Our Supporters: Irwin Mitchell
27 August 2026
We recently spoke to Oliver Collett, the Regional Lead Partner for Yorkshire & Humber at Irwin Mitchell, based in the Leeds office.
How have you been involved with Leeds Community Foundation?
Irwin Mitchell has had an office location in the city since 1993 and has been proud to support Leeds Community Foundation for many years, helping to strengthen local communities and create opportunities for people across the city. Our partnership enables us to contribute not only financially, but also through volunteering, networking, collaboration and sharing expertise.
Leeds Community Foundation plays a vital role in connecting businesses with grassroots organisations that are making a real difference every day. Through our involvement, we have been able to support projects addressing a wide range of issues, from poverty and social isolation to youth development, wellbeing and community cohesion. The Foundation’s deep understanding of local needs ensures support reaches the organisations and communities where it can have the greatest impact.
Why is it important to you to support local communities?
At Irwin Mitchell, we believe successful businesses have a responsibility to contribute positively to the places where they operate. The firm was founded in Sheffield but has grown to have a national presence with 21 offices covering England, Scotland and Wales. Each individual office is invested in supporting its own communities; it helps create stronger, more inclusive and resilient places for everyone to live and work.
As a firm, our purpose is to help people navigate life’s challenges, and that extends beyond the legal services we provide. We see every day the impact that community organisations can have on people’s lives, often stepping in to provide support where it is needed most. By working alongside Leeds Community Foundation, we can help those organisations continue their important work and maximise the difference they make.
For me personally, supporting local communities is about creating opportunities, reducing inequalities and helping people reach their potential. When communities thrive, businesses, families and individuals all benefit.
What do you love about Leeds?
Having lived in Leeds since I was two years old, I’ve had the privilege of watching the city transform over the years into one of the UK’s most dynamic and successful regional centres. What makes Leeds special is its ability to combine ambition and growth with a strong sense of community and identity.
It’s a city that truly has something for everyone. From its vibrant arts and cultural scene, outstanding museums and galleries, and world-class sporting institutions, to its position as one of the UK’s leading business, financial and legal hubs outside London.
At the same time, you’re never far from the green hills and beautiful countryside that make Yorkshire so distinctive. The ability to enjoy the energy of city life while having nature on your doorstep is something I have always valued.
Above all, it’s the people who make Leeds what it is: ambitious, welcoming, collaborative and proud of their city. Having spent almost all my life here, I remain incredibly passionate about Leeds and excited about its future.
What advice would you give to people who are thinking about supporting Leeds Community Foundation?
My advice would be simple: get involved.
Leeds Community Foundation makes it easy for businesses and individuals to support causes that matter and to see the positive impact their contribution can make. The Foundation has unparalleled knowledge of local communities and can help direct support to where it is needed most.
Supporting the Foundation is about much more than funding. It provides opportunities to build meaningful partnerships, connect with inspiring community organisations and become part of a network of people committed to creating lasting change.
If you, like Oliver and Irwin Mitchell, want to help Leeds reach its potential and become a fairer city for everyone, you can. Join Leeds Community Foundation as a Member and let’s make a difference, together.