A Mission for Inclusivity and Empowerment

Hello all, I’m Ross, co-founder of Stand Out Socks, and I’m thrilled to share our story and mission with you.

The Birth of Stand Out Socks

Stand Out Socks was born out of a desire to challenge societal norms and create meaningful paid employment opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities. Inspired by my journey and the challenges I faced as a person with Down Syndrome, we aimed to raise awareness and dismantle outdated stereotypes.

In 2021, after vaccinations allowed us to form a family bubble, I rekindled my desire to work by helping in my brother Christian and sister-in-law Natalie’s family business. This experience sparked the idea for Stand Out Socks. In October 2021, to honour Down Syndrome Awareness Month and the symbolic resemblance of chromosomes to socks, we launched our brand.

Our Vision and Mission

At Stand Out Socks, our vision is to become the premier employer for people with learning disabilities. Currently, we provide meaningful paid employment to four individuals with Down Syndrome, contributing to changing the statistic that only 5.1% of the 1.5 million adults with learning disabilities in the UK are in paid employment. Our mission is to demonstrate that inclusivity benefits everyone and to foster a more inclusive workplace.

Two men in orange hoodies sitting at a table signing a paper

The Stand Out Socks Collection

Operating from our warehouse in the Northwest of England, we reach a global audience with our eclectic range of limited edition, colourful, and dynamic socks. Each design is meticulously crafted by our dedicated team and serves as a conversation starter, raising awareness for Down Syndrome and championing disability inclusion. Beyond their visual appeal, our socks are made with high-quality craftsmanship and comfort in mind, ensuring that every pair feels as good as it looks.

Two pairs of socks one is a pair of blue socks with plants on them and the other is a pair of pink socks with fruit designs

Our Impact and Recognition

Our “BUY ONE = EMPOWER MANY” initiative is at the heart of everything we do. When you purchase a pair of Stand Out Socks, you’re not just investing in exceptional quality; you’re also directly contributing to the creation of paid employment opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities.

Our dedication to positive change has been recognised on BBC Dragons’ Den, where we secured investment from Steven Bartlett and Peter Jones, who now serve as shareholders and mentors. We have also been honoured with several awards, including the High Sheriff award for Inclusive Business Practice, and we are proud to be a registered Disability Confident Committed employer. These recognitions validate our efforts and inspire us to continue our mission of fostering a more inclusive workplace for all.

The Stand Out Socks team posing for a photo with Steven Bartlett

Join Us on Our Journey

We are excited to be partnering with Purpl, a platform dedicated to fighting for the disabled community by bringing the best discount offers to help offset the hidden costs of living with a disability. As part of this collaboration, we are offering a special discount code for Purpl members to use on our website, allowing you to join us in our mission of inclusivity and empowerment. To claim your new customer discount click here