International development charity closes UK office amid intense economic pressures
Stuart McKay · Posted on: January 13th 2026 · read
In early January, Motivation Charitable Trust, a charity that has supported people with mobility disabilities through partnerships and equipment provision for more than three decades, announced the closure of its UK office.
The decision forms part of a strategic shift to strengthen its regional presence in Africa and India, and was taken against what the charity described as “intense economic challenges”.
The Bristol‑based organisation has long operated through independent entities overseas, but a sustained decline in international aid funding, coupled with wider economic pressures, meant that maintaining a UK office was no longer financially viable. At the point of closure, Motivation employed 43 staff across five global offices, with 19 based in the UK.
Chief Executive Amanda Wilkinson acknowledged that the timing of the decision would be difficult for staff, partners and supporters, but stressed that the Charity’s mission would continue through teams based closer to the communities it serves.
The closure reflects a broader trend across the international development sector. Many charities have experienced shrinking grant income, reduced public giving and increased competition for restricted funds, all at a time when operational costs continue to rise. Organisations that rely heavily on long‑term aid funding or overseas partnerships are often particularly exposed to these pressures.
The loss of a long‑standing UK base underscores the importance of financial resilience and strategic flexibility. Trustees and senior leaders may wish to consider the sustainability of their funding models, the risks associated with geographic concentration, and the governance implications of decentralised operations.
"For international development charities, strengthening local partnerships, exploring adaptive delivery models and maintaining robust risk management arrangements are likely to remain key priorities in the current economic climate."
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