Award Recipients

Laltex Group, a UK importer and distributor of promotional and retail merchandise based in Leigh, has been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise 2026 in the Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility category. The award recognises those organisations demonstrating an outstanding commitment to creating opportunities for people facing barriers to employment.

Established in 1962, Laltex Group employs 231 staff and supplies customers across the UK and Ireland. As a long-standing employer in the Leigh area, the business has built strong community ties and a commitment to inclusive employment.

A key part of this recognition is Laltex Group’s partnership with Seashell Trust, which began in 2005. This has developed into a structured supported employment initiative, helping individuals with severe learning difficulties and complex needs gain meaningful roles within warehouse and production operations.

Since launching the programme in 2017, roles have been carefully tailored to individual strengths and supported through adaptive technologies, mentoring and disability awareness training leading to permanent paid employment within the business.

The impact extends beyond the workplace. One parent shared: “We are so grateful and extremely appreciative of everything that Laltex have done for Robert to enable his continued employment, and for the care and kindness that he is always shown by everyone.”

Nationally, only 4.8% of college leavers with complex needs move into supported employment, however Seashell Trust has achieved a significantly higher rate of 24% in 2024, with Laltex Group’s partnership contributing to this success. The company has also invested over £100,000 in facility adaptations to ensure roles are accessible and appropriately supported.

Sanjay Mulchand, CEO of Laltex Group, says: “We are incredibly proud to receive this award. It reflects the dedication of our teams and reinforces our belief that every business can play a role in driving positive social change.”

Laltex Group hopes this recognition encourages more businesses to consider inclusive employment opportunities.