Transforming the business model in a social enterprise

To build the commercial resilience of Ashton – a large social enterprise (250 staff; turnover of £7.5m) that trades in a range of goods and services, reinvesting its profits in community services in Belfast’s divided and disadvantaged inner city. To do this by diversifying into high value procurement markets, better evidencing return on investment, strengthening operational management and developing a technology business line to grow turnover.

Andrew’s quick analytical abilities, effective writing and ability to use data synthetically have transformed Ashton’s business model.

• The tender process developed in the KTP is now used in real-time to strong commercial effect with a clear improvement in submission quality and success.
• Led the preparation of 12 bids that would not previously have been targeted, seven of which have been successful. The effectiveness of the procurement pathway toolkit developed by Andrew has surpassed expectations and under his guidance is being shared with 5 other large-scale social enterprises
• It is anticipated that £1m of new income will be achieved in the next 2 months, directly as a result of Andrew’s work
• Instrumental in developing social value measures, performance management and data capture systems across Ashton’s portfolio, setting out real-time costs and revenue for each service delivery area, and transforming Ashton’s management capability and culture, delivering cutting edge business planning tools on a targeted range of outcomes
• Challenged senior management to shift into new sectors and demonstrated sharp analytical abilities and a capacity to read markets
• Brought a deeper understanding of innovation in social enterprise-private business relationships and the importance of connecting both, showing how complementarities can be built to sustain the social economy and scale its future impact.

This KTP Associate is one of the finalists in the KTP Best of the Best Awards 2020.