A Blackburn businessman has been named one of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK.  

Lee Chambers, who has autism, has been named in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 as one of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK - working to break the stigma around disability to create a more accessible and inclusive world for all.

All about creating change, the Disability Power 100 celebrates ambition and achievement, and plays a role in changing society by recognising the strengths and talents of disabled people who are pioneers, changemakers and influencers.

Mr Chambers, who is the founder of Essentialise Workplace Wellbeing and Male Allies UK, is on the list of 100 in the science and engineering category, and will find out if he makes the UK's Top 10 on November 8 at Wembley.

He is one of the leading autism advocates in the North, and recently spoke to global young leaders about his journey as part of this year’s One Young World in Belfast.

After receiving his autism diagnosis in 2021, Chambers has been active in supporting other neurodivergent individuals, including working with SEND schools in Lancashire and supporting graduates through his black STEM future's programme, launched in 2022.

And as a black autistic male, he is passionate about showcasing that disabled individuals come from all communities, and they are often resilient, adaptable and have a lot to offer society.

Previous winners of the Disability Power 100 number one spot have included comedian and presenter Alex Brooker, campaigner and peer Baroness Jane Campbell and BBC disability journalist Nikki Fox.

The 100 finalists were selected by an independent judging panel chaired by Andrew Miller MBE from more than 1,500 public nominations.

On making the top 100 list, Mr Chambers said: "It is great to be recognised for the work I do and to be considered an influential role model within the disability community and further afield.

“Being disabled is so often seen as a negative, and while it can be challenging, we are capable of so much when given the opportunity to shine.

“There are so few black autistic males in the public eye who talk about it, and I hope being featured by the Disability Power 100 will get more of the community talking and show the next generation what is possible. This is just the start of my journey."

While this is an achievement for Mr Chambers, it is the start of a busy end to the year, with a Top 10 placing at the Ethnicity Awards to come, and his company Essentialise being finalists at the Scale Up Awards and British Business Awards.