Three influential Bristol business figures have been included on a list of 100 UK organisations and their leaders that demonstrate excellence through growth, innovation and purpose.
Ellen Green, founder and managing director of Blue Badge Co, Bevis Watts, UK managing director of ethical bank Triodos, and Kalpna Woolf, founder of innovative food project 91 Ways, are part of the second annual Faces of a Vibrant Economy initiative by accountancy group Grant Thornton. 
The list has been curated to showcase and celebrate UK businesses, public and third sector organisations that are clearly demonstrating the value of purpose in action.
New research by Grant Thornton suggests that company vision, culture and purpose are key priorities for UK businesses, particularly those demonstrating high growth (at least a 20% increase turnover) over the past year.
Some 35% of the 1,000 mid-market CEOs and business leaders taking part in the survey placed these among their top-five investment priorities. In high-growth businesses, this rises to 40%.
On average, 38% of the businesses surveyed specifically invested in vision as a top-five investment to get to the next stage of growth, this rises to 43% of high-growth firms. 
Grant Thornton said this was exemplified by the three Bristol individuals in its Faces of a Vibrant Economy.
At the Blue Badge Co, which makes design-led independent lifestyle products and travel aids, half its workforce talent is either registered disabled or a primary carer for someone with a disability. This is in tune with the organisation’s target market.
91 Way, which celebrates Bristol’s cultural diversity through the food of its various communities and takes its name from the number of languages spoken in the city, harnesses the power of communities while Triodos Bank aims to help grow sustainable businesses.
Grant Thornton practice leader in Bristol, Tim Lincoln, said: “Faces of a Vibrant Economy is building and shaping a community of people who are inspirational leaders of some of the most exciting and dynamic organisations operating in the UK.
“Our Faces are exceptional leaders, driving positive results against a clearly defined purpose. Their commitment and passion make us want to be like them, to work with them and to learn from them. 
“These leaders show us how business can be a force for good in society, how creative approaches to public services and commitment to investing in your people can drive superior results and how passion, coupled with purpose and a great idea can change the world for the better.
“For our part, we are committed to continually building and connecting this network of inspirational leaders and their organisations, in the South West and across the UK, so that they can learn, share ideas, teach others and ultimately continue to grow for the benefit of our economy and society. By curating this community and sharing their stories we hope to inspire others to follow their example.”
Pictured, from top: Ellen Green of Blue Badge Co, Kalpna Woolf of 91 Ways and Bevis Watts from Triodos
