In 2004, MSEF developed a ten year framework for social enterprise in Manchester.

MSEF consulted practitioners in face to face interviews, and views of support agencies were incorporated through the Forum itself. The strategy sought to understand these needs in the context of local authority priorities, along with those of the wider national policy framework.

Since this time, social enterprise has become more widely understood, particularly as it has gained political attention, and has the sector has progressed and changed in the context of more resources and policy initiatives.

The vision as it was originally conceived, is focussed on creating an environment in which social enterprise can flourish, and thus generate jobs and “value” in social and environmental terms.

The framework also recognises that in order to sustain these benefits, there must also be emphasis on developing a sector robust enough to withstand future political and financial changes, thus emphasis is placed on linkages and mutual support for the social eoncomy.