ABOUT U
Our Journey
U began life as Buildu Scotland, an organisation created to inspire and support people to realise their potential. Our early work focused on young people - building confidence, opening doors to opportunity, and creating practical future pathways.
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This came from my own background: growing up in a community where opportunity was limited and where conversations about long-term ambition were rare. Not everyone had the family, support networks, or people around them who encouraged them to think beyond day-to-day survival.
As our work developed, we began working more closely with women and saw the barriers they were navigating - structural inequalities, caring responsibilities, disrupted careers, limited time, and the fatigue that comes with juggling so much. These pressures often pushed their own ambitions and wellbeing aside, not because they lacked ability, but because life didn’t leave much space for them.
We met women who wanted more for their future, but who needed space, encouragement, and the right conditions to reflect, build confidence, and take meaningful steps forward. This shaped Buildu’s evolution into U - an organisation dedicated to personal and professional development, grounded in equity, confidence, and ambition.
U exists to create environments where people can reconnect with who they are, build confidence at their own pace, set meaningful goals, and take practical steps forward in ways that feel achievable and sustainable.
Our Vision
Our vision is a future where every person has the confidence and opportunity to shape the life they aspire to - supported by community, innovation, and genuine human connection. We believe growth happens when people invest in themselves: nurturing wellbeing, building confidence, and taking meaningful steps toward a future that feels right for them.
If you’re feeling stuck, low in confidence, or unsure how to move towards a life you want, you’re not alone.
Many people reach a point where they sense they have more to give - more potential, meaning, and possibility - but life, responsibility, and the need to keep going have taken over. Often, there’s a quiet pull towards something more, even if it’s not yet clear what that is yet.
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U exists to support individuals at that point. We inspire and encourage people to rebuild belief, recognise their potential, and take meaningful steps towards a future that truly matters to them - one that feels fulfilling… whatever that special ? is for them.
Our Values
These values guide how we work, the experiences we create, and the journey women take with us.
EMPOWERMENT
We encourage people to trust their abilities, own their journey, and make decisions that
move them toward the life they want.
MOTIVATION
We inspire movement and action - helping people take the next step toward a future
they feel excited about.
BELIEF
We inspire belief in personal potential - recognising the strengths, qualities, and
possibilities every person already holds.
HAPPINESS
We value joy, positivity, and emotional wellbeing. When people reconnect with what feels meaningful, they naturally move toward a happier, healthier life.
ASPIRATION
We support people to explore what they want for their future and set goals that feel
meaningful and aligned with who they are.
INCLUSIVITY & EQUITY
We are committed to fairness, accessibility, and social justice - ensuring every person
feels valued, respected, and welcome.
Our mission is to empower people as individuals - helping them believe in themselves, grow in confidence, and realise their potential. We combine human connection with innovation to create opportunities for meaningful growth. Innovation shapes everything we do - from our evolving digital platform and resources to our tailored one-to-one support and truly person-centred programmes and workshops. Together, these create accessible and inspiring ways for people to take ownership of their journey and move toward a more fulfilled, balanced, and purposeful life.
Nicola Melvin, Founder, U
