MSEF (Manchester Social Enterprise Forum) was set up as an independent forum of agencies that supported social enterprises, in Manchester in 2003.

Initially called the Social Economy Forum, the loose grouping of organisations and agencies formally came together under the initiation of the Deputy leader of Manchester City Council. Its aim was to put in place measures to strengthen the Social Enterprise sector in Manchester and to provide a climate which enables social enterprises to establish and grow.

The Forum ensured support was available to social enterprises in Manchester, to represent their needs to both most able to effect change, to promote partnership, use resources to benefit communities in need and to stimulate debate at local and regional levels.

MSEF developed a strategic framework for social enterprise development in Manchester, and worked in partnership with Manchester City Council to direct investment into growth social enterprises in the city.