Maya Thornton
Lead educator with a background in community finance and adult learning. Maya specialises in practical budgeting frameworks.
Our story
We teach financial skills that respect real lives.
keen-explore began as a small study group for community organisers in Sheffield. Today, we support households and teams who want clear, grounded financial routines without unnecessary complexity.
What makes our approach different
We emphasise continuity and follow-through. People keep working with us because the learning feels supportive and practical long after the sessions end.
Local insight
Small-group facilitation
Real-world templates
Ongoing check-ins
Company philosophy
We believe financial management should feel steady and understandable. Our sessions are designed to reduce stress and make it easier to make choices with confidence.
Teaching over telling
We guide participants to build their own systems instead of giving rigid rules.
Measurable progress
Each engagement includes achievable goals and small wins.
Company milestones
2016
First community sessions hosted in central Sheffield.
2019
Expanded to household support and local cooperative teams.
2023
Launched structured financial foundations curriculum.
2025
Partnered with regional organisations for long-term programmes.
Leadership and facilitation team
Lewis Calder
Programme designer focused on cash flow strategy for small organisations and cooperative teams.
Hannah Malik
Facilitator supporting household financial resets and goal-based planning sessions.
Our values in action
Respectful guidance
We never ask people to share more than they feel comfortable with.
Practical optimism
We focus on what can change in the next month, not just long-term ideals.
Community connection
We collaborate with local groups to keep learning grounded in real needs.
Why clients choose keen-explore
We combine coaching, education, and planning so that learning sticks. Participants often continue using our tools well after a programme ends.
Clear next steps
Accessible language
Local expertise
How we support different groups
Individuals and households
Hands-on support for budgeting, bill planning, and building a reliable savings routine.
Community organisations
Support with grant schedules, spending policies, and staff confidence around budgets.
Small teams
Foundational training that aligns financial language across roles and departments.
Trust indicators
Regional partnerships
We work with local centres, libraries, and community spaces across Sheffield.
Evidence-based methods
Our workshops draw from recognised adult-learning frameworks and practical finance research.
Ongoing feedback loops
We review outcomes after every programme and adjust to participant needs.
Want to learn more about our approach?
We are happy to share how our programmes work and what would suit your organisation.
Get in touch