Ashington business Typically-Diverse named UK StartUp Awards finalist
An Ashington initiative which supports neurodiverse people in employment has been shortlisted for an award.
Typically-Diverse has been named as a regional finalist in the UK StartUp Awards 2026 in the Professional Services StartUp of the Year category.
The business, which provides specialist neurodiversity support and training, has been shortlisted within the North East, Yorkshire and The Humber region.
Founded in 2023 by Ashington woman Jane Perkins, Typically-Diverse supports employed and self-employed neurodivergent and disabled individuals to maintain sustainable employment.
The business creates and delivers online training, resources, and bespoke support to help individuals communicate their specific needs effectively.
Jayne established the venture to provide professional services that foster a deeper understanding of neurodiversity, while also allowing her the flexibility needed to raise her children as a single parent.
She said: "It is wonderful to be recognised as an individual running a small business because I'm not out there on stages making a noise but I am making a difference to individual people and that is huge for me.
"This recognition at the regional final is a proud moment for the business. I am looking forward to the next stage of the journey, where regional winners will go on to compete at the national final at Ideas Fest in September 2026."
Since its inception, the business has grown into a vital resource for the community, achieving the significant milestone of forming long-lasting relationships with a diverse range of clients aged between 26 and 80 years old.
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, co-founder of the UK StartUp Awards, said: “New businesses are the driving force behind any thriving economy, generating employment, pioneering innovation, and contributing to prosperity right across the UK.
"This year's finalists represent the very best of British entrepreneurial talent, spotting opportunities and, through dedication, skill, and resilience, building ventures that are making a real difference in their industries and communities.
"The standard of entries in 2026 has been exceptional, and every finalist should be enormously proud of what they have achieved.”
Regional winners will go on to compete at the national final, held at Ideas Fest on September 9 – 10, 2026 at Champneys.