Harry Specters

Harry Specters is an Ely, Cambridgeshire-based chocolatier established in 2012 with the express purpose of providing employment and training for autistic individuals. Founded by Mona and Shaz Shah, parents of an autistic son, the company was born from their determination to create opportunities for young people like their child. The name Harry Specters was suggested by their son Ash when he was 14 years old, who simply said it "came from my head." Since inception, the company has positively impacted over 598 beneficiaries, mostly young autistic people, through paid employment, free work experience, and training opportunities. On average, for every £1 spent at Harry Specters, 69p directly benefits young autistic people and their families. With only 15% of the 350,000 working-age autistic people in the UK in full-time employment, Harry Specters provides vital opportunities in a sector where 61% of those unemployed are desperate to work. Founder Mona Shah was honoured with an MBE for services to training and employment for young people with autism. The Duke of Edinburgh has visited the chocolate factory to thank the Shah family for their remarkable social enterprise, which proves that great products and great causes go hand in hand.