Our story
Formed in October 2005, Parable Trust is an initiative which was started in the International Christian Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) emerging from their 20 years of working with Christian businesses both in the UK and worldwide. Its formation marks a milestone in bringing spiritual, practical and financial support to a growing number of entrepreneurs.
Initially the founders Robert Conway and Philip Louis brought together their passion for business with their Christian faith by forming a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee with the purpose of providing seed money to start-up businesses and rescuing sick businesses.
Both Robert and Philip were not sure where the finance would come from when they initially founded Parable Trust; however shortly after this step of faith they were able to acquire TAH Ltd and make it the first wholly-owned Parable business. For many years, this business provided opportunities for The Parable Trust to share time, talent and finance to many potential start-ups, micro businesses and struggling organisations.
In 2013 Parable Trust acquired Blakell Europlacer from the Kellard family. This long-established family business was looking for a way to release assets within the company without losing the culture that the founder, Pat Kellard, had established. The growth in scale took a while for the Trust to integrate but with increase in manufacturing, sales and global reach in 2017 Parable Trust are again helping other businesses who need support.
To ensure sound governance of the activities of Parable Trust a Board was established along with an Advisory Board. The role of Members has ensured the Board are annually accountable and provided a rich source of business leaders prepared to donate time and talent (and occasionally finance) into the Trust to further its aims. From the beginning the annual meeting of Members has provided an encouraging time to share stories of success (and the occasional failure).
Parable is an initiative that is both radical and practical. We believe can and will revolutionise the start-up and development of enterprises which in turn add wealth and employment to the economy of our nation. Our giving-based approach can have far reaching influence on how business is initiated and developed; to provide the widest possible impact both to the marketplace and the community that depends on it.
We hold an annual Partners Day for those who wish to hear about our activity, for more information please get in touch.