Stand Out Socks, a Warrington-based company, has joined forces with the Harrogate Chocolate Factory to create a special Father’s Day gift box. Both companies share a commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities. The gift box combines two popular items: socks and delicious chocolate bars.
The Harrogate Chocolate Factory operates as a social enterprise, aiming to provide young people with learning disabilities the necessary skills and work experience to secure paid employment. Their collaboration with Stand Out Socks has resulted in a remarkable gift box that celebrates dads and supports the empowerment of individuals with learning disabilities.
Christian Laing, Co-Founder of Stand Out Socks, expressed the company’s excitement about working with an enterprise that shares their values. He said, “We are honoured to collaborate with an organization that aligns so closely with our mission. We can’t wait for our customers to enjoy the delicious handmade artisan chocolate produced by Harrogate Chocolate Factory. By purchasing this gift box, our customers will help us create opportunities and empower people with learning disabilities.”
This collaboration is 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 model. Sadly, according to Mencap, only 5.1% of adults with learning disabilities known to their local authorities in England were employed in 2021.
Christian continued, “It is unfortunate that individuals with Down syndrome or other learning disabilities are rarely seen in managerial positions or launching their own companies. We aim to empower and create opportunities for those individuals who are often left behind after completing their education.”
Inspired by co-founder Ross Laing, a young man with Down syndrome, Stand Out Socks was established as a family business. Ross, who stands out with his unique character, faced challenges in finding employment after leaving education—a common experience among individuals with learning disabilities. Now 36, Ross encountered difficulty gaining the necessary work experience and building his skillset. Therefore, Ross became a Co-Founder of Stand Out Socks, with his brother Christian ensuring he is at the forefront of the company.
The choice of socks as the company’s primary product was intentional. The triplication of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome, resembles the shape of a sock. This connection led the team to create fun and brightly coloured socks that symbolize their values and story.
Looking ahead, Stand Out Socks envisions a brand where disabilities are valued, and differences are celebrated. Through their vibrant colours and bold patterns, Stand Out products aim to spark conversations around disability inclusion and raise awareness of Down syndrome. The company’s long-term plan is to provide individuals with learning disabilities paid employment and valued roles within the company, breaking the cycle of exclusion that often follows education and offering equal opportunities for all.
To purchase a Father’s Day box, please 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. Please note that the boxes are limited edition.
