Alex Winstanley is a relentless advocate for disability inclusion, transforming lives through education, training, and policy change. After witnessing the barriers and stigmas faced by disabled people, he left his teaching career in 2019 to co-found Happy Smiles Training CIC. With no prior business experience, Alex has grown the organisation to support over 20,000 people, creating employment opportunities for more than 40 disabled individuals and delivering inclusion training to schools, businesses, and councils across the UK. His work has earned national recognition, including a spot on the Disability Power 100 list for the past two years and Disability Ally of the Year.

Beyond Happy Smiles, Alex’s impact extends through his award-winning children’s book series, My Has, which educates families about health conditions like dementia, cerebral palsy, and cancer through real-life-inspired stories. His Equity, Diversity & Inclusion training for Wigan Council is shaping local policy, while his work with disabled leaders is influencing national disability law reform. From grassroots activism to systemic change, Alex’s unwavering dedication ensures disabled people are not just included, but leading the way in creating a more equitable world.