Read: Purpose Coalition and Sodexo join forces in cross-party effort to boost social mobility

In a collaborative effort to drive social mobility, Purpose Coalition partnered with Sodexo at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool to host the Purposeful Business Reception where guests heard about some of the work being undertaken by businesses across the political divide to boost social mobility.

Sodexo has been working with The Purpose Coalition for a number of years, focusing on driving social mobility and working with businesses to assist in delivering this agenda. 

Guests at the Purposeful Business Reception which included conference delegates, suppliers, businesses, academics, apprentices and charitable partners heard impassioned speeches from a range of distinguished speakers.  

Rt Hon Justine Greening, Chair of the Purpose Coalition was joined by Sean Haley, CEO of Sodexo UK & Ireland, Matt Dawson MBE, former England Rugby World Cup winner and Sodexo ambassador, Ruth Cadbury MP, Shadow Minister of Prisons, Parole and Probation, and Nick Forbes CBE, Engagement Director at the Purpose Coalition sharing their own thoughts and experiences about how businesses can make a difference. 

Sodexo, which has been delivering social value since the 1960s, is focused on making a tangible impact on its own people, the people it serves and the communities where it operates. It is a business that works across multiple sectors, from large corporates to education, energy to defence, through multiple partnerships, including its extensive supply chain. 

Sodexo was keen to discuss some key themes at the event, such as its dedication to apprenticeships and its Starting Fresh programme. Starting Fresh was launched earlier this year and aims to support businesses considering recruiting prison-leavers. 

 To illustrate the positive impact of apprenticeships to its business, six current Sodexo apprentices attended the reception, sharing their stories with guests on how their apprenticeships are helping them kickstart, or further develop their careers. Currently the company has around 900 apprentices.

Rt. Hon Justine Greening, Former Secretary of State for Education & Chair of the Purpose Coalition, said: "Last night's Purposeful Business Reception was a testament to the power of collaboration in driving social mobility. 

Together with Sodexo, we've been championing this cause for years. It's heartening to see businesses from all corners unite to make a difference, and it was fantastic to stand alongside our speakers who shared their insights on how businesses can truly impact lives but also to see so many businesses from all sectors united in their intention to make a difference.”

Sean Haley, CEO of Sodexo UK & Ireland, stressed the importance of collaboration for the success of purpose-driven businesses. "We can't thrive in isolation; collaboration is vital." Reflecting on the event's success, every conversation I had echoed a collective eagerness to collaborate and a steadfast commitment to improving the communities where we live, work, and serve.”