Anthony is the Chief Executive at Participate and has fifteen years’ experience of supporting social ventures through direct support and engagement of the private sector. He has strong local and national peer networks and a track record of partnership working and dissemination of best practice in this field. Anthony has worked directly with hundreds of new and growing enterprises and has established award winning support programmes.

Gemma is Business Manager at Participate and has extensive experience of working in community development, business development and economic development roles. Gemma is responsible for project development, fundraising, bid writing, organisational policy and procedure and contract management. She has twelve years project management, fundraising and procurement experience and is a PRINCE2 practitioner.

Rachel is an Enterprise Coach working in Manningham (Bradford) and also across West Yorkshire. Rachel has a strong background in supporting and empowering people to achieve in life and business. Rachel has experience of setting up business incubation space, delivering business support and developing high profile engagement activities.

Luke is our Business Engagement Lead. He is responsible for the delivery of our Good Team Building volunteering days and engaging new businesses, new community groups and new volunteers. He has over 11 years’ experience of working in the community and creating the right atmosphere for social action to take place.

Waj is our Senior Enterprise Coach. He provides a positive and enthusiastic approach to enterprise coaching. He works with local entrepreneurs to inspire them to fulfil their business goals. Waj is coaching clients in Manningham, as part of our Manningham Mills Hubs project and also works on Bradfords Health Activation programme, supporting Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise sector in Bradford District and Craven.

Jill is our Youth Social Venture Co-ordinator and is responsible for the development and delivery of our youth citizenship programme. The programme supports primary school children to develop their own ideas for social change. Jill is a former primary school teacher and has experience of setting up a successful social venture to address a need she identified in her own community.

Katherine is an Enterprise Coach and Leadership Coach. Katherine supports individuals, groups and organisations across West Yorkshire (with a focus on Calderdale and Kirklees). Katherine is also providing Leadership Coaching to individual social leaders across Bradford District and Craven through Bradfords Health Activation programme.

Paul is an Enterprise Coach and is currently working on the development of Participates Enterprise Coaching offer.  Paul also works on Bradfords Health Activation programme, supporting Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise sector in Bradford District and Craven.

Tony supports the development and delivery of projects and programmes contracted from external organisations to Participate. Tony was previously the CEO of a multi million pound community anchor organisation and brings a wealth of experience and skills to the team.

Ewan is an Associate and works as a consultant on organisational development for established social ventures; providing coaching and board facilitation around action planning and communications strategy. Ewan has a background in enterprise coaching and EU project management. He is an accredited and peer reviewed Solution Focused Coaching practitioner and avid user of Service Design tools.

Samuel works with Participate as a Marketing Associate. His background is in graphic design, web design, and marketing for culture and heritage projects and venues.

Susan has recently retired from the property industry and is passionate about helping local communities. She has recently become Chair of trustees for Keighley Creative and a long standing member of Soroptimist International of Yorkshire . Susan is well networked and is keen to further develop Participate’s reach and impact.

Michael is a Finance Manager with extensive experience in a variety of sectors including the third sector, construction, manufacturing, transport and environmental services. He specialises in bookkeeping, management accounts and business planning. Michael is one the founder trustees of Participate.

Osman is experienced in business management and operations, and uses his skills and knowledge to make a positive impact. He is also passionate about art and culture, as well as in creating more opportunities for communities.

Paris previously worked at Participate and is now pursuing a career in Retail Media & Marketing. She has a real interest in the work Participate does to benefit the community and wants to be able to offer advice on spreading awareness of this! She specialises in social media, marketing and design. Paris is also interested in learning more of what it takes behind the scenes to run a charity.

Sharon has worked in financial services for many years, including several years as an agency Account Director and has expertise in social impact, corporate philanthropy, ESG and marketing/communications. She’s passionate about purpose-led corporate strategies that create tangible community impact. Sharon is also a trustee of Leeds Community Foundation, Bradford District Community Foundation, and Keighley Healthy Living.