Laltex Group Honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise 2026
We’re incredibly proud to share that Laltex Group has been awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise 2026 in the category of Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility.
Now in its 60th year, the King’s Award for Enterprise is the UK’s most prestigious business award and is widely recognised as a mark of excellence. Recipients are selected through a rigorous and highly competitive process.
For us, this recognition means more than business success. It reflects something we’ve been committed to for many years, creating meaningful opportunities for people who are often overlooked in traditional employment pathways.
As a Leigh-based business established in 1962, employing 231 people and supplying customers across the UK and Ireland, we’ve always believed in building long-term relationships, not just with our customers but within our local community too. One of the most important partnerships we’ve developed is with Seashell Trust.
Our work together began in 2005 and has grown into a structured employment initiative supporting young people with severe learning difficulties and complex needs into meaningful roles within our production operations.
Quote from parent (Carol Townsend):
“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. His life would be completely different with no focus or structure without his time at Laltex and his circle of friends would be extremely limited. Laltex are a loyal and supportive family business, and we truly feel that Robert is a valued part of the 'one family’ at Laltex.”
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.
Nationally, only 4.8% of college leavers with complex needs move into supported employment. Through their incredible work, Seashell Trust’s figure reached 24% in 2024, and we’re proud to play a part in that progress.
Seashell CEO Brandon Leigh said: “The impact of a meaningful work placement is life changing. Students are really happy in their work and it’s important to them. A placement that works well supports their happiness, wellbeing, communication and it improves many skills such as socialising.
The dedication that Laltex commits to Seashell and our students is truly inspirational, so it is wonderful to see it has also been nationally recognised with a Kings Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility. It is a much-deserved accolade! Our congratulations to the whole team.”
We’ve also invested over £100,000 into adapting our facilities to ensure roles are accessible and properly supported for participants.
Beyond the numbers, this is about people. Many of those involved have developed new skills, grown in confidence, and progressed within the workplace as part of the supported employment initiative.
Our CEO, Sanjay Mulchand, said:
“We are truly honoured to receive the King’s Award for Enterprise. This recognition reflects the passion, commitment, and compassion shown by our entire team every day. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone at Laltex Group, as well as our valued partners, for their dedication to creating meaningful opportunities and supporting individuals to thrive. Receiving this award reinforces our belief that everyone should be given the same access to learning and employment opportunities, and reinforces our belief that every business can play a vital role in driving positive social change.”
We also want to recognise the people behind the delivery of this work every day. Gill Lalley, Executive Assistant, said:
“Being part of the supported employment initiative has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about creating job opportunities, it’s about building confidence, independence, and a genuine sense of belonging. Seeing individuals grow, develop new skills, and thrive in the workplace reinforces why this initiative matters so much. At Laltex Group, we’re proud to play a role in breaking down barriers and demonstrating the positive impact inclusive employment can have on both people and businesses.”
We hope this recognition not only celebrates our journey but also encourages more businesses to create inclusive opportunities for those who may otherwise be overlooked.
To see the wider impact of opportunities like these, not just on individuals but on their families too, you can watch the story below: