Audit support for Burnley charities

The organisation will provide 60 health check reviews which will audit the current business landscape for third sector organisations and support them in building a roadmap to survive in these challenging conditions.

Many organisations have been unable to access funding or fundraise over the past six months, so income has severely reduced. The support package will help with key areas of operations including finance, marketing, sales and provide a detailed response highlighting options for change and opportunities for improvement.

As well as the health checks, Spring North will also provide training via an online knowledge hub, delivering FREE 30-minute business builder sessions, supported by practical tools and factsheets.

The team of business mentors will be led by Spring North’s business development manager, Martin Hartley-Smith.

A business graduate, Martin is a former deputy chief executive of a children’s charity and ex Business Link advisor has spent many years working with a wide range of charities and SMEs on business growth.

He said: “These are challenging times for our sector, and we’ve been approached multiple times by organisations that look to us for advice and support on a range of topics.

“As an organisation, we work collaboratively with partners so have an extensive network of experts within the sector to call on for support. CEOs and leaders are running their organisations on limited resources, often working in complex areas and with an ever-changing landscape.

"These Accelerate health checks will provide valuable time away from the day to day challenges, giving a knowledgeable sounding board to look at ways to navigate these short-term issues and build plans for longer term success.

“We will also be running a peer support programme so organisations can access help from people who exactly understand the challenges they are facing.

“Finally, our knowledge hub will provide practical tools to support business leaders in creating workable, achievable plans and solutions to aid recovery and growth. Rather than re-inventing the wheel, they will find templates that reflect their sector which will save time and provide a valuable checklist for action.”

Health checks are on a first come, first served basis and all the support is free of charge. For more information about obtaining one of the health check places, visit www.springnorth.org.uk