Brothers Christian and Ross Laing are making waves in the business world with their innovative company, Stand Out Socks. Their journey to success began with a memorable pitch on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den, where they captured the attention and investment of renowned entrepreneurs Peter Jones and Steven Bartlett. The duo secured a total of £30,000 in funding from the business gurus, paving the way for their Warrington-based business to thrive.
The core ethos of Stand Out Socks is to provide employment opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities. Co-founded by Ross, who has Down Syndrome, the company aims to raise awareness about disability inclusion while offering high-quality, fashionable socks that serve as conversation starters. Every purchase of Stand Out Socks directly contributes to the creation of employment opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities, empowering them to achieve financial independence.
Since their appearance on Dragons’ Den, Stand Out Socks has experienced a surge in demand, leading to the hiring of four new employees with Down Syndrome. The team, which now includes Mark Pickering, Jodie Fitzpatrick, Martha Hart, and Oliver Thomason, has been instrumental in the company’s growth and success.
Christian Laing, Ross’s brother and co-founder of Stand Out Socks, reflects on their journey: “We started our company in January 2021. This January we made more than we had done in the entire time since we started. And now, orders are up around four times than what they were last year.”
The positive response to Stand Out Socks has extended beyond the business realm, with viewers of Dragons’ Den offering suggestions for the company’s name and products. The company’s tagline, “Why fit in when you were born to stand out,” encapsulates the essence of their mission to promote inclusivity and empowerment.
In addition to selling their vibrant socks online, Christian and Ross have been actively engaging with the community to share their story and raise awareness about business opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities. Ross, in particular, has embraced his newfound fame and role as a spokesperson for the company, showcasing his networking skills and serving as a role model for others.
Ross’s involvement in the day-to-day operations of Stand Out Socks has been crucial to the company’s success. From supervising new employees to appearing in social media posts and videos, Ross has become a central figure in the company’s branding and outreach efforts.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Ross’s life and the Laing family’s journey to entrepreneurship highlight the resilience and determination that have fueled Stand Out Socks’ growth. Through perseverance and creativity, the family turned a challenging situation into an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities.
Stand Out Socks’ product offerings, which include bright and colorful designs for adults and children, have resonated with customers who appreciate the company’s commitment to social impact. The company’s emphasis on creating conversation starters through their unique designs has set them apart in the competitive market of fashion accessories.
Looking ahead, Christian envisions expanding the Stand Out brand beyond socks to other products and industries, with a focus on providing employment opportunities for individuals with learning disabilities. With the support of their investors and a growing customer base, Stand Out Socks is poised to make a lasting impact on society and inspire other businesses to prioritize inclusivity and empowerment.
As Stand Out Socks continues to grow and evolve, the Laing family remains dedicated to their mission of spreading brightness and positivity through their products and advocacy efforts. By creating a platform for meaningful conversations and promoting social change, Stand Out Socks is not just a business success story but a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and compassionate future.