GLASGOW Social Enterprise, The Circle, which offers fair-rent, no-deposit workspaces to charities, social businesses, community groups and start-ups in the former Westwood Business Centre in Easterhouse, has more than tripled the building’s occupancy in a year, transforming the once nearly empty office space into a vibrant, creative community.
The Circle @ Glasgow took over the former Business Centre in September 2021 as part of a collaboration between Glasgow City Council’s Space for Growth programme and City Property. Since then, the number of tenants in the building has increased by over 250%.
Charities, social enterprises and start-ups, including Action for Children, Financially Included, Scottish Pantry Network, and Glasgow Sling Library, are just some of the organisations now based at The Circle @ Glasgow.
Amber Cully of Financially Included said: “It’s a real community spirit in this centre, as more tenants move in around us.”
“Driving into the city with the traffic each day did not appeal. The Circle offered fair value, with easy parking and a good space where I had the choice of desks,” said Paul Bussey, Owner of Digital Art Live.
Tenants can rent a desk for as little as £5 a day. The building also offers tenants the opportunity to be part of a community of like-minded organisations in an energy-efficient and economical office hub.
According to Uswitch, working in an office is more economical than working from home this winter for those without an expensive commute.
Kirsty Thomson, Founder and CEO of The Circle, said: “We’re proud to be working with Glasgow City Council and their Space for Growth programme to transform the building.”