Progress Ltd

Progress is a 'New labour' pressure group founded in 1996. It says it 'aims to promote a radical and progressive politics for the 21st century.'Progress About Us, accessed 1 November 2009 Progress also states that 'we seek to promote open debate and discussion of progressive ideas and policies.'Progress About Us, accessed 1 November 2009 Progress was mainly funded by David Sainsbury until he withdrew funding in 2017.Heather Stewart UK's biggest political donor, Lord Sainsbury, to end his contributions Peer to concentrate on charitable causes as Labour thinktank Progress says it will turn to members to make up its shortfall The Guardian, Friday 23 June 2017 06.00 BST In 2021 it changed its name to Progressive Britain Ltd.
==Purple Book==
In April 2011, the Times reported that a group of writers associated with Progress intended to produce a manifesto entitled The Purple Book, in imitation of the Liberal Democrat Orange Book:
:The manifesto is a sign that the new Labour wing of the party is starting to reassert itself as Mr Miliband finds his feet. The Purple Book is being organised by Progress, the Blairite pressure group funded by Lord Sainsbury of Turville, the former Science Minister who gives it £250,000 a year (and has not donated any money to Labour since its current leader took over). Increasingly, Progress is balancing the power of the trade unions in the party and it is determined to flex its muscles on policy as vigorously as the barons.Rachel Sylvester, Purple and orange: united colours of coalition?, The Times, 19 April 2011, archived at Progress.
==The Progress team==
===Circa 2017===
Progress is chaired by Alison McGovern MP. Progress has an elected strategy board representing Progress members, Labour councillors and parliamentarians.
====Directors of Progress Ltd==== 
Richard Angell (executive director of Progress); Jennifer Gerber* (former deputy executive director of Progress and former acting executive director of the organisation); Jon Mendelson* (former treasurer of Progress); Robert Philpot* (former executive director of Progress); and Stephen Twigg MP* (former chair of Progress and current honorary president). *unpaid
====The Progress strategy board====
The results for the Progress strategy board elections 2016 are as follows:
=====Parliamentarians’ section=====
Gloria De Piero MP | Peter Mandelson | Alison McGovern MP | Phil Wilson MP
These were elected unopposed.
=====Councillors’ section =====
Theo Blackwell | Paul Brant | Joanne Harding | Rachael Saunders
=====Members’ section =====
Christabel Cooper | Sheila Gilmore | Allen Simpson | Mary Wimbury
The full results in the members’ section are available to download here. Turnout: 34.8%
=====23 and under section =====
Marian Craig | Samantha Jury-Dada
=====Co-opted members =====
On 17 January 2017 the elected member of the Progress strategy board met and invited Susan Hitch, Tom Jennings and Roger Liddle to join the board as co-opted members.Progress The Progress strategy board Accessed 6 July 2017.
====Staff====
*Richard Angell is the director of Progress. He is the founder of Labour’s three seats challenge (#Lab3seats) and has run marginal seat campaigns for the UK Labour party, and its sister party, Australian Labor. He is elected to the TUC’s LGBT committee.
*Matthew Faulding – Deputy Director 
*Conor Pope – Deputy Editor
*Laura Griffiths – Events Officer and Editorial Assistant
*Jerome Neil – Events Officer and Editorial Assistant
===Circa 2009===
As of November 2009 Progress is chaired by Stephen Twigg. Our vice chairs are Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP, secretary of state for culture, media & sport; Chris Leslie, director, New Local Government Network; Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, secretary of state for energy & climate change; Baroness Delyth Morgan; and Meg Munn MP. Progress’ honorary president is Alan Milburn, the former secretary of state for health and MP for Darlington.Progress About Us, accessed 1 November 2009
===Circa July 2008===
*Honorary President: Rt Hon Alan Milburn MP
*Chair: Stephen Twigg
*Vice chairs: Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP, Chris Leslie, Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP, Baroness Delyth Morgan, Meg Munn MP
*Patrons: Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Wendy Alexander MSP, Ian Austin MP, Rt Hon Hazel Blears MP, Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Rt Hon John Denham MP, Parmjit Dhanda MP, Natascha Engel MP, Lorna Fitzsimons, Rt Hon Peter Hain MP, John Healey MP, Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MP, Rt Hon Beverley Hughes MP, Rt Hon John Hutton MP, Baroness Jones, Glenys Kinnock MEP, Sadiq Khan MP, Oona King, David Lammy MP, Cllr Richard Leese, Rt Hon Peter Mandelson, Pat McFadden MP, Rt Hon David Miliband MP, Trevor Phillips, Baroness Prosser, Rt Hon James Purnell MP, Jane Roberts, Lord Triesman. Kitty Ussher MP, Martin Winter
*Honorary Treasurer: Baroness Margaret Jay
*Director: Robert Philpot
*Deputy Director: Jessica Asato
*Website and Communications Manager: Tom Brooks Pollock
*Events and Membership Officer: Mark Harrison
*Publications and Events Assistant: Ed ThorntonProgress [http://www.progressonline.org.uk/content//uploads/2013/12/progress-international-green-paper.pdf Social justice,
democracy and human rights: shaping a principles-based foreign policy: A green paper from the Progress Policy Group on Progressive Internationalism]. July 2008.
===Circa 2006===
*Alan Milburn - President
*Stephen Twigg - Chair
*Andy Burnham - Vice Chair (Home Office Minister)
*Robert Philpot – Director
*Ed Miliband MP for Doncaster North
*Meg Munn - minister for women and equalities
*Delyth Morgan - former chief executive of Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity
*Jennifer Gerber – Deputy Director
*Tony Robinson
*Mark Day – Publications Officer
*Tom Brooks Pollock - Events and Office Manager
*Wes Streeting – Administrative Assistant
==Compass==
In 2008 Progress organised a joint meeting with Compass (Liverpool: Winning a fourth term: what’s the road to victory? A debate about the future of the Labour party 04 July 2008 18:00 to 19:30). Speakers included Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport, Stephen Twigg, Chair of Progress and PPC for Liverpool West Derby, John Harris, the Guardian, Willie Sullivan, Vice Chair of Compass, Louise Ellman MP (chair).Progress 'Liverpool: Winning a fourth term: what’s the road to victory? A debate about the future of the Labour party held jointly by Progress and Compass' 04 July 2008 18:00 to 19:30, accessed 1 November 2009
==Donations==
Progress’ income
In the financial year 2015, our income was £426,408. Full accounts have submitted to Companies House.
This pays for our monthly magazine and website; events such as Progress annual conference, Progress political weekend, our presence at Labour party conference, and our extensive Westminster and regional events programme; and our staff and office costs.
The amount for 2016 will be updated when the accounts have been signed off by the directors and are submitted to Companies House.
Progress and the Electoral Commission
Since its passage, we have complied fully with the terms of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act, under which we are classed as a ‘members association’. This is defined by the Electoral Commission as: ‘An organisation that is not a political party but is wholly, or mainly, made up of the members of a political party. Members associations belong to a category of regulated organisations and individuals known as “regulated donees”.’
Other regulated donees you may be familiar with include the Christian Socialist Movement (now Christians on the Left), the Fabian Society, Movement for Change and SERA. You can read more about members associations here.
As a members association we were previously required by the Electoral Commission to declare all donations above £5,000. This was raised by them for all members associations to £7,500 in 2010. In line with Who Funds You? recommendations, Progress will voluntarily declare amounts over £5,000 from 1 October 2012 and publish the amount by the entry of the donor when the money is received.
You can see Progress’ entry at the Electoral Commission here by entering ‘Progress Ltd’ into the basic search.
Following the passing of the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014, Progress registered with the Electoral Commission as a third-party campaigner for the 2017 election, and before that the 2015 election. Having not exceeded the thresholds in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland for the UK general election 2015, a ‘nil’ return to the commission was submitted.
Under the Political Parties Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA) as amended by the European Union Referendum Act 2015, Progress registered with the Electoral Commission as a third-party campaigner working towards a ‘Remain’ a member of the European Union outcome.
2017
Sponsors and partners*
* Unless otherwise stated, all sponsors listed below gave amounts below £5,000; amounts above this amount follow the sponsor’s name. Amounts less than £5,000 are marked with a # and described below because more than £5,000 was received from the same organisation within the same calendar year.
In 2017, we have worked with the following sponsor outside of Labour party conference:
BVCA (£7,200)
ICAEW
Maitland
Donors
In 2017 we have received the following donations above £5,000:
Lord David Sainsbury (£130,000: declared to the Electoral Commission)
2016
Sponsors and partners*
* Unless otherwise stated, all sponsors listed below gave amounts below £5,000; amounts above this amount follow the sponsor’s name. Amounts less than £5,000 are marked with a # and described below because more than £5,000 was received from the same organisation within the same calendar year.
In 2016, we are working with the following sponsors on events at Labour party conference:
ACCA (£5,400)
BVCA (£6,600: declared to the Electoral Commission)
EEF (£6,000)
IPA (£5,400)
IPSE (£6,600)
National Citizen Service (£6,600)
PSNC (£5,400)
Solicitors Regulation Authority (£5,520)
In 2016, we have worked with the following sponsor outside of Labour party conference:
BVCA (£7200: declared to the Electoral Commission)
ICAEW
Labour movement for Europe
Maitland Political
O2
PLMR
Portland
U + I
Donors
In 2016 we have received the following donations above £5,000:
Lord David Sainsbury (£260,000: declared to the Electoral Commission)
Lord Matthew Oakeshott (£29,000: declared to the Electoral Commission)
Lord Peter Mandelson (£5,500)
2015
The year’s turnover was £426,408 and the full accounts are filled with Companies House.
Sponsors and partners*
* Unless otherwise stated, all sponsors listed below gave amounts below £5,000; amounts above this amount follow the sponsor’s name. Amounts less than £5,000 are marked with a # and described below because more than £5,000 was received from the same organisation within the same calendar year.
In 2015, we are working with the following sponsors on events at Labour party conference:
ABI (£3,600#)
Alzheimer’s Society (£6,600)
British Pregnancy Advisory Service (£6,600)
BVCA (£6,600)
Hitachi Rail Europe (£5,520)
IPA
IPSE (£6,600)
National Citizen Service (£6,600)
Open University (£5,520)
TalkTalk Group (£6,600)
In 2015, we have worked with the following sponsor outside of Labour party conference:
ABI (£2,400#)
Your Heathrow
In 2015, we worked with the following partners outside of Labour party conference:
LGA Labour group
Donors
In 2015 we have received the following donations above £5,000:
Lord David Sainsbury (£260,000: declared to the Electoral Commission)
Lord Peter Mandelson (£6,850: kindly provided to support efforts in the UK general election)
2014
Who Funds You awarded Progress an A-rating for the financial year 2014. The year’s turnover was £429,886 and the full accounts are filled with Companies House.
Sponsors and partners*
* Unless otherwise stated, all sponsors listed below gave amounts below £5,000; amounts above this amount follow the sponsor’s name.
In 2014, we worked with the following sponsors on events at Labour party conference:
Childcare Vouchers Providers Association, via Westminster Advisors (£5,520)
BVCA (£6,600: declared to the Electoral Commission)
IPA (£5,400)
The Migration Matters Trust (£6,600)
National Citizen Service (£5,280)
Smart Energy GB (£6,600)
In 2014, we worked with the following sponsors outside of Labour party conference:
Bellenden Public Affairs
BVCA (£7,200: declared to the Electoral Commission)
City of London Corporation
Guildford Labour party
Heathrow Hub, via Maitland Political
Lexington Communications
Santander
The Advertising Association
In 2014, we worked with the following partners at Labour party conference:
4Children
In 2014, we worked with the following partners outside of Labour party conference:
Christians on the Left
Community Union
Labour friends of Finance and Industry
Labour friends of surestart
Labour Movement for Europe
Labour Uncut
LGBT Labour
SERA
Southern Front
The Fabian Society
Usdaw
Donors
In 2014, we received the following donations above £5,000:
Lord David Sainsbury (£260,000: declared to the Electoral Commission)
Peter Mandelson (£5,500)
2013
Who Funds You awarded Progress an A-rating for the financial year 2013. The year’s turnover was £410,800 and the full accounts are filled with Companies House.
Sponsors and partners*
* Unless otherwise stated, all sponsors listed below gave amounts below £5,000; amounts above this amount follow the sponsor’s name.
In 2013, we worked with the following sponsors at Labour party conference:
Advertising Association (£5,400)
Childcare Vouchers Providers Association, via Westminster Advisors (£5,400)
Community Union
BVCA (£4800: declared to the Electoral Commission)
Howard League for Penal Reform
Institute for Government
IPA
LGA Labour group
Hitachi Rail Europe, via Maitland
Shawbrook Bank, via Stand Agency (£6,480)
In 2013, we worked with the following sponsors outside of Labour party conference:
BVCA (£7,200: declared to the Electoral Commission)
Association of British Insurers
In 2013, we worked with the following partners at Labour party conference:
4Children
In 2013, we worked with the following partners outside of Labour party conference:
Chinese for Labour
Edelman
Labour Jewish Movement
LabourList
Labour party Irish society
Labour Students
Left Foot Forward
Lexington Communications
Donors
In 2013, we received the following donations above £5,000:
Lord David Sainsbury (£260,000: declared to the Electoral Commission)
Peter Mandelson (£5,500)
RLM Finsbury (£6,500)
In May 2013, Progress and Movement for Change reported to the Electoral Commission that, for a period between December 2011 and April 2013 during which we had been receiving donations from Lord Sainsbury, who had not been on the electoral register. A fine was paid for this error. Read the statement here.
2011-2012 (October 2011-December 2012)
Who Funds You awarded Progress an A-rating for the financial year 2011-12. The 15-month financial year turnover was £489,654 and the full accounts are filled with Companies House. It should be noted this was a 15 month trading year.
Sponsors and partners*
* Unless otherwise stated, all sponsors listed below gave amounts below £7,500. Amounts received above £5,000 since 1 October 2012 follow the sponsor’s name.
In 2011-2012, we worked with the following sponsors at Labour party conference:
British Future
BVCA (£6,480: declared to the Electoral Commission)
Facebook (£5,400)
Institute for Government
IPA
PwC (£5,184)
Supporters Direct
The Open University
Unions21
In 2011-2012, we worked with the following sponsors outside of Labour party conference:
BVCA (£7350: declared to the Electoral Commission)
Community Union
Guildford Labour party
Reading Labour party
In 2011-2012, we worked with the following partners outside of Labour party conference:
Edelman
LabourList
Left Foot Forward
Southern Front
Total Politics
Donors
In 2011-2012, we received the following donations above £5,000:
Lord David Sainsbury (£325,000: declared to the Electoral Commission | this reflect five quarters in the 2011-2012 financial year)
Sovereign Strategy (£12,000)
===2010-2011 (October 2010-September 2011)===
Who Funds You awarded Progress an A-rating for the financial year 2010-11. The financial year’s turnover was £368,598 and the accounts for a small company are filled with Companies House.
====Sponsors and partners*====
* All sponsors listed below gave amounts below £7,500.
In 2010-2011, we worked with the following sponsors at Labour party conference:
Brighton and Hove Labour | City&Guilds Electoral Reform Society | Hackney Labour group Institute for Government (Candidate selection project) | IPA | Labour Friends of Israel | Local Government Association Labour group | PwC | Reading Labour | Sussex Cooperative party | The European Azerbaijan Society | The Open University | unionlearn | Unions21
In 2010-2011, we worked with the following sponsors outside of Labour party conference:
Bell Pottinger
Community Union
The Cooperative Group
In 2010-2011, we worked with the following partners at Labour party conference:
Compass
Fabian Society
IPPR
In 2010-2011, we worked with the following partners outside of Labour party conference:
LabourList
Left Foot Forward
Total Politics
Donors
In 2010-2011, we received the following donations above £5,000:
Lord David Sainsbury (£260,000: declared to the Electoral Commission)
In February 2005 Lord Bhattacharyya donated £20,000.00 to Progress. Electoral Commission, Donation search, accessed 9 March 2015 
==External Resources==
*Sunny Hundal, Compass v Progress – who will win?, Liberal Conspiracy, 29 July 2008.
*Sunny Hundal, Different categories of left-wing activists, Liberal Conspiracy, 9 February 2011.
*Luke Akehurst, Compass and Progress: A tale of two groupings, Labourlist, 14 March 2011.
*Tom Watson, The greatest lesson from New Labour is that winners have no time for nostalgia, Labour Uncut, 16 March 2011.
==Contact==
:Website: progress.squareeye.com
:Website: www.progressives.org.uk
:Website: www.progressonline.org.uk
==Notes==
Category:Think TanksCategory:Labour Party