700,000 people in the UK have autism. Sheila Gregory of Carlisle Mencap sets out how and why businesses should cater for them.
Approximately 1% of the UK population have autism, around 700,000 people.
That’s a large potential market for businesses to target as customers and a big pool of labour from which to recruit.
Indeed, people with autism can sometimes have exceptional skills that make them very valuable employees.
In this podcast, Sheila Gregory, Chief Executive of Carlisle Mencap, explains the condition and sets out simple, cost-effective measures that businesses can take to better cater for those on spectrum.
Click here for information on managing an autistic employee.
Click here for more on the Too Much Information campaign.
11 August 2026
In this episode, we’re talking all things Conference Cumbria 2026. We explore what’s in store for this year’s event, from the theme “Be Bold. Be Courageous.” and our keynote speaker Sir Clive Woodward, to the inspiring speakers, panel discussions and opportunities to connect with businesses from…
In this episode, Dominic Doig from Solomon Europe joins us to discuss MatchMaker—a new procurement model designed to help SMEs source the products and services they need more effectively. We explore how the idea for MatchMaker came about, the impact it's already having for businesses, and so much…
In this episode, Sarah Schofield joins us to discuss the importance of creating safe and supportive environments for women in the business world. We explore the inspiration behind her Safe Women Workshops, the challenges many women still face in professional settings, and why psychological safety,…
