From London to Bradford - people, purpose, pure gratitude

Today I visited our corporate member, VIRPIO SECURITY, and I’m still trying to bottle the feeling this visit gave me: gratitude and humility. Here’s the energy from my first visit of the day:

A family-run business with people at the heart of everything they do

Faheem Babbar & Laila F. - leaders, immigrants like my parents, and Faheem started as a security officer, just like me.

Their team is loyal - many officers have been with Virpio for years; they proudly serve and protect communities across Yorkshire. They’ve signed up as members of the Employers' Initiative on Domestic Abuse, that’s influence and impact! 

And then… the moment that touched me the most:

Faheem & Laila’s daughter is getting married on Sunday. My first question? “Why are you here meeting me, when you have a wedding to plan?”

Their answer? Because they would never miss the chance to share their journey, their story, their truth. I am absolutely honoured to be asked to attend their daughter’s wedding. So yes, I will be in Harrogate on Sunday, celebrating Fareeha’s wedding with them.

Because that’s what real connection looks like - that’s trust, that’s community. That’s my purpose.

They’re now heading off to celebrate their daughter’s mehndi night and I’m heading to Durham feeling, inspired, and grateful.

On behalf of IPSA, a huge congratulations to this beautiful family.