Think for the Future (TFTF), a provider of structured in-school interventions focused on improving student behaviour, engagement and inclusion, has secured a £745,000 debt finance package from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II, through appointed Fund Manager for the East and South East Midlands, Maven.
Founded by CEO Cherie White, Think for the Future partners with schools and multi-academy trusts to deliver targeted programmes that improve behaviour, attendance and academic progress. The business currently works with more than 180 schools and trusts across the UK, with a strong presence in Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.
Delivering Integrated Behaviour Hubs and fully managed Inclusion Centre provision within mainstream schools, the business supports pupils at risk of exclusion. Services are individually tailored to pupil numbers, providing a cost-effective alternative to permanent exclusion and external placements, while delivering improved outcomes for individual students.
In addition to its national Inclusion Centre Provision, the business has developed Purple, an innovative impact and data analysis system designed specifically for schools and organisations working with young people. The proprietary data platform is designed to unify operational and pupil data into a single analytical system. After extensive testing across its existing school network, the business is now preparing for a phased commercial rollout.
The £745,000 funding from the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II will support the continued expansion of Inclusion Centre provision to increase the number of centres alongside scaling the Purple platform. The debt finance will also provide additional working capital to support the company’s next phase of growth.
"This investment marks a significant milestone for Think for the Future. Demand for high-quality, inclusive provision within mainstream schools is growing rapidly, and this funding allows us to scale our Inclusion Centres while continuing to innovate through our Purple data analysis platform. Our focus has always been on keeping young people engaged in education and equipping schools with practical, cost reducing and effective solutions that work in the real world."
Cherie White, Founder and CEO of Think for the Future
"Think for the Future is an impressive business that is making a measurable difference in schools across the region and beyond. It combines strong social impact with a clear and scalable commercial model, particularly through its Inclusion Centre provision and the development of Purple. The depth of its relationships with partner schools and the clarity of the growth strategy gave us real confidence in the opportunity. This funding will support the next stage of expansion, and we look forward to working closely with the team as they continue to grow."
Richard Altoft, Investment Director at Maven
"The Midlands Engine Investment Fund II is pleased to support the next phase of growth as Think for the Future expands its reach and strengthens its partnerships with schools. The funding will enable continued innovation of its programme offering with the potential to scale its impact across the UK. The investment reflects the Fund’s commitment to backing ambitious businesses across the region."
David Tindall, Senior Investment Manager at the British Business Bank
This latest investment adds to a growing list of businesses backed by MEIF II - Debt Finance East and South East Midlands. To date, the Fund has backed a diverse range of businesses including, Doughnotts, an artisan manufacturer of fresh pastry donuts, TrulySMB, a technology business helping firms with Microsoft, Acres Insurance Brokers, a special agricultural insurance broker, Sleaford Building Services, mechanical, electrical and construction contractor, Lemon and Lime, a home staging business, TextureJet, a DeepTech firm, Sunset Commercial, a commercial brokerage business, and Vision4Sport, a sports hospitality specialist.
As Fund Manager of MEIF II - Debt Finance East and South East Midlands, Maven can provide business loans from £100,000 to £2 million to support both earlier and later stage businesses with real growth potential across a range of sectors. If your business, or the business you advise, is considering debt finance to support future growth please, click here.