When I joined Hambleton Steel Ltd in June 2021, I had no idea how much this opportunity would mean to me. As someone who lives with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, I’ve always known that the workplace can be challenging - not just physically, but also in terms of perception. From day one, Hambleton Steel has shown me that ability is much more important than disability.
My role and routine
I have restricted movement in all four limbs, especially my lower body, so I use walking sticks and a wheelchair to get around. Nevertheless, I can contribute; and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing since I started working here.
I began my journey at the Rotherham facility, and then moved to the Richmond offices in January 2022, where I still work today. I currently work three days a week, with the flexibility to increase my hours if the workload demands it, which I am happy to do if required.
My role sits across administration for three key areas: Quality, Production, and Payment Tracking.
In Quality, I prepare fabrication document packs, ensure that welding records are complete, and archive everything digitally.
In Production, I review our production schedules to ensure we can realistically meet them with our current resources, and I track and log weekly production statistics.
On the Payment Tracking side, I help log our applications with our external financial service provider, and I keep the payment tracker up to date, so that everything stays visible and on time.
The impact I hope I am making
What I try to bring to my role at Hambleton Steel is consistency, accuracy and reliability. I want to ensure that every job I work on is completed properly, to a high standard, and always on time. Whether it’s documentation or performance tracking, I recognise how important these administrative tasks are to keep the business running.
A company that believes in equal opportunity
After a short break in late 2024 to focus on my dream of becoming a teacher (which I still hope will come true one day!), and after completing my university studies in Sports Science, a teacher training placement and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, I came back to Hambleton Steel. From production through to the office staff, it is clear that equal opportunities is not unique to just my team at Hambleton Steel.
Being part of a company that sees me for my abilities, and not my disability, is not something that I take for granted. It makes me feel respected, valued and motivated.
Why inclusion is important
I know I’m not the only person with a disability who wants to work, grow and contribute to society. But the sad truth is that not every company opens their doors in the same way as Hambleton Steel. According to national statistics, around half of working- age disabled people in the UK are employed — compared to over 80% of people without disabilities. This gap needs to be closed.
Inclusion is not about charity. It’s about recognising that there are many types of talent and that, with the right support, people like me can succeed and help businesses grow.
Looking to the future
I am very grateful to be part of Hambleton Steel. Here I have been able to develop, contribute and have been treated as an equal. I hope that more employers across the UK follow this example and start to recognise the potential of people with different abilities.
Matt Gibson, COO of Embrace Steel Group, said, “Tom is a valuable part of the Hambleton Steel team, consistently demonstrating efficiency, accuracy and a strong work ethic. His attention to detail ensures that our documentation packs are always up to date and meet the quality and quantity standards we expect. He plays an important role in maintaining the high standards across the business.”
