Jonathan Gibson

The firm’s donation will be used towards the costs of the next cohort of candidates on the programme.

The Circle Academy has been created by Dundee-based social enterprise, The Circle. It is a practical education and training programme for those interested in running an organisation which has a positive social impact and has a financially sustainable business model, an approach which The Circle refers to as ‘More Than Profit’.

The Academy is focused on developing skills and knowledge in mindset, business planning, legal structures, governance, finance, marketing, sales and selling, teams and culture, social impact, funding and pitching.

The next cohort of candidates will begin the programme at the end of April. The sponsorship from Wells Gibson will go towards candidate costs, meaning that some candidates on low income will be able to access the programme at no personal cost. The Circle also received sponsorship earlier this year from the Mathew Trust for this cohort.

Jonathan Gibson, managing director at Wells Gibson, said: “All businesses rely on financial capital to exist; however, the great businesses of the world, will be those making a positive impact, socially and environmentally and in a sustainable way. Wells Gibson feels honoured and privileged to be able to support The Circle Academy and in particular, to give hope to individuals seeking to fulfil their purpose in establishing and running, ‘more than profit’ businesses.”

Ruth Finnan, The Circle’s financial controller, added: “We’re so grateful to Wells Gibson for their contribution to help support the next cohort of Academy candidates. Donations like this allow us to support candidates on low income to find new ways to bring in money through their work and move into a better financial position in the long term.”