TWO brothers from Stockton Heath have been recognised by Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis.

Christian and Ross Laing, who run Stand Out Socks – a business that raises awareness of down syndrome by making socks that are designed to stand out – were endorsed by the chairperson of Rymans, entrepreneur and a BBC dragon in Theo.

They tweeted Theo as part of Small Business Sunday, where Theo engages with small businesses up and down the country.

And they were picked as one of the winners.

As a thank you, the brothers sent Theo some socks which he said he ‘absolutely loved’ on social media in light of World Down Syndrome Day.

“Any recognition we can get is amazing,” said Christian.

“We are starting to get more and more as we grow.

“I’m not aware of him doing a post like he has done for us for other businesses.

“To get the recognition from Small Business Sunday and for him to post on Instagram about us was great.

“He’s interacted with our posts too which is massive.

“He didn’t have to post that or write that.”

 

Christian Laing and Ross Laing, the masterminds behind Stand Out Socks

Christian Laing and Ross Laing, the masterminds behind Stand Out Socks

Christian is best pleased that he brought up another conversation around the awareness day too.

The 38-year-old added: “He mentioned World Down Syndrome Day which is more awareness.

“It brings disability inclusion to the forefront and we are trying to do that with the socks starting conversations.

“It’s going really well.”