Businesswoman named Blossom’s first ambassador

Huddersfield businesswoman Katie Mallinson has become the first ambassador for Blossom Training and Development, a Yorkshire-based CIC tackling violence and abuse through self-defence education and community programmes.

Blossom was founded to provide inclusive alternatives to martial arts, and now delivers trauma-informed, medically certified training to a wide range of groups. 

It has supported over 4500 people so far.

The ambassador initiative, launched to raise awareness and secure vital funding, hopes to attract 30 backers in the next six months. 

Katie first connected with Blossom in 2021, when her PR agency became the CIC’s first corporate client.

She said: “If you could sum up everything Blossom embodies in one word, it’s courage. 

“I wish everyone could benefit from a day – even an hour – with this team. 

“I am proud to be an ambassador and a champion of their strength.”

Hot on the heels of multiple recent award wins for societal impact – including Scale Up Company of the Year at Climb25 – the CIC’s dream is to support a further 1000 people in the next 12 months.

The ambassador initiative, launched to raise awareness and secure vital funding, aims to attract 30 backers in the next six months. 

Madeleine France, managing director and co-founder, added: “Our mission is to help young people grow into their most confident selves and know what to do in situations of vulnerability.

“Sadly, statistics show that one in nine under 18 girls have experienced some form of sexual harassment. 

“We also know that three women are murdered in the UK every week, and two of these lose their lives as a result of domestic violence. 

“The stats are plentiful – and terrifying. 

“Our work really matters, however the sustainability of our efforts is currently hampered by the availability of funding. 

“That’s why we launched the Blossom ambassador initiative. 

“We’re on the lookout for people who will champion our life-changing work, in the rooms we don’t find ourselves in – role models committed to making a difference, and standing up for people who might not otherwise have the voice or strength to stand up for themselves.

“We’d heard Katie speak about her own experiences of being attacked as a teenager, and her passion for empowering others to have a voice. 

“We knew we had to join forces. 

“I literally ran after her as she tried to leave the venue and was delighted to lead a session for her then 18-strong team, a few weeks later!

“When it came to launching the ambassador programme, she was the first person we approached to spearhead this new campaign.” 

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