EDIBLE EAST C.I.C.

Executive Summary

EDIBLE EAST C.I.C. is a micro-sized community interest company operating in the artistic creation and cultural education sector, characterized by low revenue and early-stage investment in community-focused interdisciplinary projects. Its programming aligns well with current sector trends emphasizing arts-science integration and social inclusivity, positioning it as a niche player within the Norwich cultural landscape. Financially typical for a start-up CIC, it relies on partnerships and grants, facing common challenges around sustainability and growth in a competitive funding environment.

EDIBLE EAST C.I.C. - Analysis Report

Company Number: 13971020

Analysis Date: 2025-07-29 17:43 UTC

1. Industry Classification
   EDIBLE EAST C.I.C. operates primarily in the "Artistic creation" sector (SIC 90030), with significant activities in "Cultural education" (SIC 85520) and "Other education not elsewhere classified" (SIC 85590). These sectors are characterized by creative production, community engagement through arts and culture, and educational outreach, often with a social or community interest focus. As a Community Interest Company (CIC), EDIBLE EAST aims to blend artistic, educational, and social goals, serving local communities through creative and scientific educational activities.

2. Relative Performance
   Financially, EDIBLE EAST C.I.C. is a micro entity with minimal turnover (£4,479 in the latest year, down from £16,314 the prior year) and negative net assets (-£1,575), reflecting ongoing investment and start-up phase losses. It operates without employees, relying on directors and partners, consistent with many small CICs focused on community projects rather than profit generation. Compared to typical small creative and educational non-profits or CICs, this financial profile is common: low revenue, reliance on grants or donations, and expenditures exceeding income while establishing programs. The negative working capital (net current liabilities) also aligns with early-stage growth where funding timing and project expenses fluctuate.

3. Sector Trends Impact
   The broader cultural and educational sectors have seen increasing emphasis on community engagement, interdisciplinary projects combining art and science, and digital and environmental themes. EDIBLE EAST’s activities—such as workshops involving biodiversity, DNA sequencing projects, and environmental education—reflect current trends in arts integration with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Post-pandemic recovery efforts and increased public funding for community resilience and wellbeing through the arts have likely supported its projects. However, funding volatility and competitive grant environments remain challenges for small CICs, affecting sustainability and growth potential.

4. Competitive Positioning
   As a small CIC focused on artistic creation and education, EDIBLE EAST occupies a niche within the local Norwich community, leveraging partnerships with scientific institutions (Earlham Institute, Quadram Institute) and cultural bodies. Its strengths include interdisciplinary programming combining science and art, community inclusivity (workshops for underserved groups and schools), and visible outreach through exhibitions and events. Financially, it is typical of emerging social enterprises with limited turnover and negative reserves, reflecting reinvestment in community impact rather than profit. Compared to larger arts organizations or education providers, EDIBLE EAST is a follower or niche player, dependent on collaborative networks and grant funding rather than commercial revenue streams. Its non-remunerated directors and low overheads enable focused mission delivery but also limit scale and financial resilience.