Tesco has linked up with a sock firm co-founded by Down Syndrome entrepreneur Ross Laing.

Launched with his brother Christian the firm Stand Out Socks has featured on TV show Dragon’s Den and provides meaningful work for people with learning disabilities. Another co-founder is Christian’s Partner Natalie Dickson.

The brand’s socks are being stocked through Tesco’s F&F clothing range and will be available in more than 200 stores from this week, to coincide with Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

In announcing the link up Tesco cites figures showing that only 4.8% of adults with a learning disability are in paid work in England.

Ross and his colleagues design and pack the brightly coloured socks created “to help change that statistic” says Tesco.

“Launching into Tesco during Down Syndrome Awareness Month is a really special moment for us,” said Christian.

“Our goal has always been to create meaningful, paid work for people with Down Syndrome, and now thousands of customers across the UK will see and celebrate our socks.

“Every pair sold helps spark conversations about inclusion and shows what’s possible when people with learning disabilities are given real opportunities.”

Tesco’s head of buying for F&F Clothing added: “We are incredibly proud to introduce Stand Out Socks to our customers. Discovering the brand and its mission was important to colleagues across F&F.

“We believe in the power of businesses that really make a difference and Stand Out Socks does just that - creating opportunities and celebrating diversity.”

Dragon's Den

Stand Out Socks featured on BBC TV show Dragon’s Den in 2024, receiving offers from four of the five Dragons, finally partnering with Steven Bartlett and Peter Jones.

Bartlett said: ““Congratulations to Ross, Natalie, Christian and the team at Stand Out Socks on securing their Tesco retail partnership.

“They are now stocked in the UK's biggest supermarket! Stand Out Socks are a special company.

“Ross was the first entrepreneur with Down syndrome to secure investment on Dragons’ Den and the company now directly employs five individuals with Down syndrome in paid roles.

“Since launching, they’ve raised over £30,000 for local and national charities and they are breaking down barriers, championing inclusion, and creating opportunities for people with Down syndrome.”

---