Impact

At the heart of the Mark Williams Foundation is a deeply personal story - one born out of love, legacy, and a desire to remove the barriers that too many individuals face in business and in family life. The Foundation was established by Nicola Williams following the tragic loss of her husband, Mark Williams, in October 2023. Mark was a passionate entrepreneur, a devoted father, and a man committed to helping others realise their full potential. Through this Foundation, we are continuing his mission to ensure no one faces the challenges he once did - alone.

The Foundation is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) with two core purposes:

1. To support fathers at risk of losing access to their children due to financial hardship

Through our Fathers’ Legal Support, we provide financial assistance for legal representation to fathers who may not qualify for legal aid but cannot afford the cost of private litigation. This work is about more than legal access, it’s about protecting the bond between a father and his child. By removing the financial barriers to justice, we aim to reduce long-term emotional harm, support children’s rights to have meaningful relationships with both parents, and promote more balanced and fair outcomes in family law.

2. To empower young entrepreneurs from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds through mentorship, education, and opportunity

At the same time, our Entrepreneurship apprenticeship delivers structured mentorship programmes designed by successful business leaders across the UK. These programmes offer practical, real-world learning experiences through a combination of one-to-one mentoring, group workshops, and online masterclasses. Participants gain access to critical knowledge on business planning, investment, growth, innovation, and leadership, all while developing the confidence and networks they need to succeed. Our goal is to spark ambition, create jobs, and build a new generation of entrepreneurs who will contribute to Scotland’s future economy.

Every life we touch - whether it’s a father staying present in his child’s life or a young person building their first business - is a reflection of the values Mark held dear: integrity, resilience, compassion, empowerment, and opportunity.

Initial funding has been generously provided by the Williams family and through our flagship fundraising Launch Event is held in September 2025 which raised over £100,000 in net income. This amazing achievement will help us reach more families, offer more mentorships, and deepen our impact across Scotland.

The Foundation may be new - but our vision is bold, our purpose is clear, and our resolve is unwavering: to create lasting change in the lives of those who need it most. Mark’s legacy lives on in every life we uplift.