No Going Back (NGB), a social enterprise that helps former offenders reintegrate into society through employment, was struggling with financial instability and limited growth. Before joining the ASSETS programme, the organisation lacked confidence in pursuing new business and didn’t have a structured way to track its finances and social impact.
The challenge
- Financial Instability: NGB needed a clear financial framework to understand its profitability, track costs, and plan for future expansion.
Limited Growth: The organization’s inability to scale effectively held them back from pursuing new business and maximising their social impact.
Lack of Confidence: The NGB team, particularly its founder, lacked the confidence in leadership and decision-making needed to seek out growth opportunities.
Through taking part in ASSETS, NGB experienced a major transformation. A key outcome was the development of a clear financial framework. This framework gave NGB the tools to track profitability, assess costs, and plan for future expansion.
Alongside the practical tools, the organisation received invaluable support from mentors, whom the founder described as “friends and allies for life.” This mentorship provided both strategic guidance and personal encouragement, which was instrumental in giving the NGB team the confidence needed to pursue new business opportunities.
For me, the sessions held with specific topics have been exceptional. In addition, the senior members of the Wates Group who have been part of my mentoring team, as well as those that have taken part in the programme sessions have been hugely impactful. There has been a real feeling of honesty and genuine care from everyone involved - giving their time to truly have an impact to help us.
Key outcomes and impact
With its newfound financial clarity and confidence, NGB experienced significant growth and success:
Expanded Operations: NGB scaled from operating in two buildings to multiple sites across London.
Increased Revenue: The organisation secured seven new contracts, including £70,000 in additional business, and increased its annual revenue to £406,000.
Workforce Growth: NGB grew its team from three to ten employees.
New Opportunities: Through introductions from mentors, NGB developed valuable connections with potential clients and suppliers, positioning the organisation for long-term stability. The team also submitted a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire for further work with the Wates Group.
Ultimately, ASSETS provided NGB with the tools to effectively communicate its social impact and a stronger foundation to scale its business. NGB’s journey from “chaos” to confidence highlights ASSETS’ impact on social enterprises looking to maximise their reach and create lasting change.
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