It's #ResponsibleBusinessWeek and to mark the occasion we are announcing our commitment to supporting the start-up community. We thought about bunging jumping, cake bakes and sponsored runs....but thought we could have more impact doing what we do best.

We have teamed up with ethical microfinance charity Purple Shoots. Purple Shoots are based in Pontypridd and we have promised to help their borrowers to grow, expand, and take on staff. 

Since it was established four years ago, Purple Shoots has helped to create more than 300 new businesses by investing more than £950,000 in more than 400 loans.

Purple Shoots founder Karen Davies said: “Many of our clients come back after an initial start-up loan and have another loan to help them grow and expand.

“Taking on staff can be daunting for them. Most have little or no experience of recruiting or managing employees, or managing contractor agreements, and many have created businesses after being made redundant or becoming unemployed.

“High quality, professional HR advice is invaluable to them, helping them grow their businesses in the right way. This incredible free support from PitStop HR is hugely important for our borrowers.”

PitStop HR, which provides affordable outsourced human resources advice and support from just £1 per day, will give Purple Shoots borrowers free access to its professional services.

Our team of experts, who have decades of experience, can assist SMEs with HR matters such as contracts, staff handbooks, staff management, and HR advice.

Our Founder, Emma del Torto, said: “We’re delighted to be involved in this important initiative which supports people who want to create their own income and helps them create businesses which are valuable to their communities.

“Purple Shoots also has an impressive track record in helping businesses create jobs, and we love the concept of the initial loans being recycled to new clients once they are paid off. This keeps the funds donated by Purple Shoots supporters circulating in the local economy, helping multiple people to transform their lives.

“We have supported local charities in the past with fundraisers, but we felt we could do far more by supporting start-ups and small businesses with what we do. So, we’re offering Purple Shoots borrowers free access to our PitStop HR services.

“Some business owners fear that HR services are too expensive for them, but PitStop HR is affordable, accessible, solves their problems, and helps their businesses to flourish.”