OUTSIDE THE BOX LEARNING CIC

Executive Summary

OUTSIDE THE BOX LEARNING CIC holds a distinct market position as a community-focused arts and wellbeing provider, leveraging its CIC status and multidisciplinary leadership to deliver inclusive, socially impactful programs. While early-stage financial challenges and limited operational scale present risks, strategic growth opportunities exist through geographic expansion, digital program development, and enhanced stakeholder engagement. Addressing liquidity constraints and formalizing impact measurement will be critical to unlocking sustainable growth and strengthening its competitive advantage in the community arts sector.

OUTSIDE THE BOX LEARNING CIC - Analysis Report

Company Number: 13971369

Analysis Date: 2025-07-29 18:00 UTC

1. Strategic Assets
   OUTSIDE THE BOX LEARNING CIC operates as a private limited company limited by guarantee with a community interest company (CIC) structure, positioning itself uniquely in the artistic creation sector (SIC 90030) with a strong social mission. The company’s core strength lies in its focused community engagement model, delivering inclusive, high-quality art programs for youth and adults, especially targeting underserved populations who face barriers such as financial constraints or geographic isolation. The leadership team, including directors with expertise in creative direction, education, and cultural experiences, provides a multidisciplinary foundation that supports program development and community impact. The CIC status grants a competitive moat by embedding social value into its business model, which appeals to funders, partners, and stakeholders prioritizing social impact over pure commercial returns.

2. Growth Opportunities
   Given the nascent stage of the company (incorporated in 2022), there is substantial growth potential in scaling existing programs and diversifying offerings. Expansion could be realized by:

• Increasing geographic reach beyond Devon through partnerships with schools, museums, and community groups nationally.
• Developing digital art and mindfulness programs to complement physical sessions, enabling remote access and broadening the target market.
• Leveraging the unique Mindful Makers program, which blends art with mental health support, to tap into growing demand for holistic wellbeing services, especially in educational and community settings.
• Securing grants, social impact investments, and sponsorships aligned with CIC objectives to improve financial stability and fund program development.
• Formalizing stakeholder engagement mechanisms and impact measurement frameworks to strengthen credibility and attract further funding and partnerships.

3. Strategic Risks
   The company’s financial position shows net current liabilities of £4,098 and negative net assets, indicating liquidity constraints and an early-stage funding challenge that could limit operational sustainability if not addressed. The absence of employees suggests reliance on directors or volunteers, which could constrain scale and consistency of delivery. Competitive risks include other community arts providers and wellbeing programs that may have more established funding or brand recognition. The CIC’s social mission, while a differentiator, may limit revenue generation opportunities compared to commercial competitors. Additionally, the lack of stakeholder consultation reported could hinder responsiveness to evolving community needs or funder expectations, potentially impacting long-term engagement and impact.

4. Market Position
   OUTSIDE THE BOX LEARNING CIC currently occupies a niche within the artistic creation industry focused on social value and community development through inclusive arts education and wellbeing programs. Its positioning as a CIC allows it to serve populations underserved by commercial arts organizations, thus filling a critical social gap. However, its early-stage financials and limited scale mean it is still establishing its market presence and value proposition. The company’s integration of mindfulness with art uniquely differentiates it in the community arts segment, presenting a compelling proposition for funders and beneficiaries seeking holistic development programs.