Empowering your numbers

We help social enterprises, Charities and purpose driven organisations conquer their financial fears and thrive.

Why Passion Isn’t Enough – And What It Really Takes to Build a Sustainable Social Enterprise

Helping You Build Financially Sustainable Impact

When I launched North West Numbers CIC in 2019, I had one clear mission:
To help passionate, purpose-led organisations understand and use their finances to build something that lasts.

I’ve worked with dozens of small charities, CICs, and social enterprises since then — and the story is often the same. These organisations are set up by people who’ve overcome something personal and want to give back. They care deeply, they work hard, and they want to make a difference.

But passion, on its own, isn’t enough.
It’s a great starting point — but without structure, financial clarity, and proper systems, it won’t carry you far.

At first, I tried to bridge that gap myself. I hoped for public funding so I could support organisations at little or no cost. When that didn’t come through, I carried on anyway — charging well below market rates, subsidising the work myself, and offering tailored advice and practical help wherever I could.

But five years on, I’ve learned some hard truths.

Not every organisation is in a place to be helped.
And passion alone won’t pay the bills — not yours, and not mine.

The Hard Lessons

Here’s what I see over and over again — and what it tells me about what needs to change if we want this sector to survive:

1. Financial records are not optional

Missing receipts, unexplained costs, no trail of where the grant money went. It’s not just messy — it’s risky. Funders won’t keep backing organisations that can’t prove where the money’s gone.

2. You need to understand your numbers

You don’t need to become an accountant. But if you don’t know what’s coming in and going out — or what that means — you’re not leading.
Good finance is good leadership.

3. Grants aren’t a business model

You can’t run your organisation based on whatever’s being offered this year. That’s exhausting, unstable, and unsustainable. You need a mix of income streams — and a clear plan.

4. Planning ahead isn’t a luxury

Pulling accounts together at the last minute is a red flag. It puts stress on everyone involved and puts your reputation at risk. Good governance means being prepared.

5. Time poverty is real — but burnout isn’t a strategy

Many founders are doing it all — leading, delivering, fundraising, managing. Without a strong team and proper boundaries, burnout is just a matter of time.

6. Financial discipline protects your mission

Careless mistakes with restricted funding, overdue reports, or vague financials don’t just risk penalties — they risk trust. And without trust, there is no mission.

What Needs to Change

If your organisation is going to move beyond firefighting, here’s what it takes:

✅ Take your financial responsibilities seriously
Know what’s required of you. Build systems that work. Stay engaged and ask questions.

✅ Plan properly — not just reactively
Budgets, forecasts, and monthly reports are your tools for control and confidence — not just paperwork for funders.

✅ Work with professionals — and work with them
Hiring an accountant isn’t a fix-all. It’s a partnership. To get value, you need to stay involved.

✅ Start thinking like a business
This isn’t about profit — it’s about protecting your purpose. A sustainable structure helps you serve your community for the long haul.

Where North West Numbers CIC Stands Today

I’m still just as committed to this sector — but I now focus on working with organisations who are ready to step up.

That means:

• You’re willing to get your financial house in order
• You want more than compliance — you want clarity
• You’re done with crisis mode and want to plan for long-term impact
  

If that sounds like where you are — or where you want to be — I’d love to help you get there.

But I no longer chase clients who aren’t ready.
I work with those who are committed to getting it right — for themselves, their teams, and the people they serve.

If you’re ready to build something sustainable, let’s talk.

Who We Work Best With

North West Numbers CIC is the right fit for you if your organisation is:

✅ Established
You’ve been operating for at least 3 years and have moved past the start-up phase. You’ve got clear goals, a defined mission, and you're ready to build something that lasts.

✅ Turning Over Between £250k and £3m
Big enough to need regular, structured financial advice — but small enough to value a personal, collaborative relationship.

✅ Led by Values-Driven People
Your leadership team genuinely cares about people, purpose, and impact — not just appearances or short-term wins.

✅ Financially Curious
You don’t need to be a finance expert, but you’re willing to engage with your numbers, ask questions, and make decisions based on evidence.

✅ Ready to Invest in Support
You see professional advice as an investment in your future — not just a box to tick. You understand the value of working with someone who truly understands your sector.

✅ Respectful and Accountable
You meet deadlines, communicate clearly, and take responsibility for your part in the process. You want a partnership — not a rescue service.

✅ Open to Systems
You’re willing to use financial software (like QuickBooks) and you want better processes, not just more spreadsheets.

If this sounds like you — you’re exactly who I built North West Numbers CIC to support.

If you’re not quite there yet, that’s okay — but be honest about where you are and what you’re willing to change.