Mr Tom Arthur, Scotland’s Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance, Circle Scotland CIC, today [Wednesday 9th August].
The Minister toured The Circle’s new Dundee premises at Dudhope Castle, and learnt about how the social enterprise – which offers flexible, fair rent office and workspaces to charities, social enterprises and community groups in Dundee and Glasgow – has successfully implemented the Community Wealth Building model through the five pillars of spending, inclusive ownership, fair work/workforce, finance, and land and property.
The Minister met tenant organisations and took part in a Q&A on the ongoing challenges of running and funding social enterprises during the current cost of living and energy crises. Organisations based at Dudhope Castle include Uppertunity, Barnardo’s and Partners in Advocacy.
When the Circle moved into Dudhope Castle just over 12 months ago, as part of an initiative with Dundee City Council, the A-listed building – previously used as council offices – was nearly empty. It is now 100% occupied by social businesses, start-ups, charities and community groups.
In a similar move, The Circle took over the former Westwood Business Centre in Glasgow’s Easterhouse from City Property Glasgow LLP, in September 2021, through the Space For Growth programme. That building – nearly 22,000 square feet – was also mostly vacant when The Circle took over the lease. It has now become a thriving community hub for businesses and organisations with a social purpose.
Community Wealth Building Minister Tom Arthur said:
The Circle is an excellent example of a social enterprise that is putting community wealth building into practice in Dundee .
“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting organisations like these to deliver community wealth building as a way of transforming our local and regional economies.
“By focusing on things like inclusive ownership, fair work and considering how wealth is generated and distributed in our society, we hope communities will like this one will be able to thrive and have a greater stake in their local areas.”
Kirsty Thomson, Founder and CEO of The Circle, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Minister and share our Community Wealth Building journey over nearly seven years.”
Community Wealth Building: The Scottish Government has adopted the internationally recognised Community Wealth Building (CWB) approach to economic development as a key practical means by which progress can be made towards realising our well-being economy vision outlined in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation (NSET).
A 14 week consultation took place online on CWB legislation from 31st January 2023. It welcomed a range of views and highlighted changes required to grow local wealth and give communities a greater stake in the economy.