Inclusive Chocolate Factory

TRANSCRIPT
Inclusive Chocolate Factory

NARRATOR:
How can we create a fairer society where people are judged by their abilities, not their differences? At Harry Specters, a luxury chocolate retailer, that idea is put into practice every day. This company is helping people with autism build transferable skills and self-confidence at their factory in Eastern England.
Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning people have different strengths and challenges. But they also have valuable skills that can be overlooked. According to the National Autistic Society, around 700,000 people in the UK are autistic. Yet many still face barriers to employment, often because their abilities are not fully understood.
Harry Specters was founded by Shaz and Mona Shah, inspired by their autistic son Ash. Today, the company employs 11 autistic workers. One employee, Joseph Carass, describes how difficult it was to find work after he left college.

SOUNDBITE - Joseph Carass:
"I found it very, very difficult to get a job. You know, I would apply for many, many jobs and I just get turned down. I'm very thankful for the company, you know, they take on autistic people and whatnot, they give them a chance."

NARRATOR:
Joseph says the job has helped him manage his autism.

SOUNDBITE - Joseph Carass:
"So I'm 25 years old now. If I was still 15 years old, I wouldn't even be making eye contact with you right now. But, you know, look at me now."

NARRATOR:
Several staff members have worked in other industries but failed to find acceptance and flexibility from their employers, until they began working here. Like all businesses, Harry Specters occasionally needs to make changes to the way it is operating. For some autistic employees, however, unexpected change can feel overwhelming. Shaz explains these changes need to be managed sensitively.

SOUNDBITE - Shaz Shah:
"We now know how to handle any change that is coming through. And the only thing we noticed was that they need a bit of explanation and why this change is happening and everything is fine with them."

NARRATOR:
When workplaces adapt, people who are often underestimated can thrive. In doing so, Harry Specters proves that a business can be both profitable and inclusive.