from Zaporizhzhia City Council, Moseley Community Development Trust, and members of both the Ukrainian and British communities.

The cities of Zaporizhzhia and Birmingham have been twins cities since 1973. Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Birmingham City Council has actively supported Ukrainians, and local residents have generously opened their homes to Ukrainian families. This year, the City Council has also allocated a dedicated budget to assist Ukrainians — supporting entrepreneurship, integration into British society, relocation from sponsors to private accommodation, youth initiatives, and other important projects.

Currently, around 1,200 Ukrainians reside in Birmingham under the Homes for Ukraine scheme. Birmingham City Council is proud and delighted to have Ukrainians as part of the local community. The Council has launched a number of initiatives to help Ukrainians rebuild their lives and continues to provide both advisory and financial support for independent housing solutions. For example, nearly 190 Ukrainian families have already benefited from the Move-on Grant programme.

Members of the Zaporizhzhia City Council expressed their sincere gratitude for Birmingham’s ongoing support of Ukrainians and for the efforts to strengthen ties between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, particularly through the development of business partnerships and cultural exchange.

Lucy Kenny, CEO of Moseley Community Development Trust, highlighted in her speech that the volunteer initiative Moseley for Ukraine was established in the first weeks of the war and continues to actively support Ukrainians in Birmingham. Several projects are planned for implementation in 2025, including psychological support, guidance in securing private housing (in cooperation with Birmingham City Council and North Birmingham for Ukraine), as well as English language programmes such as ESOL, Walk & Talk, and the English Speaking Club. In partnership with Birmingham City Council, the Business Support Programme was also launched, providing Ukrainians with the essential knowledge needed to start their own businesses in the UK.

Olga Popova, Project Manager of Moseley for Ukraine, shared:

“The idea for the Business Support Programme emerged in response to the Ukrainian community's desire for financial independence and professional fulfilment in the UK. The development of the programme took five months, and in September last year, we launched it with the first group of Ukrainian participants. Over the course of six months, we delivered more than 20 workshops with business coaches and guest speakers from established UK enterprises. Fifteen participants gained invaluable experience and knowledge and went on to launch their own businesses. We plan to begin the next phase of the programme in September 2025, with the aim of helping even more Ukrainians start businesses in the UK.”