Must Have Ideas, the fast-growing Kent-based homeware brand, has announced that 19-year-old Louis Turl – the company’s first employee to join through the Connect to Work scheme, supported by The Education People – has successfully transitioned into full-time employment with the business.
Founded in 2018 by husband-and-wife team Amy and Rob Knight, along with friend Chris Finch, Must Have Ideas has quickly grown into one of the UK’s fastest-growing e-commerce brands.
What started at a dining table is now a 200-strong team dispatching over 10,000 orders a day from a 60,000 sq ft distribution centre in Kent. The business is built around sourcing and selling clever, problem-solving products that make everyday life easier.
Connect to Work is a voluntary employment support programme launched by the Department for Work and Pensions as part of the UK government’s Get Britain Working strategy.
It is designed to help people facing barriers to employment, including health conditions, disabilities or long-term unemployment, find and remain in meaningful work.
The programme aims to support over 9,200 individuals across Kent and Medway into meaningful employment by March 2030.
Delivered by The Education People, a specialist provider with over 30 years of team experience in supported employment, the scheme connects participants with local employers ready to provide inclusive opportunities.
Louis joined Must Have Ideas in January 2025 at the age of 18. Initially, he was supported through a Supported Internship programme with The Education People.
Due to his disabilities and vulnerabilities, Louis attended Kings Reach Education, a specialist independent school, which referred him to The Education People to support his transition into employment.
Through their Supported Internship programme, Louis began developing essential workplace skills to prepare him for full-time employment.
From July 2025 onwards, he progressed onto the Connect to Work initiative. He continues to receive support and reasonable adjustments to thrive in his paid role with Must Have Ideas.
Amy Knight, director and co-founder of Must Have Ideas, said: “Louis has brought real energy, commitment and positivity to the team. Working with the Connect to Work team and The Education People was seamless, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see Louis grow in confidence and skill over the last few months.”
Since joining, Louis has become an invaluable part of the fulfilment team at Must Have Ideas, contributing to ensuring their orders are dispatched correctly, on time and within target. Louis quickly became engaged with MHI and demonstrated a genuine interest in the work.
In April, he requested to increase his hours gradually to better prepare himself for future employment, whether at MHI or elsewhere. After being impressed with his work, MHI expressed interest in offering Louis a permanent position from July.
To support Louis’s successful integration, the team at MHI worked closely with the programme coordinators to implement a range of tailored support and reasonable adjustments, including job training, flexible hours, mentorship and additional support when required or when things change.
Must Have Ideas has grown rapidly in recent years, with a customer-first approach and an inclusive culture at the heart of the business. Louis’s success marks a new chapter in the company’s mission to open up employment opportunities and invest in the next generation of talent.
Louis added: “The Connect to Work Programme has helped me out massively when it comes to confidence, adjusting to work, and teaching me how to be a valuable member of a team.
“Kate [from The Education People] went above and beyond, and I couldn’t be more thankful of your support.
“Must Have Ideas have been extremely supportive and understanding. I look forward to going into work and seeing everyone. I would go as far to say that this programme of support has been life-changing.”
As the company continues to expand, Must Have Ideas is actively exploring ways to work with Connect to Work and similar schemes in the future, encouraging other employers to consider how they, too, can offer accessible pathways into the workplace.
Matt Selwyn-Smith, managing director of The Education People, said: “I’m delighted that Must Have Ideas has found working with The Education People both seamless and rewarding.
“This collaboration is a fantastic example of how our Supported Employment team contribute to something that creates a real impact every day – supporting individuals on their journey into the workplace.
“I’m incredibly proud of our team’s continued commitment to helping people live, learn and thrive, and I’m especially pleased to see Louis begin his full-time employment, which marks a significant milestone for him.”
