Purpose needs a business engine.
Our team has founded and run social enterprises first-hand — including a not-for-profit that gave hundreds of Greater Manchester families free internet access. We help purpose-led organisations across Greater Manchester build the commercial foundations that let their mission thrive.
The hardest thing about running a social enterprise isn't the mission — it's making the mission financially sustainable. Too many brilliant, purpose-led organisations run on grant funding and goodwill until both run out. They don't need more passion. They need a business model.
We bring both. We've built commercial businesses and founded social enterprises — so we understand the tension between purpose and profit from the inside. Oldham is now one of only 35 designated Social Enterprise Places in the UK, and we're proud to help build that ecosystem across Greater Manchester.
People · Partnerships · Progress
Built on conversations and connections
Good consultancy begins by listening. Our approach values relationships, practical experience and understanding the communities and organisations we support.
Images from professional and community occasions. People pictured are not presented as clients or endorsers of Imagine Consultants.
From idea to sustainable impact
Structure & Governance
Choosing and setting up the right legal form — CIC, charity, company limited by guarantee — and building governance that funders and partners trust.
Funding Strategy
A realistic, diversified funding plan — grants, contracts, trading income and partnerships — so you're not forever one funding round from closure.
Commercial & Trading Models
Building earned-income streams that fund the mission, without losing sight of why you exist. The difference between surviving and scaling.
Impact Measurement
Articulating and evidencing your social value in a way that wins bids, satisfies funders and tells your story with credibility.
Partnerships & Profile
Connecting you to the civic, business and council networks across Greater Manchester that unlock funding, contracts and credibility.
Non-Exec & Board Roles
Ongoing board-level support as a trustee or non-executive — bringing commercial discipline to a purpose-led board.
Standing up a sustainable CIC from the ground up
"We have a brilliant idea and no idea how to make it a sustainable organisation."
A passionate founder with a strong social mission — say, vocational training for disadvantaged young people — but no clear structure, funding model, or governance, and a real risk of burning out on grant applications.
We'd help choose the right legal structure (often a CIC), build a three-year financial model blending grants, contracts and trading income, map the funding landscape — Youth Guarantee, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and more — and design a lean governance framework. Then open doors to the right civic and funding partners.
A registered, credible, fundable organisation with a realistic path to sustainability — not just a worthy idea, but a social enterprise built to last and to scale its impact.
Experience that's been earned
Our consultants have founded and run not-for-profits committed to closing the digital divide — including a programme that gave hundreds of disadvantaged Greater Manchester families free internet access and mobile data. Real interventions with real impact.
"There's no shortage of talent — what's been missing is a cohesive and focused approach to nurturing it."
We know what it takes to get a social enterprise off the ground because we've done it. That's the partner you want beside you.
See Our NetworkFamilies given free internet through our consultants' work
Oldham — a designated UK Social Enterprise Place
Specialisms across our boutique team
GM boroughs served
Building something that matters? Let's make it last.
Whether you're starting up, scaling, or strengthening a purpose-led organisation, we'd welcome a conversation about how to build the business foundations beneath your mission.
Social enterprise consultancy — frequently asked questions
What support do you offer social enterprises?
Strategy, governance, financial sustainability, funding and income diversification, operations, marketing and digital — practical help to grow impact while staying financially resilient.
Do you understand the difference between a social enterprise and a normal business?
Yes. We understand the balance between mission and money — that a social enterprise exists to do good, but can only do good for as long as it's financially sustainable.
Can you help us become less reliant on grants?
Yes. We help diversify income — building earned revenue and contracts alongside grants — so you're less exposed to unpredictable, restricted funding.
How much does your support cost?
Scoped to your needs and budget, at a fixed agreed price. We're conscious that social enterprises watch every pound, and we shape engagements accordingly.
Do you work with CICs and charities?
Yes — community interest companies, charities and other purpose-led organisations. We adapt to your legal structure and governance.
Can you help with funding and bid support?
We help you build a sustainable income strategy and strengthen the commercial and governance foundations funders look for, so your bids and model stand up to scrutiny.
What about measuring and demonstrating impact?
We help you define, measure and communicate impact clearly — which matters both for your mission and for funders, commissioners and partners.
Can you help us think commercially without losing our values?
That's exactly our aim. Commercial discipline funds the mission rather than diluting it — the most impactful social enterprises are usually the most commercially disciplined.
Do you offer fractional leadership to social enterprises?
Yes. A fractional CEO, finance or operations lead gives purpose-led organisations senior capability part-time, for a fraction of a full-time cost.
How do we get started?
A free discovery call to understand your mission, your challenges and where senior support would make the biggest difference — with no obligation.
Are you local to Greater Manchester?
Yes, we're based in Oldham and work across Greater Manchester and the North West, with a strong understanding of the local funding and support landscape.