More Than a Social Enterprise. A Movement Built on 20 Years of Change.
Founded in 2004, Upturn has spent two decades building a powerful legacy of empowerment, innovation and lasting change in some of the UK's most underserved communities.
Established in 2004, Upturn is a recognised Social Enterprise limited by guarantee. We remain steadfast and true to our core mission — to unlock the potential and improve the lives and the health and wellbeing of people from diverse groups and disadvantaged communities.
We believe that 'everything starts and ends with the communities we serve'. This is reflected in how we encourage and share ideas, make space for our thoughts and feelings, and think about things together before getting projects and plans underway. We consider what we have achieved and learned, and how we can build on this to make things better.
We are committed to unlocking talents and realising dreams. We listen to and learn from the people and communities that we serve. Working together, we devise pathways to overcome problems, respond to opportunities and embrace new ideas. We do this in partnership — with stakeholders, providers of services and businesses.
We do not believe 'one size fits all'. Every person, whatever their circumstance, is unique and must be afforded adequate time, respect and space to imagine and articulate what they want, then confidently step ahead to achieve their goals.
We have long recognised that the barriers to social mobility are dynamic, complex and inter-linked. It is not just about jobs. They encompass family, gender, ethnicity, education, skills, training, disability, culture, values and beliefs. Perceptions, opinions and motivations must also be understood.
Upturn has helped several thousand people gain work experience, secure employment and set up businesses in key foundational sectors including health and social care, housing, construction, retail and food production. In the process, it has helped people become more confident, self-sufficient and equipped to contribute to the local economy. Upturn's Social Mobility ethos and approach can be traced back to its origins in 2002.
Upturn Timeline
2002
Upturn's social mobility ethos takes root. Co-founders Anwar Ali and Maria Williams begin community engagement work in Oldham.
2004
Upturn Enterprise Ltd formally incorporated. Registered as a Social Enterprise limited by guarantee. Mission: create pathways to opportunity for overlooked communities.
2006
Launch of first major employability programme in Oldham. Early partnerships with local housing associations and public sector bodies.
2008
Appointed by Guinness Housing Association to devise recruitment strategy and support apprentices in local communities.
2010
Expansion into health and social care sector. Skills for Care project launched — helping employers widen talent pools and recruit high-quality local staff.
2012
Set up and ran five work and enterprise clubs using the Upturn Community Champion model in high deprivation locations. Partnered with local training providers and place-based support services.
2014
Limehurst Village initiative launched with Regenda Homes. Integrated approach to enterprise and employment creates 30 new business start-ups within a single community.
2016
Cheshire Enterprise Start-Up programme — 20 partner organisations working together to support people furthest from employment. Major milestone in collaborative delivery.
2018
Working with GMCVO, secured a bid for £8M supporting the creation of social businesses in three Manchester boroughs.
2020
Programmes adapted to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital delivery accelerated. Continued to support individuals and communities through unprecedented uncertainty.
2021
Anwar Ali awarded OBE for services to social enterprise. Oldham designated SEUK Social Enterprise Place. NatWest SE100 recognition received.
2023
Strategic social value partner for GCHQ and MUSE Developments. Launch of Proper Good Social Investment Programme. Hive Oldham enterprise hub expanded.
2024
RecruitLocal AI platform launched. Apprenticeship Academy expanded. Teen Entrepreneur programme inspires the next generation across Greater Manchester.
Today
15,000+ individuals supported. 2,000 businesses created or grown. £5M+ invested in community outreach. UN SDG aligned. Still growing. Still committed.
Passion Meets Action
Every team member is deeply invested in our mission, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and ensuring that purpose drives every decision we make.
We constantly seek new and effective ways to tackle complex social issues — embracing creativity, adaptability and evidence-based practice in everything we do.
We believe true impact comes from working together, building strong and equitable relationships with individuals, communities and organisations across all sectors.
