About Us
The Circle is an award-winning Community Interest Company with a More Than Profit® ethos. A More Than Profit® business aims to use its profits to fund positive social change.
The Circle launched in 2016. It is based in Dundee, with hubs across Scotland.
The Circle Workspaces operates fair rent, flexible and supportive workspaces in Dundee and Glasgow for socially minded organisations.
The Circle Consultancy offers easy-to-access business advice, bespoke training and professional networking opportunities.
The Circle Volunteering offers volunteering and employability opportunities aimed at supporting people to achieve their goals and find meaningful employment.
The Circle Mobility is our Dundee-based project where we hire out mobility devices and bikes to help make Dundee more accessible.
The Circle has been named on the NatWest SE100 list, a list of the UK’s top 100 social enterprises.
Our Founder
Kirsty Thomson set up her first business, Along Came Kirsty (later, ACK Third Sector Consultants CIC) in 2012 to provide business support to the third sector. She and her team worked with hundreds of individuals and organisations, supporting them with fundraising, public consultations, business planning and much more. She founded The Circle in 2015, having seen the need for affordable workspaces where organisations could work together and build community. The two social enterprises were merged in 2019.
Kirsty has worked in and with charities and social enterprises for over 20 years and has secured over £13 million in funding.
Kirsty is a Saltire Fellow through Entrepreneurial Scotland and in 2017 she was recognised as a Women of Inspiration by the Association of Scottish Businesswomen. She was also listed in The Courier’s Impact 100 list and has been named on the NatWest WISE100 list, which recognises the most inspiring and influential women in social enterprise and impact investment in the UK.
Kirsty stepped down from her role as CEO in 2024.
Our Vision
The Circle contributes to a vibrant, enterprising and sustainable community with improved quality of life, allowing the whole community to fulfil their social aspirations through upskilling, work, volunteering, social, educational, and leisure opportunities.
Our Mission
To provide a facility for charities, social enterprises, and socially responsible commercial businesses to access education, training, offices (fixed or co-working), meeting spaces, advice, information and guidance, educational resources, and social and leisure opportunities. The Circle ensures the long-term viability of this resource through diverse income streams.
Meet the Team
More Than Profit
/mɔː/ /ðan,ð(ə)n/ /ˈprɒfɪt/
- Organisations or individuals operating under any legal structure which has an aim to create positive social or environmental impact through ensuring sustainable, reliable, and diverse income streams.
Play the video below to find out more.
Our Social Impact
Social Impact Report 2022-23
Social Impact Report 2021-22
Social Impact Report 2020-21
