Purpose Union partners with clients to tackle and shape today’s biggest social and environmental challenges.
We work with clients across a variety of sectors including:
Consumer
In a sector where public expectations are high and brand trust is hard-won, purpose should be embedded into the very foundations of leadership and culture.
We support some of the world’s most recognised consumer goods companies to lead with integrity and ambition. At a FTSE 100 brand, we coached participants on a fast-track talent programme to become purpose-led leaders. For a major FMCG company, we developed a global mental health strategy and supported its rollout across international markets.
Education
Access to quality education remains one of the most powerful levers for social change. But from conflict to poverty to inequality, education systems around the world face enormous challenges.
Purpose Union works with education organisations, foundations and trusts to improve access and outcomes. We have advised a high-profile celebrity foundation on career advocacy for young people, developed a positioning strategy for a major schools trust, and explored the impact of sanitation on girls’ education in the global south. Our work also includes support for education provision in conflict zones and partnerships with several leading Russell Group universities.
Energy, Resources and Infrastructure
The sectors that power our economies must now also power the transition to a fairer, greener future. With growing expectations around climate and community impact, leaders in these industries are under pressure to act decisively and transparently.
We have advised the UK water regulator on how to measure and communicate social impact, and supported the CEO of a leading energy company in navigating a shift towards renewable energy.
Financial Services
The financial services industry is under increasing pressure to demonstrate how it contributes to a more equitable and sustainable economy. Clients, employees and regulators are all calling for stronger action on inclusion, purpose and impact.
We have partnered with major financial institutions to support that journey. For a leading European bank, we developed a key piece of thought leadership on the role of women in driving sustainable investing. We also worked with a major UK bank to shape its diversity, equity and inclusion strategy, and supported internal and external communications during pivotal moments relating to inclusion.
Healthcare and Life Sciences
Global health systems face an urgent need to address inequities in access, trust and outcomes.
We have supported several high-profile healthcare initiatives, including helping to restructure a major pharmaceutical company and managing stakeholder engagement for a global health foundation. We also led the design, launch and management of a global health equity campaign for one of the world’s largest healthcare companies, and advised a leading obesity-focused organisation on political strategy.
Hospitality
Hospitality brands are expected to deliver more than customer experience. Increasingly, they are called upon to show leadership on social and environmental responsibility.
We have supported a global luxury hotel brand to develop and roll out a DEI strategy across its international operations, adapting to diverse cultural contexts while maintaining a unified purpose. In a separate project, we worked with a major food services group to shape a social and environmental strategy and ensure it was embedded in every part of their business.
Philanthropy and Foundations
Foundations and philanthropic organisations have a unique ability to advance bold, long-term change across borders and issues. But doing so effectively means building strong coalitions and communicating with clarity at the moments that matter most.
We have worked with leading philanthropic organisations to drive engagement during global moments such as COP, UNGA and New York Climate Week. Our work has also included collaborations with Nobel laureates, high-profile entertainers and entrepreneurs, supporting causes that range from climate justice to gender equity.
Professional Services
Professional services firms are increasingly expected to take clear, values-led positions on global challenges. They must now demonstrate how their influence can help drive climate justice, inclusion and economic transformation.
Purpose Union has worked with firms to help them do just that. Our recent work includes supporting a Magic Circle law firm to position itself in the global energy transition conversation, particularly around the financing mechanisms needed to support the shift to net zero.
Sports and Culture
Whether responding to public scrutiny or seizing the opportunity to lead on equity and inclusion, sports and culture organisations must act with credibility and courage.
We have advised sporting bodies during moments of crisis, developed a five-year strategy for a leading sports charity, and supported a national women’s football team in securing official recognition from FIFA. Our experience also includes working on a major international sporting tournament and supporting a national sports federation in strengthening its reputation and purpose.
Technology, Media and Telecoms
Technology shapes how we communicate, organise and hold power to account. But alongside its benefits come real responsibilities - from protecting users to reducing environmental impact.
We have supported two of the world’s largest technology companies to build meaningful community engagement strategies, ensuring their platforms are informed by real-world experience. We also advised the UK’s sector regulator on the Online Harms Bill, and created a sustainability strategy for a major German telecommunications firm, aligning technological progress with social impact.
Trade Bodies, Associations and Regulators
Membership-based organisations and regulators play a key role in shaping standards, setting expectations and influencing public discourse.
We work with these institutions to embed social purpose across their networks. Our experience includes advising associations in law, architecture, freight, property and business. We help them support their members, champion equity and sustainability, and strengthen their voice across sectors.
Transportation
Transport is at the heart of efforts to create cleaner, fairer and more liveable cities. From decarbonisation to access, the choices transport leaders make have wide-reaching effects.
Purpose Union has worked on the frontline of these issues. We supported a major airline with a sustainable aviation fuels initiative, helping to communicate a credible pathway forward. We also helped launch a successful electric bike company, using communications to position it as part of a greener future for urban mobility.