Spotlight on Àrachas3 Ltd
In our latest member spotlight, we’re thrilled to be joined by Karina Macleod, CEO of Àrachas3.
What does your social enterprise do, and why do you do it?
Àrachas³ is a social enterprise that exists to empower social enterprises and the people behind them. We provide specialised business support and accessible legal services to social enterprises, charities, and changemakers who are working to create positive impact in their communities. Àrachas means strength or might in Scots Gaelic, and it has always felt fitting for the work we do, and it is a nod to my Hebridean culture.
Our work bridges the gap between traditional business consultancy, legal expertise, and coaching and mentoring. Our services are always delivered with empathy, clarity, and collaboration at the core.
We do this because we’ve seen the difference it makes. Too often, founders and community leaders are left to navigate complex legal and governance issues alone, without the right kind of help. We believe that support should be clear, kind, and tailored to your journey.
Our impact is felt in the confidence of the people we work with. It’s in the boards that become more effective, the organisations that grow sustainably, and the leaders who rediscover their energy for their cause. When social entrepreneurs thrive, communities do too.
Àrachas³ is more than a service, it’s a partnership. We work alongside you, take a seat at your table, and help you build something amazing. This is because we believe that change doesn’t happen alone. We’re proud to stand with you to help you navigate the complexities of running your social enterprise, build resilience, and lead with purpose.
What products, services and/or experiences do you currently offer?
Àrachas³ offers a unique blend of services designed to support social enterprises at every stage of your journey to help you build, grow, and lead with confidence. Our core services include:
- Business Support & Strategy: Strategic planning, governance reviews, board development, and funding or trading readiness.
- Legal Structures & Governance: Expert advice on legal frameworks, governing documents, and collaborative models.
- Paralegal Services: Practical legal support including contracts, employment basics, compliance, and restructuring.
- Coaching & Mentoring: Tailored support for founders, CEOs, and emerging leaders to build confidence and clarity.
- Workshops & Training: Bespoke sessions tailored to your needs. Usually, we get asked to provide sessions on governance, legal structures, leadership, and strategic planning.
All our services are delivered with empathy, plain-English advice, rooted in an understanding of the social enterprise landscape. Whether you’re just starting out or facing a big change, we’re here to walk with you, not just advise from the sidelines or tell you what to do.
What’s your personal motivation?
My motivation comes from a deep belief in social justice and the power of change. I’ve worked in and with social enterprises for over 15 years, and I’ve seen how important the right support is. Àrachas³ was created when my last organisation closed. It was created to continue to make legal and business advice more accessible, more human, and more empowering, especially for those who are often under-resourced. Coming from the legal sector, I saw that people were being excluded from accessing the kind of help they needed when they needed it.
Àrachas³ was created from frustration, but also from determination. I wanted to create a space where people feel genuinely supported. That’s what gets me up in the morning, and I continue pushing, even when it’s hard. I also want to show my kids that change is possible.
What is next on the horizon for your social enterprise, and how do you plan to get there?
We’re expanding our coaching and mentoring offer, especially for founders and emerging leaders. I’ve recently started an MBA to expand on our strategic support services and explore new ways to help organisations grow sustainably.
Growth for us means more impact, not just scaling up. We will get there by listening to our clients, collaborating, and staying true to our values.
I have developed a mentoring programme and workshop series that I want to launch very soon. Watch this space…
Also, in the near future, I want to bridge the gap between social enterprises and traditional legal services. This is desperately needed in our sector, and I want to ensure our sector is provided with the quality advice they deserve, and at a price that is respectful!
What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to overcome in your social enterprise journey?
I am not going to say that it hasn’t been hard. I have been facing some personal and financial challenges since I set up on my own. I have been frustrated, exhausted, and anxious. I frequently get overwhelmed, and the quality and consistency of my business suffer, and I hate that!
But these challenges have tested my resilience, and it has also made me more determined to carry on. I have got to know myself well, and this is helping me to create a business that supports people through the same complexities with compassion and clarity.
What is your most satisfying achievement so far?
Seeing the ripple effect of the support is the most satisfying part. When someone comes out of a session feeling empowered and excited, I feel like I have succeeded.
One of my proudest moments was recently helping a recent client. We worked together, not just on governance and strategy, but on building confidence, clarity, and leadership on the board. A few months later, they secured funding, strengthened their board, who are now fully engaged and supporting the staff team, and found their voice again. Seeing them thrive, knowing I played a part in that, helps me do the next thing!
How has being a member of Social Enterprise Scotland helped you?
Being part of Social Enterprise Scotland has helped me stay connected. AS a solo social entrepreneur, it can be lonely at times. The regular emails from SES remind me to join events, get out past the front door!
SES has created a space for learning, sharing, and connection and having them advocate for us as a sector, helping to amplify our voice, is so valuable and I am very grateful for that.
Who in the social enterprise community inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by the social enterprises that are getting on with it, making a difference. Sometimes the difference they make is quiet, unassuming and gets the job done, and other times, it is loud and messy. I love the nuance!
I worked with the Viewpark Gardens Trust, who are a community-led social enterprise and registered charity in North Lanarkshire. The Trust successfully secured a Community Asset Transfer through an appeal to Scottish Ministers under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. The first group to use the highest level of appeal under the act, the process was written while it was already happening. It was a difficult process, and they showed so much heart, resilience, and kept fighting through, negotiating and demanding what they wanted. They never faltered despite the challenges, and I am privileged to know them and play a small part in their success.
What top tips would you give to other social enterprises?
- Know and remember your values always: they will guide you through tough times. Go back to basics regularly.
- Invest in your governance: it’s the backbone of your success, sustainability and impact.
- Ask for help: collaboration is strength. We have the support pipeline, use it.
- Look after yourself: You are your social enterprise’s biggest asset. Set boundaries, learn to say no to things, and know your worth!
- Don’t wait for perfect: start where you are and build from there. Create strong foundations around you.
For more information about Àrachas³, please visit their website and follow them on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Want to read more Member Spotlights? Visit our blog. If you’d like to be featured, please email membership@socialenterprise.scot.