Social Investment Readiness

Social Investment Application for New Lasting Power of Attorney Service
Pulse supported Carers Support South Lakes (CSSL) to make a Reach Fund application which we then used to provide business planning, financial planning, and social impact report work. CSSL were looking to scale up a pilot enterprise which provided advice and support to people to complete a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). Pulse developed a comprehensive business plan which established a business model for the LPA service, including a market assessment, managing, and staffing structure, and a marketing/ sales strategy. A detailed 3-year cashflow forecast was developed, and a report produced of the planned social impact of the service. Pulse presented this to the Trustee Board for their approval, and CSSL were able to secure a social investment of £35,500 loan to provide working capital and support marketing, recruitment, training, and equipment.

Mike Seaton, CSSL Chief Executive Officer said “We have had the pleasure of working with Pulse Regeneration on a number of projects during the past three years.  Chris and his team have a wealth of knowledge and experience of the voluntary, public and private sector.  Pulse have made a significant contribution in helping Carers Support South Lakes to understand the importance of Social Enterprise, and how complimentary projects can be developed which extend the work of the charity and generate valuable unrestricted funding in order to build sustainability”.

Social Investment Application for Therapeutic Support Services Development
Pulse worked closely with IntraQuest, a specialist learning, well-being and community service provider based in East Manchester, to help secure a social investment from First Ark. Our support included developing a business plan, financial projections and undertaking social impact assessment. The business planning work involved a number of development sessions with the Senior Management Team and Board members to develop a new business strategy involving a relocation and new activities including development of an outdoor wellbeing centre, and potential to secure new contracts with schools for therapeutic support. Robust financial projections were needed for the and we provided support to IntraQuest in making the social investment application. The result was a successful application for £35,000 of social investment made up of a 50% loan and 50% grant.

Social Investment Support for SPE Furnishings Expansion
Pulse supported Spacious Place Engage (SPE) with business and financial planning support to help expand their furnishing retail operation, including an investment loan for new staffing. The business planning work has included the relocation of a main retail store in Burnley, and an approach from Wigan Council to set up a new outlet in Wigan. Pulse has undertaken market research and product development work for SPE, including detailed competitor analysis, pricing, systems development, partnership and supply chain management, marketing and business expansion planning for further retail stores. We have also developed detailed income and expenditure projections and a Theory of Change to help SPE to understand, manage, monitor and report on its social impact.