Monday September 14th 2026
Written by Midlothian View Editor, Phil Bowen
The Mark Williams Foundation is celebrating an exceptional first year of operation after completing its inaugural reporting period, marking both its first birthday and the publication of its first annual report, trustee report and financial accounts.
Established on 21st July 2025 in memory of the late Mark Williams, former CEO of The NWH Group, the Foundation was created with a clear purpose: to protect children’s rights to family, to empower young people with tools and opportunities, and to drive economic growth and social justice, one life at a time. One year on, the charity has exceeded expectations, building strong partnerships, delivering life-changing programmes and creating a solid platform for future growth.
During its first reporting period, the Foundation was officially launched at a fundraising event in September 2025 and raised more than £100,000 (putting it in the top 10% of Scottish charities by income during year one!) to fund its programmes and establish the organisation for long-term success. The charity has since developed two flagship initiatives focused on supporting good fathers at risk of losing access to their children, and empowering young entrepreneurs through mentorship, education, and opportunity.
Working alongside Johnson Legal Family Law, the Foundation’s Legal Support Initiative has already helped fathers navigating complex family law challenges, providing access to legal guidance, emotional support and practical assistance at times of significant personal hardship. In one case, the support enabled a father to secure Christmas contact with his child following a prolonged period of separation, another received early intervention that helped stabilise his circumstances and better understand his legal options, and in another case, a daughter was reunited with her dad following a period of unjust separation.
Meanwhile, in partnership with the EY Foundation, the Foundation launched its first Entrepreneurship Apprenticeship Programme, creating mentor relationships between award-winning founders and experienced business leaders and young people facing barriers to opportunity. Participants have benefited from work placements, boardroom experience, investment projects and personal development support, with mentors reporting significant growth in confidence, communication skills and career aspirations.
The Foundation’s first financial results also demonstrate strong support from donors, partners and the wider community, reporting income of £167,477 during the period and ending the year with unrestricted reserves of £87,019 to support continued programme delivery and future expansion.
Nicola Williams, Founder of The Mark Williams Foundation, said: “Reaching our first birthday is an incredibly proud and emotional moment for me. The Foundation carries Mark’s name, but more importantly, it continues the work he cared deeply about, providing young people with opportunities and supporting fathers to remain part of their children’s lives.
“When we created the Foundation, I didn’t want Mark’s legacy simply to be something we talked about. I wanted us to continue what he started and turn the things he believed in into something that genuinely changes lives.
“One year on, we’re doing exactly that. Young people are being given opportunities and belief in themselves, and fathers and children are being brought back together. I know Mark would be incredibly proud of what has been achieved in his name.
“We’ve achieved so much in our first year, but this is only the beginning. We will keep building on Mark’s work, offering people opportunities and being there for families when they need someone in their corner.”
Looking ahead, the Foundation plans to expand both flagship programmes during 2026/27, supporting more fathers through its Legal Support Initiative, recruiting additional mentors and young entrepreneurs, growing its volunteer base and strengthening fundraising to ensure long-term sustainability.
As the Foundation enters its second year, its focus remains firmly on delivering practical support where it is needed most, while building a lasting legacy that reflects the values and vision of Mark Williams.
Tweet Share on Facebook
