MANCHESTER – An investigation into the collapse of Great Minds Together (GMT) has uncovered a “staggering” financial and humanitarian failure. Despite receiving over £12 million in taxpayer funding, the company collapsed in late 2025, leaving nearly £2 million in unpaid debts—while its CEO, Emma Mander, launched a new firm almost immediately.
Official filings and investigative reports paint a picture of a business that “profiteered” off the most vulnerable children in society, charging councils up to £29,000 per week for single placements in “illegal” unregistered homes, even as it failed to pay its own taxes and suppliers.
The Broken Books: Nearly £2 Million Owed
The Statement of Affairs filed with Companies House (Company No: 12000329) confirms a total deficiency of approximately £1.94 million. The scale of the debt to the public purse and small businesses is unprecedented for a firm of this size in the care sector.
The Official Creditor List:
- HMRC (Taxpayers): Owed over £820,000 in unpaid VAT and National Insurance.
- Staffing Agencies: Fortress Recruitment and others are owed over £150,000 for frontline workers.
- Legal & HR: Glaisyers LLP and Peninsula Business Services are listed for significant unpaid professional fees.
- The High Street: A long list of local Manchester suppliers—from cleaning firms to utility providers—remain unpaid.
Profit Amidst “Squalor”
While the company was spiralling into insolvency, the financial benefits to its leadership remained high.
- Dividends: Financial records reveal that Mander extracted nearly £330,000 in dividends over a three-year period.
- Conditions: A January 2026 report by the Public Accounts Committee highlighted cases linked to GMT where children were found living in “unsafe, squalid” conditions, including one child forced to sleep on a mattress on the floor in a “dilapidated” bungalow.
- Safeguarding: Ofsted suspended GMT’s registration in July 2025 after finding “unvetted staff” and “catastrophic safeguarding risks.”
The “Phoenix” Rise: Thriving Futures (GMT) Ltd
The most controversial aspect of the collapse is the emergence of Thriving Futures (GMT) Ltd (Company No: 16162164). Incorporated by Mander in early 2025—months before the original firm went into administration—this new entity has reportedly taken over existing contracts.
Critics argue this is a “shameless” manoeuvre to continue collecting public money while shedding the nearly £2 million debt and the “black mark” of the previous Ofsted suspension. Despite this, Manchester City Council continues to use these services, citing a “national crisis” in placement availability.
Demand Accountability: What You Can Do
This is not just a business failure; it is a failure of our social care system. We are calling on our readers to take action to ensure this never happens again.
1. Sign the National Petition We are backing the campaign to close the “Phoenix Loophole.” This petition demands that directors of failed care companies be barred from starting new entities to receive further public funding.
2. Direct Lobbying Contact the Leader of Manchester City Council and ask: How can the council justify spending millions with directors who have a proven track record of financial insolvency and safeguarding failures?
3. Read the Raw Data Don’t take our word for it. Review the public records yourself:
- Companies House: GMT Statement of Affairs (12000329)
- TBIJ Investigation: Illegal Children’s Homes & The £12m Payout
Editor’s Note: This story is part of our ongoing commitment to holding those in charge of our public services accountable. If you have been affected by the collapse of GMT, contact our news desk.
