Despite neurodivergent individuals being up to 140% more productive than their neurotypical peers in certain roles, they remain significantly underrepresented in the UK workforce. With only 31% of autistic people in full-time work and a growing “NEET” (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) crisis, the UK economy is overlooking a vast pool of untapped potential during a critical period of skills shortages and productivity challenges.

Gavin Simpson ACMA CGMA, founder of Wellingborough-based Neuvantage Business Services and Binman To Boardroom, is challenging these barriers head-on. Shortlisted from over 400 national nominees, Gavin has been named a finalist for Inspiration of the Year at the inaugural Neurodiverse Business Awards. His journey—from driving dustcarts to becoming a Chartered Management Accountant and Lean Six Sigma Practitioner—serves as a blueprint for how neurodivergent “non-standard” thinking can be harnessed to solve complex business problems.

Through his proprietary Neuvantage PROFIT-ABILITY Framework®, Gavin uses his unique “architectural” lens to help Northamptonshire businesses identify operational waste—what he calls “trapped cash.” By proving that neurodivergence is a strategic asset rather than a problem to be solved, Gavin is not only elevating local businesses’ bottom lines but also inspiring a shift in how the county’s employers view talent and innovation. The winners will be revealed on 18 March 2026 at the Grand Connaught Rooms, London.

To learn more about Gavin’s journey and the work Neuvantage is doing to support the Northamptonshire business community, visit www.neuvantage.com or www.binmantoboardroom.com  or just book a 30 minute call with Gavin directly