Kirkby Enterprise Support Project

6 August 2026

Specialist Support for Organisations Facing Business-Critical Challenges

Are you a business, charity, social enterprise or trading organisation based in Kirkby-in-Ashfield that is facing significant operational or financial challenges?

The Kirkby Enterprise Support Project provides access to specialist consultancy support designed to help organisations address critical issues affecting their sustainability, growth and day-to-day operations. The programme is being delivered by Ian Cliffen, an experienced business consultant who will work directly with organisations on a one-to-one basis to identify practical solutions and develop a more sustainable operating model.

What Support Is Available?

Successful applicants will receive tailored advice and guidance to help:

• Review and strengthen their business model.
• Improve financial sustainability.
• Explore new markets and income opportunities.
• Reduce operational costs.
• Address challenges that are impacting organisational performance and financial viability.
• Develop practical solutions to restore stability and support future growth.

Who Can Apply?

This programme is specifically for trading organisations, including social enterprises, based in Kirkby-in-Ashfield that can demonstrate they are experiencing significant or business-critical challenges.

Examples may include:

• Financial pressures resulting in a deficit or ongoing losses.
• Rising operational costs that threaten sustainability.
• Challenges affecting the organisation's ability to deliver services or products.
• The need to diversify income or access new markets.

Limited Places Available

The programme has capacity to support approximately 10 to 20 organisations and will run until 31 March 2027. Organisations will be selected based on evidence of need and the potential impact that the support could deliver.

To determine eligibility, organisations will be asked to outline:

• The challenges they are currently facing.
• Why these challenges are critical to their sustainability, growth or operations.
• How specialist support would help address these issues.
• The financial impact these challenges are having on the organisation.

If your organisation is facing significant challenges and would benefit from expert support, contact the Ashfield District Council Business Support Team via business.support@ashfield.gov.uk to discuss whether this specialist intervention is right for you.