Stand Out Socks, a Warrington-based company, has joined forces with the Harrogate Chocolate Factory to create a Father’s Day gift box. Both companies share a commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities. They aimed to combine two popular gifts for dads – socks and delicious chocolate bars – while supporting their shared mission.
The Harrogate Chocolate Factory operates as a social enterprise, focusing on empowering young people with learning disabilities by providing them with work experience and essential skills necessary for future employment opportunities.
Christian Laing, Co-Founder of Stand Out Socks, expressed their delight at collaborating with an enterprise that closely aligns with their values. He stated, “We are honoured to work with an organization that shares our vision and cannot wait for our customers to experience their delectable handmade artisan chocolates. Through this collaboration, we have created an incredible gift box for the most important men in your life, while also contributing to empowering individuals with learning disabilities.”
This collaboration is just one of many initiatives planned by Stand Out Socks. The company aspires to provide similar opportunities as the Harrogate Chocolate Factory but within the business realm. According to Mencap, only 5.1% of adults with learning disabilities known to their local authorities in England were engaged in paid work in 2021.
Christian further explained, “It is unfortunate to witness the scarcity of individuals with Down Syndrome or other learning disabilities in managerial positions or launching their own companies. For this reason, we strive to empower and create opportunities for those who are often left behind after completing their education.”
The inspiration behind Stand Out Socks comes from co-founder Ross Laing, a young man with Down Syndrome who is unafraid to stand out from the crowd. Together with his older brother Christian, they established Stand Out Socks as a family business. Ross faced challenges in finding employment after leaving education, which is a common experience for individuals with learning disabilities. Now at 36, Ross’s journey, coupled with his need for experience and skill development opportunities, motivated the brothers to create Stand Out Socks, with Ross serving as a Co-Founder at the forefront of the company.
The choice of socks as their product is rooted in symbolism. Down Syndrome is characterized by the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which resembles the shape of a sock. With this connection in mind, the team decided to offer fun, brightly colored socks that reflect their values and tell their story.
Looking ahead, Stand Out Socks envisions a brand that values disabilities and celebrates differences. Through vibrant colors and bold patterns, their products aim to initiate conversations about disability inclusion and raise awareness about Down Syndrome. The ultimate goal is to provide paid employment and meaningful roles within the company for individuals with learning disabilities, breaking the cycle of exclusion after education and offering equal opportunities to 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: 1 pair of Stand Out Father’s Day inspired socks, 4 assorted bars of Harrogate Chocolate Bars, 1 Father’s Day Gift Box, and Stand Out tissue paper. All chocolate bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. The boxes are available for a limited time.
