Starting a business is an opportunity to turn your experience and ideas into something meaningful. For Leigh Williams, founder of Thrive Health, that means building a commercially successful business while making a positive difference in local communities.
Founded in January 2026, Thrive Health is a Community Interest Company (CIC) providing consultancy, organisational development and training to charities, social enterprises and other organisations doing socially valuable work.
After 25 years in senior leadership roles across the charity sector, including as Chief Executive of CADAS, Leigh wanted to use their experience to create a business that could generate its own income while also delivering social impact.
Thrive Health provides paid support in areas such as business development, governance, organisational growth and workforce training. The income generated also allows the business to offer free training, advice and consultancy to local not-for-profit organisations.
One highlight has been establishing the Thrive Training Collective, bringing together independent local trainers to collaborate rather than compete. The collective has already secured work with Spring North in Lancashire, delivering 32 training courses during 2027.
The business has also started developing community-based women's health support, including a Menopause Café and a free World Menopause Day event.
The Cumbria Business Growth Hub was one of the first places Leigh approached when developing the business. Working with an adviser helped sense-check their plans, consider the right legal structure, establish priorities and think about how to build the business sustainably. Leigh also received a small grant towards essential office equipment.
Reflecting on the journey, Leigh believes it's important to be clear about why you're starting a business, stay flexible and build a strong network around you.
Their advice is simple: know what you want to achieve, protect the life you want your business to create and don't try to build it on your own.
Thinking about starting a business or taking your idea further? The Cumbria Business Growth Hub supports entrepreneurs at every stage, from developing an initial idea to growing an established business. Get in touch with the team to find out how we can support your journey.
