Scottish businesses have helped to create nearly 30 jobs by simply choosing where they spend their IT support budgets, as Inverness based provider WePurpose Technology announces its 2026 Supporter Award winners while also unveiling its new branding.
The award-winning Inverness-based IT services provider, founded in 2016, was previously known as The Apprentice Store. WePurpose Technology has set its sights on expansion of their remotely delivered IT services across the UK and internationally, which will continue to fund its charity work, that is to create employment and training opportunities.
While the organisation creates opportunities for people of all ages, the announcement comes at a time when the UK is experiencing unprecedented levels of youth unemployment. Last month the Office for National Statistics revealed that there were now 732,000 young people aged 16 to 24 who were unemployed across the UK, 99,000 more than the previous year. Creating training and employment opportunities has never been more vital.
The WePurpose Supporter Awards this year recognises 82 organisations across Scotland and the UK that have supported new job creation and training opportunities by each contributing the equivalent of at least one week of an apprentice salary at WePurpose Technology over the last 12 months, either through purchasing IT services or referring new business to the company.
Leading this year’s award winners is Carlton Clubs, which operates bingo clubs across Scotland. The company has achieved Platinum Diamond status for the third consecutive year, contributing more than the equivalent of a full apprentice salary through its ongoing partnership with WePurpose.
Other organisations recognised include leading Inverness mental health charity Centred, Gaelic arts organisation Fèis Rois, Wick based social enterprise Pulteneytown People’s Project, and Inverness Tennis and Squash Club, all of whom received Bronze Diamond awards for their support.
Since 2016, WePurpose has employed and trained 29 people, many of whom faced barriers to employment, with most going on to build long-term careers in the IT industry. One of its earliest recruits, Matthew Dickinson, joined in 2017 when he was 16 without any formal qualifications. He went on to enter a Graduate Apprenticeship scheme and achieved a first-class degree at Heriot-Watt University, graduating top of his year.
Managing Director of WePurpose Technology, David Massey, said, “Businesses can make a huge difference to someone’s life, simply through their everyday decisions. Every contract and every referral help create a real opportunity for someone who might otherwise be overlooked.
We’re seeing more organisations recognise that they can create a measurable social impact through the suppliers they choose, and through thoughtful supply chain decisions. Many use the Social Enterprise Scotland Suppliers’ Catalogue, of which we are a member, to make these decisions. The WePurpose Supporter Awards are about celebrating the genuine impact of those purchasing decisions.”