What Better Connect does

Better Connect is a UK non-profit (company limited by guarantee, formerly Your Consortium) founded in 2007 and headquartered in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire. It designs and leads partnership-based employability, skills, health and inclusion programmes, functioning as the strategic lead partner that secures government funding (DWP, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, North Yorkshire Council, National Lottery) and distributes it through a consortium of 200+ locally embedded Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise delivery partners across Yorkshire. Since 2007 it has delivered over £35 million of programme funding, supported 10,000+ participants, and run 30+ projects including Action Towards Inclusion, Thriving at Work, RISE, Rise2Thrive, Trailblazer, SHINE, Multiply, and STEPUP.

The core operating model is a keyworker-led, person-centred intervention delivered through front-line VCSE partners such as Autism Plus, St Giles Trust, Foundation UK, Rural Arts, Thrive Outside CIC, Working For Health, and University of York (for independent evaluation). Better Connect does not build proprietary technology; its capability stack is programme design, funding management, compliance, performance monitoring, evaluation, and partnership orchestration, supplemented by a small in-house video production service (Better Connect Productions) and digital channels (website, Linktree, YouTube, Instagram). The technology and AI footprint is minimal — there are no disclosed APIs, SDKs, AI/ML modalities, or patents.

Revenue is grant and contract income rather than commercial sales; programmes are free at the point of delivery for participants. Better Connect retains a management and coordination margin while passing the bulk of funds to delivery partners, and is increasingly positioning itself as the lead-partner of choice for UK Government employment initiatives such as Connect to Work (Get Britain Working) and Jobs Guarantee, extending from York and North Yorkshire into West Yorkshire and Lincolnshire through 2026. Leadership comprises CEO Natasha Babar-Evans (joined May 2022, IEP Fellow), with heads of business development, impact, and relationship management supporting a 11-50 person team.

Name

Better Connect

Legal name

Better Connect Ltd

Website

https://betterconnect.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

UK non-profit partnership lead that designs and manages government-funded employability, skills and inclusion programmes across Yorkshire, coordinating 200+ VCSE delivery partners to support economically inactive and NEET adults into work.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Employability and Workforce Inclusion Services

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Employment & Job Readiness Support Services (BPAGAEAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Employer-Led Workforce Partnerships & Sector Strategies (EDAAAOAB), Education, Skills & Workforce Development Aid Programs (BPADABAE)

Keywords

• Employability programmes
• Partnership programme design
• VCSE sector support
• Workforce inclusion services
• Community employment partnerships

Headquarters

HQ city

Harrogate

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Programme Funding: Better Connect generates revenue through securing and managing government-funded programmes. They distribute funding to delivery partner organisations while retaining management and coordination responsibilities. Major funders include DWP, UKSPF, York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, and National Lottery.
2. Programme Management and Grant Distribution: As lead partner, Better Connect manages programme infrastructure, funding distribution, compliance, performance monitoring, and evaluation. They distribute funds to VCSE delivery partners while coordinating delivery.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Better Connect designs and leads partnership programmes delivering employability, skills, health, and inclusion support to economically inactive and employed adults across Yorkshire. Operating as a non-profit lead partner, they secure and manage government-funded contracts (DWP, UKSPF, Combined Authorities, National Lottery), coordinate a network of 200+ locally-embedded VCSE delivery partners, and provide tailored one-to-one keyworker support to participants facing barriers to employment.

Product overview

Better Connect is a non-profit partnership organization offering a portfolio of employment support programmes across Yorkshire. The core offering includes employability programmes (Rise2Thrive, Rise2Thrive Trailblazer, STEPUP, SHINE), government initiatives (Connect to Work, Jobs Guarantee), and concluded programmes (Multiply, RISE, Action Towards Inclusion, Thriving at Work). Services include video production, research and evaluation, and community anchor capacity building. All programmes are delivered through partnership networks of local VCSE organisations using a keyworker model providing tailored one-to-one support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Rise2Thrive Trailblazer Partnership programme combining pre-employment and in-work support for economically inactive and employed adults in York and North Yorkshire who face barriers to engaging with employment and training opportunities. Delivered through hyper-local VCSE organisations providing tailored one-to-one keyworker support.
• STEPUP Innovative skills-based partnership programme helping adults in York and North Yorkshire gain confidence, develop practical skills, and re-engage with education. Partners with 30 VCSE organisations to support adults aged 18+ who are disengaged from learning.
• Trailblazer Community Grants Grants programme funded through York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority's Trailblazer initiative, awarding 26 grants to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations across the region. Each funded project offers first-step employability support to economically inactive individuals.
• SHINE Supporting Health Interventions, Neurodiversity and Employment programme for economically inactive adults in East Riding with barriers linked to health, disabilities, and neurodiversity.
• Connect to Work (York and North Yorkshire) Government employment support programme under 'Get Britain Working' strategy, using Individual Placement Support (IPS) model to help disabled people and those with health conditions find and sustain suitable work. Targeting 1,689 individuals over five years across York and North Yorkshire.
• Connect to Work (West Yorkshire) West Yorkshire expansion of the Connect to Work programme, with Better Connect applying as Lead Partner for the Individual Placement Support element through a partnership of locally rooted IPS-specialist organisations.
• Jobs Guarantee Government programme providing six-month paid job placements for young people aged 18-24 who have been NEET for 18+ months, with wrap-around support and training. Approximately 5,300 participants expected across Lincolnshire, East/North Yorkshire, and West Yorkshire.
• Better Connect Productions Service Video production service creating films, case studies, and impact documentation for programme participants and delivery partners, capturing impact stories and supporting marketing communications.
• Research and Reports Impact measurement and evaluation service producing research reports and programme evaluations, including partnerships with University of York academics for external evaluation of programme effectiveness.
• Community Anchor Support Support service for small hyper-local organisations across North Yorkshire to develop marketing, communications, policy, process, and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion capabilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 92.4% of Thriving at Work participants who received 1-to-1 Workplace Support remained in employment following support
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• St Giles TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational charity founded over 60 years ago in London, specialising in supporting people held back by poverty, homelessness, unemployment, exploitation, abuse, and criminal justice system. On Rise2Thrive programme, Mike and Kelly deliver practical and personal support including accredited learning, debt advice, budgeting skills, and wellbeing advice to economically inactive individuals in York and North Yorkshire.
• Rural ArtscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThirsk-based charity providing creative and arts-based interventions. Partner on Rise2Thrive programme delivering wellbeing activities including pottery, crafts, and creative sessions. Organised collaborative workshops with Thrive Outside for participants.
• Thrive Outside CICcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYork-based community interest company combining nature-based activities with outdoor crafts. Delivers wellbeing interventions on Rise2Thrive programme including heritage craft, whittling, and twine making sessions in green spaces. 17 of 17 participants reported improved mental health and skills through their interventions.
• Up For YorkshirecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelby-based charity supporting people and community organisations to achieve aspirations. CEO Chris Hailey-Norris serves on Better Connect Board. Delivers RISE, Rise2Thrive, and Community Anchor support including 'Fizzical Fridays' fitness classes, wellbeing walks, and community café services.
• Go4itcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerScarborough-based organisation passionate about closing opportunities gap for those furthest from labour market. Delivers over 100 accredited and non-accredited courses including security, first aid, functional skills on RISE and Multiply programmes. Supported over 700 individuals across Better Connect programmes.
• Autism PluscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYorkshire-based charity with over 30 years experience helping neurodivergent individuals thrive in life and work. Delivers keyworker support on Rise2Thrive Trailblazer programme, supporting participants with autism assessments and ongoing career exploration.
• Mindful PhotographycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelivers therapeutic photography courses on Rise2Thrive Trailblazer. Provides Introduction to Mindful Photography and Therapeutic Photography courses helping participants manage pain, build confidence, and develop creative outlets.
• Coterminous CICcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity interest company on Rise2Thrive Trailblazer programme providing practical support including helping participants fill out forms, become more organised, and access additional services.
• Foundation UKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational charity based across North England, working with care leavers, domestic abuse victims, ex-offenders, and those at risk of homelessness for over 30 years. Delivers keyworker support on RISE programme, supporting participants in Malton hostels and Selby area.
• York LearningcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelivers education and training support on RISE and Multiply programmes. Part of first Peer Support Network for keyworkers meeting in York.
• North Yorkshire SportsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on RISE programme Peer Support Network, contributing to partnership wellbeing and keyworker support.
• Inspired YouthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYork-based partner creating case studies and films for Multiply and Rise2Thrive programmes. Worked with Kev Curran to capture participant stories including Kian's journey.
• Craven CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelivers education and training on RISE programme. Partner on Peer Support Network. Showcased family's journey toward self-employment through Multiply programme.
• Kyra Women's ProjectsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on RISE programme Peer Support Network, contributing to keyworker support and collaboration.
• FutureworkssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on RISE programme, delivering furniture work skills in Scarborough area.
• Art Therapy YorkshiresupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on RISE programme Peer Support Network. Suggested group art therapy for keyworkers as wellbeing support.
• Foundation UKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on RISE programme Peer Support Network, contributing expertise in supporting vulnerable populations.
• Revival North YorkshiresupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Anchor organisation near Staithes in North York Moors. Aims to revive community spirit and provide support, services and activities to improve wellbeing, particularly for elderly community members. Received marketing and impact support from Better Connect.
• Glusburn Community ArtssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Anchor organisation in Glusburn operating from a grade II listed building hosting events, concerts, theatre and classes. Received marketing, communications support and video production from Better Connect Impact Team.
• University of YorkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic research partner conducting external evaluations of Better Connect programmes. Dr Jane Suter and Dr Tina Kowalski examined Rise2Thrive effectiveness through lived experience lens. Dr Annie Irvine collaborated on previous evaluations. Research shapes programme delivery and policy.
• Working For Health (WFH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelivers SHINE programme in East Riding. One former SHINE participant (Callum) is now employed at WFH - the same team that supported him through the programme.
• New Beginnings Peer SupportcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Rise2Thrive programme providing peer support to Vicky, a participant who experienced domestic abuse. Contributed to her 'Life in Colour' journey alongside Mindful Photography UK.
• Community Anchors NetworksupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of small, hyper-local organisations across North Yorkshire deeply embedded in communities. Better Connect supports them to develop marketing, communications, policy, process, and EDI capabilities. Includes Revival North Yorkshire, Glusburn Community Arts, and others.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• The King's Trust (formerly Prince's Trust): Major UK youth charity supporting NEET 18-24 year-olds into employment, training, and education, and a likely delivery partner (or competitor) for the Jobs Guarantee programme that Better Connect is targeting.
• Locality: UK membership network supporting community organisations and social enterprises delivering local services, including employability programmes. Mirrors Better Connect's focus on strengthening the VCSE sector's capacity to deliver public-sector-funded services.
• Shaw Trust: Large UK charity providing employment, skills, and wellbeing services for disabled people and disadvantaged groups, operating government-funded programmes (including IPS) through a delivery partner and prime model very similar to Better Connect. Comparable lead-partnership role across multiple regions and contract types.
• Catch22: National social business running employability, education, and justice-focused programmes funded by DWP, MHCLG, and Combined Authorities. Operates as a lead partner building local delivery partnerships — a model closely aligned with Better Connect's consortium approach.
• Ingeus UK: Major UK employment services provider delivering DWP programmes (Restart, Work and Health Programme, IPS) through regional supply chains of subcontractors. Directly competes with Better Connect for government welfare-to-work prime contracts.
• Groundwork UK: Federated UK charity delivering employability, skills, and community programmes through local Groundwork trusts, with strong VCSE partnership models and government funding (DWP, UKSPF). Comparable focus on economically inactive adults and place-based delivery.
• Pluss: UK social enterprise delivering employment support, apprenticeships, and IPS for disabled people, including programmes commissioned by DWP and local authorities. Operates a regional partnership model targeting the same participant cohorts (health conditions, disability, economic inactivity).

Broad incumbents

• Maximus UK: Large international employment services and health assessment provider with substantial UK welfare-to-work contracts (Work Capability Assessment, Restart). A broader incumbent that competes for the same government employability tenders as Better Connect but at much greater scale.
• Reed in Partnership: UK employment services subsidiary of Reed, delivering DWP programmes (Restart, Work and Health Programme) through local supply chains. Comparable prime-contractor model but with a for-profit structure and broader portfolio.
• Seetec: Large UK employability and skills provider delivering DWP programmes and managing supply chains of subcontractors across regions. Competes for similar prime contracts (Restart, Work and Health) as Better Connect but at considerably larger scale.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@yourconsortiumnyorks/videos
• Xx.com/BetterConnectUK
• Facebookfacebook.com/BetterConnectUK
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/betterconnectlimited

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Better Connect