A foundation, set up in memory of a business leader in Scotland to support fathers facing barriers contacting their children and to help young entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities, has gained charity status.

The Mark Williams Foundation has been granted full charitable status by Scottish charity regulator OSCR.

The charity is founded in the memory of Mark Williams, the late chief executive of NWH Group, who passed away two years ago.

His wife Nicola Williams has founded the charity to “continue his legacy by championing those too often left behind - fathers navigating the legal system, and young people striving to create their own future,” said the Foundation.

“Becoming a registered charity provides us with the platform to grow, fundraise, and partner with other organisations who share our values,” she added.

“But most importantly, it brings us closer to realising Mark’s vision: that every child should have access to both parents, and every young person deserves a fair shot.”



The charity officially launches at a fundraising event later this month at the National Museum of Scotland.

The funder will be launching two schemes this year, including its Legal Support Referral Programme next month to help financially disadvantaged fathers access legal advice. This is launching in partnership with family law firms.

Then in December it will launch its Entrepreneurial Apprenticeship Scheme, to help young people aged 18–25 with mentoring, business coaching and start-up funding. A focus is on helping young people “who might otherwise struggle to access traditional employment or higher education routes”, added the Foundation.

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