TAP and Purple Shoots Announce Strategic Partnership to Help Prevent Poverty Through Enterprise

London, 10 November 2026 – Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) and Purple Shoots Business Lending are pleased to announce a new strategic partnership that brings together two organisations committed to tackling poverty by addressing its root causes rather than simply managing its consequences.

While TAP campaigns for policy reforms that prevent poverty and reduce financial hardship, Purple Shoots provides practical support to people excluded from mainstream finance, helping them start and grow businesses through affordable lending, mentoring and encouragement. Together, the organisations believe they can help build a stronger economy where more people have the opportunity to thrive.

The partnership reflects a shared belief that preventing poverty requires action at every level—from national economic policy to local enterprise and individual opportunity.

Tom Burgess, CEO of Taxpayers Against Poverty, said:

"This partnership is about combining practical action with policy change. At TAP we believe poverty is not inevitable. It is the result of economic choices, and with the right policies it can be significantly reduced. But policy alone is not enough. People also need opportunities to build better lives through work, enterprise and financial independence.

Purple Shoots has an outstanding record of helping people who are often overlooked by traditional lenders to start businesses, create jobs and support their families. Their work demonstrates that, when given the opportunity, people can transform their own lives and strengthen their communities."

Purple Shoots was established to support people who cannot access mainstream finance but have the ambition and determination to create sustainable businesses. Its model has enabled hundreds of entrepreneurs to establish enterprises, create employment and become more financially resilient. The organisation's latest impact report highlights support for 184 people, the creation of 68 new jobs and more than £228,000 in lending during the year, while generating significant economic and social value for local communities.

Karen Davies, Founder & Chief Executive, Purple Shoots Business Lending, said:

"Our mission has always been to believe in people who have potential but lack access to opportunity. By helping people become self-employed and build successful businesses, we are not only changing individual lives but strengthening local economies.

We are delighted to be partnering with Taxpayers Against Poverty because we share the belief that preventing poverty is far more effective than continually responding to its consequences. Together we can help influence both policy and practice."

Through the partnership, the organisations will work together to:

·       Promote entrepreneurship as a pathway out of poverty.

·       Raise awareness of the barriers faced by people excluded from mainstream finance.

·       Support policies that encourage enterprise, fair taxation and inclusive economic growth.

·       Share research, expertise and practical experience to inform public policy.

·       Develop joint campaigns highlighting the importance of poverty prevention rather than crisis intervention.

The partnership also aligns closely with TAP's Prioritise Poverty Prevention Campaign, which calls for government to place preventing poverty and financial hardship at the heart of economic decision-making.

Tom Burgess added:

"Every successful business started through Purple Shoots represents more than a loan. It represents renewed confidence, independence, dignity and hope.

If Britain is serious about reducing poverty and inequality, we must create an economy that gives everyone the opportunity to succeed—not just those who already have access to wealth and finance. This partnership is an important step towards that goal."

Both organisations believe the future of poverty prevention lies in combining bold national policy with practical local action, ensuring that individuals, businesses and communities all play a part in building a fairer, more prosperous Britain.

About Taxpayers Against Poverty

Taxpayers Against Poverty is a non-partisan organisation campaigning for practical policies that prevent poverty, reduce inequality and improve financial wellbeing through tax reform, economic policy and public engagement.

About Purple Shoots Business Lending

Purple Shoots Business Lending is a charity and community lender dedicated to helping people who are excluded from mainstream finance start and grow businesses through affordable lending, mentoring and practical support, creating jobs and stronger local economies.

ENDS

For media enquiries, interviews, or comment: Tom Burgess, CEO, Taxpayers Against PovertyEmail: media@taxpayersagainstpovery.org  Website: www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk

About Taxpayers Against PovertyTaxpayers against Poverty is a UK-based independent advocacy group dedicated to tackling poverty, inequality, and economic injustice TAP seeks to influence national and local policy by promoting practical economic proposals that have a positive effect on reducing poverty and unnecessary financial hardship using a direct approach to decision makers and other influencers.

TAP was founded by the late Rev Paul Nicolson and is led by Tom Burgess, author of From Here to Prosperity, a new political agenda for a sustainable economy and greater social justice, which proposes taxing wealth more and income less. TAP is part of Real Agenda Ltd, a not-for-profit social enterprise bringing together campaigns, research, media and public engagement to tackle poverty, inequality and the barriers preventing people from thriving, this includes Compassion in Politics which seeks to bring more honesty, respect and compassion into political life as well as The Progressive Policy Unit (PPU) which develops practical, evidence-based proposals on poverty prevention, economic fairness, taxation, public services and social wellbeing.