Purple Shoots

Trust Leeds’ founding Chief Executive, Liza Kellett, explains how she first came across Purple Shoots.
“When I was Chief Executive of the Community Foundation in Wales, I supported – and we funded – a new charity called Purple Shoots.  With my background in setting up, running, funding and nurturing charities and social enterprises in Leeds and Wales, and in sitting on loan panels and Boards, I recognised Purple Shoots as an excellent, needed and practical charitable business. It fulfils an important partnership role and niche in addressing social and financial exclusion by building confidence, skills, self-reliance and business.

And after I left the Foundation, and was thinking about what I wanted to do next, I couldn’t stop thinking about Purple Shoots!

I chatted to the founder, Karen Davies, and she was delighted to support me in assessing the feasibility of setting up a similar organisation for the Leeds City Region.  Several of the 50 or so people I interviewed were aware of the work of Purple Shoots, and the quiet and impressive leadership of Karen.  All attested to its integrity, values, and achievements in working for the benefit of under-served entrepreneurial people, their families and their communities in South Wales.

And when we decided to set up Trust Leeds in its image, it was Purple Shoots who walked alongside us and gave expert advice and support to help us on our way.  So it’s thanks to Purple Shoots that we have been inspired to replicate its model and bring all the benefits to fill a gap for the people of Yorkshire.

If you want to learn more, follow Karen on twitter @PurpleShoots, or check-out the Purple Shoots website www.purpleshoots.org, or Facebook page.