Consultancy

Specialist Consultancy for Social Firm Development.

Social Firms Wales responds to the needs of some of the most marginalised people in today’s society, offering a route to paid employment, for those who continually face prejudice and closed doors in the open labour market. Therefore it is highly recommended that the social and commercial viability of any business idea is seen as paramount in the early stages of project management.

The Social Firm Sector
A Social Firm is a business set up specifically to offer a solution to social exclusion and economic inactivity through the labour market integration of disadvantaged groups. These groups could include people with learning, physical or sensory disability, people with mental health problems, ex-offenders, and people recovering from substance misuse, people from black and ethnic minorities. There are 3 core values that Social Firms will subscribe to within their businesses - Enterprise, Employment and Empowerment.

Commercial Social Firm Feasibility Study

A feasibility study is designed to provide an overview of the primary issues related to a business idea. The purpose is to identify any make or break issues that would prevent the business idea from being successful in the marketplace and provides much of the information necessary for a business plan.

Commercial Business Plan with Social Aims
A business plan is a complete description of a business and its plans for the next one to three years. It explains what the business does. It suggests who will buy the product or service and why and it provides financial forecasts demonstrating overall viability, while indicating the finance available and explaining the financial requirements.

For most businesses, the business plan will probably be the most important element in helping to convince prospective funders that the business proposal is viable and that those involved have the commitment and determination to succeed. It is important therefore to take the time to research the content carefully and to present it professionally. Social Firms Wales has a sound track record in providing Business Planning advice and implementation that in turn helps organisations to keep on-track with a commercial model of business that supports social agendas.

Follow-on Core Business Support
The first 12–18 months of most business start-ups are considered to be absolutely crucial. Whilst early business activity should give a good indication of which elements are working or not, Social Firms Wales sees ongoing business support as a vital component in the development of a business.

It is well documented that only one in 10 new businesses succeed, primarily because of lack the of appropriate business support. Without being invasive, Social Firms Wales has the skills and expertise to help and proffer that follow-on business support and is able to advice as to what to further develop or abandon, or which elements the business should to continue to develop in its endeavours to grow a commercially viable business model.