Entrepreneurial socialism, how business can help the homeless

Lawrence Kenwright

I am driven to a fault, but anchored by my social responsibility. I want people to believe that as a society we have options that live outside of the political arena. Signature Living first began in 2008, when Lawrence Kenwright purchased a single apartment on Victoria Street in Liverpool’s city centre, with a vision to offer guests an unforgettable experience. Expanding this vision across the UK with a focus on preserving some of the UK’s most iconic and historic buildings from dereliction he has developed his heritage hotel portfolio in Cardiff, Belfast, Preston and Manchester. With a city centre location Lawrence became aware of Liverpool’s sharp incline in homeless people sleeping in the doorways of the city. After Kingsway House homeless shelter was forced to close in February 2018, Signature Living launched The Cotton Street Project. A new homeless shelter designed with a difference. “I am driven to a fault, but anchored by my social responsibility. I want people to believe that as a society we have options that live outside of the political arena.” TEDx Talk: Entrepreneurial socialism and how businesses can help the homeless This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Lawrence Kenwright