Auticon, an international informational technology consultancy firm that exclusively hires autistic IT consultants has received the Scottish Enterprise grant for expansion in Edinburgh, Scotland. Over the next couple of years, they will recruit 12 new autistic consultants/data specialists and three coaches/advisors with relevant experience to support their ambitious growth plan.
Founded in 2011 in Berlin, it is a social enterprise with over 18 offices across the world. Auticon’s Edinburgh office was launched in 2019 and with this grant, the firm has plans to expand into the Bayes Centre at the University of Edinburgh.
Emma Walker, regional manager, Auticon told The Scotsman, “Auticon is perfectly placed to provide the support organisations need to open up access to the wealth of neurodiverse talent in Scotland – and beyond. We are working with a number of financial services companies with growth plans.” She added that the company’s expansion was made possible by Scottish Enterprise and it will allow more highly skilled autistic adults to have the opportunity to find meaningful employment with Scottish businesses.
Ian Blewett, digital economy head at Scottish Enterprise believes that neurodiverse hiring is crucial for an inclusive working environment in Scottish business places. Speaking about the grant he said, “This is a key priority for Scottish Enterprise as highlighted by the breadth and depth of companies we have supported in Scotland such as Auticon, which is driving greater diversity across the data industry.”