Supporting Social Impact: Helping a UK University Explore a Social Enterprise Spinout

We partnered with a UK university to help turn a research-led initiative on domestic violence and abuse (DVA) into a community-focused venture. The driving force was a passionate researcher eager to translate academic expertise into real-world impact. The big question: Could this vision become a sustainable social enterprise or research institute, and what would be the best way to make it happen?

Our Approach

From June to October 2024, we delivered a hands-on programme of mentoring and consultancy. Our goal was to help both the researcher and the university decide if launching a new venture was truly viable—both practically and within the university’s own rules.

Here’s how we tackled it:

• Exploring Options: We compared different legal and operational models for social enterprises, such as community interest companies (CICs) and standard for-profit structures. We looked at how each option would affect governance, mission alignment, and the ability to scale up community services.
• Engaging Internal Stakeholders: We brought together the researcher and university representatives for workshops and discussions. Our team provided clear materials outlining the pros and cons of each model, including how they would impact control, intellectual property, and use of the university’s brand.
• Mapping the Landscape: To test the idea’s feasibility, we helped map out key external stakeholders and began validating the business model through interviews with potential partners and users—both in the UK and internationally, including Ethiopia and Poland. This helped identify priority markets based on existing networks.
• Assessing Fit and Risks: We worked closely with the university to understand potential risks and administrative requirements, such as conflicts of interest, branding, and intellectual property. We also explored ways the university could be affiliated with the new venture, balancing independence with credibility.
• Providing Practical Tools: Our final deliverables included a summary report comparing structures, a stakeholder map, case studies, and practical recommendations to guide next steps.

The Outcome

Our structured process gave both the researcher and the university the clarity they needed. A CIC limited by guarantee emerged as the most promising option, offering the right balance of mission alignment and operational flexibility—without conflicting with university policies. While final approval and incorporation are still pending, this project has set a clear path for future research-led social enterprises, providing a valuable model for similar initiatives.