The Circle has been made a finalist in the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2026. The social enterprise, which is headquartered in Dundee, has been shortlisted in the IDBM Community Wealth Building category. This category was created to recognise organisations that operate with inclusive business models and deliver significant benefits for their local communities.
Community Wealth Building is a model of economic development designed to tackle inequality and champion sustainability by ensuring communities in Scotland have greater ownership over the wealth and assets in their area. While the concept has existed for decades, it has become more and more of a priority for The Scottish Government as a way to address systemic issues and work towards a wellbeing economy. This was cemented by the passing of the Community Wealth Building Bill in March of this year.
The Circle, which operates hubs in Dundee and Glasgow, was launched in 2016 to provide affordable workspace for charities, social enterprises, community groups and small businesses. The social enterprise was founded with the goal of transforming disused spaces into hubs that prioritised collaboration and community, where local residents could access key services, social activities and learning opportunities in one place. Through its hubs, as well as third sector consultancy, volunteering opportunities and a mobility aid service, The Circle aims to support communities to thrive.
The Circle is now home to over 30 organisations across its hubs in Dundee and Glasgow and is always open to welcoming new tenants to its community. Its consultancy team provides business support to charities and social enterprises in Dundee and Angus as part of the Just Enterprise programme and regularly providing pro bono support to its tenants and other local projects. In 2023 the organisation took on the former Shopmobility service in Dundee preventing its closure. It now supports over 600 members to access mobility equipment through free daily hires, allowing people to maintain their freedom and independence. The Circle currently employs 15 people across its hubs, with 4 employees who initially began as volunteers including one of its own Co-CEOs, Paul Hastie.
Ruth Finnan, CO-CEO of The Circle said:
“This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of our incredible team, our partners, and the communities we work alongside every day. We’re proud to show that business can be a force for positive social change and to be recognised alongside so many inspiring organisations making a real difference across Scotland.
Whatever happens in October, being shortlisted is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
The Circle
The Circle is an award winning 'More Than Profit' organisation that supports businesses to make a difference to communities by providing affordable consultancy, training and workspaces, within an inclusive and friendly community.
