Harry Specters facts for kids
Harry Specters is a special chocolate company located in Ely, Cambridgeshire, England. It was started to give jobs and free work experience to people with autism. Mona and Shaz Shah founded the company in 2012. They have a son who is autistic. Their son, who was 14 at the time, even came up with the name "Harry Specters." When asked how he thought of it, he simply said, "came from my head."
The company believes that autistic people have many amazing strengths. They are often very loyal and pay great attention to small details. They also enjoy being social. Harry Specters uses these strengths to make delicious chocolates.
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Making a Difference
Harry Specters is more than just a chocolate company. It's a social enterprise, which means it's a business that aims to help society. A big part of the money they earn goes towards their social goals.
How Profits Help
- 60% of the company's profits are set aside to help people.
- This money supports their mission to employ and train autistic individuals.
- For every £1 spent at Harry Specters, about 69 pence helps the community. This shows how much good the company does.
Helping Autistic People
As of August 2025, Harry Specters has helped over 350 autistic people. They have provided both paid jobs and free work experience. This support helps individuals gain valuable skills and confidence.
Awards and Recognition
Harry Specters has received many awards for both their chocolates and their social work. These awards show how much their hard work is appreciated.
Chocolate Awards
- In 2014, their chocolates won awards at the Guild of Fine Food's Great Taste Awards. They received one Three-Star rating and two One-Star awards.
- the Guardian newspaper also named their chocolate Easter egg the best chocolate from a social enterprise in 2014.
- Overall, they have won 34 awards for their chocolates from the Guild of Fine Food and the Academy of Chocolate.
Business and Social Awards
Harry Specters has also been recognized for its positive impact on the community:
- Community Business of the Year Award - Ely 2023.
- Cambridgeshire Business Awards 2022 - Diversity & Inclusion.
- Great British Entrepreneur Award - 2020 Regional Winner for London & East of England.
- Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award (UK) - Citi - 2017/18.
- National Food & Drink Competition winner 2022, UK - ALDI & Channel 4.
- Kings Award for Enterprise, UK, 2024.
