Disability Inclusive Business of the Year - Finalists
- Scott Whitney
- Jun 28
- 4 min read
DRUM
When we asked Kaye at DRUM what its like to be confirmed as a finalist, this is what she said...........
"Being named a finalist for Inclusive Business of the Year means the world to us. Inclusion is in our blood, and we're incredibly proud to be recognised as a company that truly lives its values and puts inclusion at the heart of everything we do."
We also asked Kaye to describe what DRUM do..........
"DRUM is a digital agency with 18 years of experience creating impactful content for a diverse range of clients and sectors. Beyond our creative work, we’re committed to mentoring people with disabilities and those just starting out, equipping them with real, transferable skills to help them thrive in the digital world."
Joyfully Different
We asked Alice from Joyfully Different what it means to be a finalist ............
"We’re honoured to be announced as finalists, as inclusion is at the heart of every single thing we do. We’re a small, extremely passionate team of small business owners, consultants and coaches dedicated to using everything we’ve learned to make self-employment accessible, sustainable and joyful for neurodivergent people. Awards like this mean so much, as they help us get the word out about our work, opening the doors to funding and collaborations that could take our work further and make a bigger impact."
Alice also told us a little bit about Joyfully Different..........
In the two years we’ve been running, we’ve supported over a hundred of neurodivergent business owners to start and grow their businesses through our membership, events and programmes.
We’ve built a vibrant online community of neurodivergent entrepreneurs and freelancers, where we run regular workshops and share resources that help our members develop the tools, knowledge and confidence to fully embrace their strengths, create support systems that work for their brains and build sustainable businesses on their own terms.
Thanks to funding from Innovate UK, we’ve been able to develop a specialised, neurodivergent-friendly business startup programme which received 100% positive feedback from participants – one of our goals for 2025 is to access funding to run further cohorts and be part of closing the disability employment gap through self-employment skills training.
Male Allies
On hearing the news that they have been confirmed as finalists, Jade told us.......
We’re honoured to be announced as finalists for the Inclusive Business of the Year category. Many men don’t feel included in DEI – either because they haven’t been explicitly invited or think they wouldn’t be welcome – so we actively bring them into the conversation. While raising awareness of the barriers and biases that women face in the workplace, we show men that they’re powerfully positioned to progress gender equality, and how this will not only benefit their female colleagues but themselves too. Inclusion means everyone, so it’s vital that men are engaged in both the conversations and the solutions. We’re stronger when we partner together.
We asked Jade to explain what Male Allies do...........
Male Allies UK is on a mission to make workplaces across the UK gender equitable. We empower businesses with the skills of allyship and inclusion while showing that gender equality isn’t a zero-sum game. Both men and women benefit from fairer and more inclusive working environments and policies, like flexible working and equal parental leave. We make allyship happen by partnering with workplaces to provide training and consultancy services that focus on both cultural and structural changes to ensure gender equity is embedded throughout the organisation.
On being confirmed as a finalist Gemma told us .............
"It really does mean the world to us be recognised in this way, especially as we celebrate our 25th anniversary as a charity this year. Over which time having helped enhance and save thousands of lives. Eating disorders are such a misunderstood and overlooked serious mental health illness with the highest mortality rate of any other mental health illness, and it means a lot to be selected as a finalist."
Gemma told us some more about SEED...........
Co-founded by Marg and Dennis Oaten whilst their daughter Gemma was in the grips of an eating disorder and fighting for her life, they saw a huge gap in support for those with eating disorders - both carers/loved ones and those directly affected - and decided to make a difference. Offering support and empathy we believe in treating the person and not the eating disorder and that everyone deserves the chance to not just survive, but thrive. Now recovered, Gemma runs the charity and continues the amazing work of her parent's, engaging at government level to make a real change.
On being announced as a finalist, Christian and Ross told us this............
"Being named a finalist is an incredible honour that highlights the impact we are making through Stand Out Socks to create paid meaningful opportunities for people with learning disabilities."
They helped explain more about Stand Out Socks too .........
Stand Out Socks is a UK-based company founded by Ross and Christian Laing. Their mission is to provide meaningful, paid employment for people with learning disabilities—especially Down syndrome—without relying on charity or volunteering. They design, pack, and sell colorful, unique socks while empowering their team members to take real ownership and break down stereotypes about what people with learning disabilities can achieve in business.
Their socks designs have not only gained popularity but also aim to spark meaningful conversations about disability inclusion.
The company secured investment on BBC's Dragons' Den from Peter Jones and Steven Bartlett, leading to significant growth and the creation of further job opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome .
Additionally, Stand Out Socks has raised over £25,000 for various charities and recently collaborated with Manchester United to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day, further amplifying their mission to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusivity.
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