The Story Behind Purple Advantage
We have a clear mission and strong core values. Find out how these can help you boost your disability awareness and create an inclusive workplace.
Increase profitability and boost productivity
Purple Advantage was founded in 2024, by Chris and Fran Whitaker out of a desire to help organisations make greater use of disability talent in the workplace and unlock the competitive advantages this brings.
Both Fran and Chris have a powerful mix of lived experience, knowledge and technical expertise to give you an edge over the competition. With our unique blend of disability expertise you’ll increase profitability and boost productivity.
Our Core Values
Our core values reflect our commitment to people. We prioritise relationships, creating a positive, productive, and trusted environment with our clients. Your needs are the driving force behind our shared destination.
Meet The Team
Dr Chris Whitaker
After completing a PhD in Law, Chris combinine his interest in sport with a deep desire to create a fair and inclusive world. He has found himself exploring aspects of disability that are rarely considered by society.
After working as a disability expert and advocate in the third sector for over 10 years, Chris has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Sheffield for services to disability.
He has also recently completed an Executive MBA at Cambridge University in which his primary focus is leveraging the skills of disabled people in business.
Dr Fran Whitaker
Fran is a former Paralympic Swimmer who competed internationally for ten years, winning five World Championship titles. This gives Fran a lot of transferrable skills that she has used to great effect in the world of work, such as problem-solving (you have just met a swimmer who was allergic to chlorine…yes…really) and the ability to beat the competition.
Fran also has a first-class degree and a Master’s in Disability Studies, which she obtained whilst working and has many roles in sport including in the boardroom.
