This Neurodiversity Week 2026, iSE is thrilled to host a special workshop with Maxine Laceby, co-founder of Absolute Collagen, at Centrala Birmingham on Wednesday 18th March, 11am–1pm GMT. This event is free and created to help business owners, founders and managers understand the value of neurodiverse teams and to provide practical guidance for creating supportive working environments.
Whether you’re a social entrepreneur, running an early-stage business or part of a growing team, this session offers honest, real-world insights into what it means to build workplaces where everyone can contribute and thrive.
Understanding Neurodiversity in Business
Neurodiversity isn’t just a personal matter, it’s a business advantage. In the UK, an estimated 15–20% of the workforce is neurodivergent, yet many organisations overlook how to fully support individuals who think, process and work differently. For startups and small businesses, integrating neurodiverse perspectives can improve problem-solving, creativity and decision-making but it requires awareness, empathy and practical strategies.
Maxine Laceby brings her unique perspective as both a founder and someone with lived experience of neurodiversity. She will share her journey of building Absolute Collagen, one of the UK’s fastest-growing wellness brands, while navigating the challenges and strengths that come with thinking differently.
What to Expect from the Workshop
The session will include:
- A live, in-conversation discussion with Maxine, hosted by iSE.
- Honest dialogue about neurodiversity in leadership, team dynamics, and decision-making.
- Real examples from Maxine’s experience growing Absolute Collagen, including strategies for supporting diverse teams.
- A Q&A session where attendees can discuss their own challenges and get guidance from an experienced founder.
This workshop is intended to equip business leaders with realistic, immediately usable approaches to foster inclusivity in their teams. Attendees will leave with actionable knowledge, thoughtful reflections, and a broader understanding of neurodiversity in the workplace.
About Absolute Collagen
Absolute Collagen began as a personal journey of transformation. At 50, Maxine returned to university to study Fine Art, rediscovering her sense of self and new possibilities. At the same time, her daughter Darcy was pursuing Food Development studies. Together, they started experimenting with collagen-rich bone broth, noticing visible benefits such as stronger nails, glowing skin, and renewed wellbeing.
This led to the creation of Absolute Collagen in 2017, offering premium marine collagen supplements in convenient daily sachets. Maxine and Darcy built the business with a commitment to transparency, quality and real results, while ensuring that their company operates responsibly and sustainably.
Today, Absolute Collagen is Certified B Corporation®, Carbon Neutral and a Living Wage Employer. Their approach shows how businesses can grow while caring for both people and the planet…a balance that’s increasingly important in today’s social economy.
Why This Event Matters
Supporting neurodiversity isn’t just a moral choice, it’s about creating workplaces where people can contribute their best. Small and early-stage teams often have the most flexibility to implement inclusive practices, yet awareness is still limited. This event offers insight into practical steps leaders can take to ensure neurodivergent team members are supported, valued and included as part of core business growth.
iSE is proud to provide this session, reflecting our commitment to supporting social enterprises, startups and businesses across the West Midlands and beyond. By attending, you’ll gain insight, learn from real experiences, and join a community of leaders dedicated to inclusivity and thoughtful business growth.
Join Us at Centrala
We’re excited to host this workshop in partnership with Centrala, a vibrant hub for creativity and innovation in Birmingham. Located at Unit 4, Minerva Works, 158 Fazeley St, Birmingham B5 5RT, Centrala provides the perfect setting for open conversation and meaningful connections.
Spaces are limited, and with Maxine Laceby’s rare insight, this session is set to be one of the standout events of Neurodiversity Week. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain guidance that could positively influence the way your team works, grows and thrives.