Local businesses open their doors to employees through Horizons East Cork hubs

Two-thirds of adults with disabilities supported by Horizons’ East Cork hubs are now availing of paid work or weekly work experience.

Horizons (formerly Cope Foundation) revealed the figure at an event held in the Midleton Distillery to recognise the special efforts of 24 local businesses that have opened their doors to inclusive hiring.

Jack Ryan has been working in the shop at the Midleton Distillery Experience for the last three years, and enjoys talking to customers and recommending different whiskeys to suit their tastes.

Myles Keogh, brand ambassador with Midleton Distillery, said: “Everyone loves Thursdays because Jack brings so much to the team with his honesty, integrity, smiles and making sure all customers are happy when they leave. 

"We get visitors from all over the world and Jack is able to talk to everyone about anything — but most importantly about the products that we sell.”

Thrilled 

Helen Flemming has been working as a sales assistant with Savage Kids in Midleton for two years and says she loves meeting customers and opening the boxes to see what clothes have come into the store.

Owner Therese Savage said: “Everyone knows Helen and is thrilled to see her working in the shop. 

"She has really excelled over the last two years in merchandising, meeting and greeting customers, sales, and she is a real team player. I would strongly encourage other employers to open their doors to people with different abilities as it’s a win-win situation.”

The 24 business recognised at the Horizons Employers Recognition Awards are: Dakota; Walsh’s Carpets; Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland; Maxi Zoo; Botanic Home & Garden Centre; Bertelli Menswear; GK Quick Tyres; Midleton Distillery Experience; Army Surplus Warehouse; Mr. Price; Juniper Rose; Number 21 Off Licence; Midleton Fitness; Savage Kids; An Rothar Cycle Centre; Talbot Hotel Midleton; Lollipop Kids; Esquires; XL Farrelly’s Service Station; Centra — Cahill’s, Cloyne; Midleton Football Club; Gilead; Unified 2 Global Packaging Group; and Skinvet Ireland.