A Manchester startup aiming to using technology to connect and strengthen local communities has unveiled new platforms and members in its advisory team.
Circle of Trust says it will refine and simplify its current offering while launching a new complementary platform, creating a suite of three products that connect people locally – but on a global scale.
The next phase of the Circle of Trust app is Recommenda, which helps people to discover and support local businesses through trusted, word-of-mouth recommendations.
Meanwhile, The CircleOf is a hyperlocal website expanding as a white-label solution for councils and place partners to showcase events, jobs and community support.
And Circles is a new space connecting business, recreational and social communities to build stronger local and professional networks.
To support this next phase, the Circle of Trust team is welcoming several people to its advisory team.
Paps Shaikh is a digital executive and growth strategist with more than 25 years of experience in tech, media, advertising and marketing.
He joins the business following his role leading international monetisation strategy and global expansion at Nextdoor.com, a local community platform.
Andrea George, co-founder of Republik of Ideas and Fellow of the Institute of Place Management, brings over 25 years’ experience transforming spaces into inclusive, thriving destinations.
Lisa Morton, founder and CEO of PR fim Roland Dransfield, joins with decades of experience building purposeful relationships and championing Manchester’s business, media and cultural communities.
And Alex Ayin will help to create a world-class team and culture as the business grows.
They join Circle of Trust co-founders Susanna Lawson, exited founder of EdTech OneFile, and Tracy Johnson, who serves as CEO.
“Circle of Trust was built on a simple but powerful belief that technology should bring people together, not pull them apart,” said Johnson.
“Over the past year, we’ve taken everything we’ve learned from our community to refine our products and make them even more effective in helping people connect, support local businesses, and strengthen real-world communities.
“With the experience of our new team and the support of our incredible investors, we’re ready to take the next step and build a family of platforms that help people everywhere feel more connected, seen and supported.”
The business is backed by the founders of OneFile and one of Mimecast’s founders, alongside private angels such as Karen Campbell Williams.
The company is currently welcoming expressions of interest from private angel investors seeking to utilise SEIS/EIS allocations to join the next phase of its growth journey.
The company’s mission has already gained recognition from Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, who supports its goal of using technology to connect and strengthen local communities. Circle of Trust has also received support from Janine Smith and the GM Business Growth Hub, The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the FSB, and Innovate UK.
Circle of Trust will relaunch its refreshed and expanded platform suite in early 2026.
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