Stand Out Socks, a Warrington-based company, has partnered with the Harrogate Chocolate Factory to create a special Father’s Day gift box. Both businesses share a strong commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities. They aimed to curate a gift that combines every dad’s favourite present—socks—and delectable chocolate bars.
The Harrogate Chocolate Factory operates as a social enterprise, focusing on equipping young people with learning disabilities with the necessary skills for paid employment through work experience opportunities.
Christian Laing, Co-Founder of Stand Out Socks, expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with an enterprise that aligns closely with their values. He stated, “We are honoured to work alongside an organization that shares our commitment to empowering individuals with learning disabilities. We are excited for our customers to experience the delicious artisan chocolate they handcraft.”
This partnership represents just one of the many initiatives planned by Stand Out Socks. The company aspires to offer similar opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities within their own business, following the example set by the Harrogate Chocolate Factory. According to Mencap, only 5.1% of adults with learning disabilities known to their local authorities in England were in paid employment in 2021.
Christian further remarked, “It is unfortunate that individuals with Down syndrome or other learning disabilities are rarely seen in managerial positions or launching their own ventures. We aim to empower and create opportunities for those individuals who are often overlooked after completing their education.”
Stand Out Socks, a family business founded with the involvement of co-founder Ross Laing, who has Down syndrome, seeks to address the challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities in finding employment. Ross, now 36, experienced difficulties in securing work after completing his education, a common issue among people with learning disabilities. The Laing brothers established Stand Out Socks, with Ross as a Co-Founder, to provide him and others with learning disabilities a platform for showcasing their abilities.
The choice of socks as their primary product stems from the symbolic connection to Down syndrome, as the triplication of the 21st chromosome resembles the shape of a sock. To represent their values and story, the team decided to create fun and brightly coloured socks.
Looking ahead, the vision for Stand Out Socks is to build a brand that values disabilities and celebrates differences. Through vibrant colours and bold patterns, their products aim to spark conversations around disability inclusion and raise awareness of Down syndrome.
The long-term goal is to offer individuals with learning disabilities paid employment and meaningful roles within the company, thereby breaking the cycle of post-education neglect experienced by this community and providing equal opportunities for all.
To purchase a Father’s Day box, visit: https://www.standoutsocks.co.uk/products/fathers-day-gift-box
The Father’s Day box includes one pair of Stand Out Father’s Day-inspired socks, four assorted bars of Harrogate Chocolate Bars, one Father’s Day Gift Box, and Stand Out tissue paper. All chocolate bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. The boxes are available in limited edition.
