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Made by Serif

We are a consultancy that uses the experience gained in the CDFI and social enterprise sectors to help other organisations that are seeking to become sustainable. These organisations can include new CDFIs, existing CDFIs that want to develop and new or existing social enterprises. We can also supply expertise to local authorities, LEPs and increasingly business mentoring organisations.

As a consultancy, we have set up a CDFI as Project Manager, run a CDFI as Chief Executive for several years and operated on CDFI boards. We can also involve other practitioners to contribute to larger projects. In addition, we have also worked with social enterprises to help them convert their ideas into income generating businesses. Andrew Baker is currently a board member at SEEM, which works with social businesses across the region and beyond.

Andrew Baker is an MBA qualified community finance professional. He worked at a senior level within the aerospace industry before setting up Derbyloans in 2002. Until mid 2007 he was Chief Executive of Derbyloans and managed it from tiny beginnings to a thriving community business with four branches across Derbyshire. It has continued to grow and now operates across an even wider area under the MCF brand - Midlands Community Finance.

As well as setting up and running a successful CDFI, Andrew has raised capital and revenue for clients from various public and private funders, including DWP Growth Fund, the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation and Tudor Trust. Andrew believes that in order to be successful, CDFIs must become more business focused and the development of financial planning models is a strong personal interest.

In addition to financial planning systems, the consultancy can provide expertise on funding, training, operations management and strategy and process development.

So if you are seeking a resource for a specific project, some background to help you understand the CDFI sector or an experienced business mentor, click on the tab for contact details.