Inkfire

When Imali Chislett set up a marketing agency in 2018, she never imagined it would turn into an award-winning champion of workplace inclusion.

All she knew was, as a wheelchair user and living with chronic illness, the traditional workplace was not for her.

Ms Chislett and her husband, Cameron, launched Bournemouth-based Inkfire, which claims to be the UK’s first disability-led marketing and tech agency.

As part of its services, it has helped more than 200 businesses embed inclusivity into their operations.Media caption,

Inkfire is entirely staffed by people with disabilities and chronic illnesses

“I had some really terrible experiences, as did my husband, in the workplace,” said Ms Chislett.

“We both realised that traditional nine-to-five working didn’t suit us. We knew we needed something different and tried to build jobs that worked for us.

“In doing that, we had so many positive conversations where people said ‘we need this too’.

“We didn’t fully perceive how far it would get at the beginning but it has developed and morphed into this incredible space that we have now.”

Last month, Inkfire was named winner of the Inclusive Workplace Experience category at the Disability Smart Awards, hosted by the Business Disability Forum.

The award recognises small organisations that value the health and wellbeing of workers and have inclusive practices.

Ms Chislett said: “Our entire team have disabilities and chronic illnesses and everybody has lived experience, so we very much bring that knowledge to the table when we approach work.

“It’s good to show businesses that this is what you can achieve.

“Our message is, talk to people with disabilities, find out how you can help.

“Don’t guess what somebody will need because we are here and more than happy to chat.”