The History and Origins of Purple Talent Solutions
The foundation of Purple Talent Solutions is deeply rooted in the history of Bioss International and Bioss International Europe (BIE) – two pioneering institutions dedicated to advancing organisational and people effectiveness.
Bioss International: A Legacy of Research & Innovation
Originally established in 1967 in the United Kingdom, Bioss International – the Brunel Institute of Organisation and Social Studies – was founded by Elliott Jaques as a research institute within Brunel University. Its mission was to explore the intricate relationships between organisations and their people, leading to groundbreaking contributions in the field of organisational science and behaviour.
Through the pioneering work of Elliott Jaques, Gillian Stamp, and John Isaac, Bioss International developed the influential theory of Levels of Work Complexity (also known as Stratified Systems Theory).
This theory laid foundation for modern organisational design, influencing leadership development, talent assessment, and structural optimisation – principles that remain central to Purple Talent Solutions today.
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Bioss International had expanded its presence worldwide, with licensed consultancies established in Australia, China, Colombia, Brazil, Cyprus, Europe, India, and South Africa – each applying the Bioss intellectual property, products, and technology to transform organisations globally.
Bioss International Europe (BIE): Leading the Way in Europe
In 2000, Judy Hobrough and Peter Taylor founded Bioss International Europe (BIE), bringing Bioss’ methodologies and assessments to organisations across the region. BIE specialised in applying the SST framework and leveraging the Bioss and EDAC suite of capability assessments to:
Under the leadership of Judy, Peter, and later Rolf Deusinger, and supported by an experienced global consulting team, BIE grew into a trusted advisor for blue-chip organisations across Europe. Its success stemmed from an appreciative consulting approach, engaging directly with C-suite leaders to embed transformational change from the top down.
The Birth of Purple Talent Solutions
In 2025, Bioss International Europe (BIE) was acquired by Bioss Southern Africa (BSA), marking a significant milestone in its evolution. With this transition came a bold new identity- Purple Talent Solutions – a brand that continues the legacy of helping organisations navigate complexity, unlock leadership potential, and optimise talent strategies.
Today, Purple Talent Solutions stands at the forefront of organisational consulting, blending decades of expertise with cutting-edge methodologies and innovative assessment tools to drive transformation and shape the future of work.
Unlock Potential. Drive Performance. Lead with Confidence.
Whether you’re selecting or developing employees, managers or leaders, navigating organisational complexity, transforming your structure or building a future-fit workforce – our capability and psychometric assessments, organisational design solutions, AI-powered learning technology, and expert coaching can help you get there. Let’s work together to align your people strategy to deliver real business impact.