More than 40 business leaders, charity representatives and community organisations came together on Wednesday 19th November for Profits Meet Purpose, a collaborative event hosted by Investors in Community (IIC) at John Good Group’s headquarters in Hessle.
The event brought together people and organisations committed to driving measurable social impact across Hull and the energy in the room showed just how strong that commitment is.
The half-day gathering featured two lively panel discussions, practical conversations on partnership-building and a shared vision for a more connected, purpose-driven city.
“The single best event I have ever attended for meeting changemakers”
Guests spoke openly about challenges, opportunities and what businesses and charities really need from each other to create sustainable change.
Feedback from attendees reflected the power of the conversations:
- “Probably the single best event I have ever attended for meeting change makers… Some real passion, enthusiasm and great ideas shared.” — Asa Hancock (HET)
- “Impact and commercial performance are now completely intertwined.” — Jonathan Wragg (Ltt Group Ltd)
- “A great event and an inspired initiative for building innovation through relationships between communities and businesses.” — Gill Hughes (University of Hull)
- “What a great event with great people… I came away with some things to put into action.” — Chris Salt (Candlelighters Trust)
- “I learned a lot… so interesting hearing from the two panels from both sides of the coin.” — Chloe Eliska Lawford (Sirius Homecare)
- “Thank you for the invite. It was inspiring and exciting to see the connections developing.” — Gill Emerton (Matthew’s Hub)
Matthew Wright of RSPCA Hull added: “Platforms like Investors in Community will undoubtedly bridge the gap and capture the real outcomes of investment.”
Honest conversations and real solutions
Panel discussions explored two key questions:
- What do businesses need from charities?
- And what do charities need from businesses?
What emerged was a call for clearer communication, shared expectations and practical impact reporting, areas where IIC’s digital platform plays a central role.
Emily Blake, Charity Relationship Coordinator at IIC, who facilitated the event, said: “The most powerful part of the day was seeing charities and businesses speak honestly with one another: what they need, what they struggle with and how we can remove barriers. People left genuinely inspired and ready to act.”
She added: “Just getting the people who give and the people who need support in one room to talk openly created huge momentum.”
A catalyst for collaboration in Hull
Speakers from Keepmoat, Connexin, John Good Group, Matthew’s Hub, Candlelighters Trust and Matthew Good Foundation shared real examples of partnership in action: from sponsoring animal shelters to providing mentoring, skilled volunteering and community space.
The theme was clear: Hull is full of people who want to help, they simply need easier ways to connect and measure impact.
Investors in Community CEO, Philip Webb, said: “Events like this show what can happen when local businesses and charities collaborate with purpose. Measurable social value isn’t just good for communities it’s good for business, culture and long-term sustainability.”