COPE scoops another social enterprise award

SHETLAND social enterprise COPE Ltd has scooped yet another top award.

The company, which provides employment and training opportunities for adults with disabilities, was named Scottish social enterprise of the year during a ceremony at the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday evening.

General manager Ingrid Webb said everyone at COPE was “absolutely delighted”.

The Lerwick-based social enterprise was recognised for its vision and strategic direction, leadership and community impact, and also for its brand awareness, creativity and innovation.

Webb said: “What we try to do every day is to help people with a learning difficulty achieve great things.

“As a team, we support, learn and encourage each other to be better, more ambitious and thoughtful people. It’s not always easy, and we rely on the people of Shetland’s support.

“By buying our products, we can guarantee that people with disabilities have the opportunity to be part of something that makes them feel valued within their community.

“I think that’s something we all need in our lives. My hope is that our customers continue to shop with us and we will continue to show you that your trust in us is justified.”

She expressed her gratitude to everyone in the COPE team including the “board of directors who all volunteer their time to us”.

Six weeks ago, COPE won the best social enterprise award at the Highland Business Awards.

Fraser Kelly of the judging panel said: “COPE Ltd stood out as the clear winner. They took a big step to rebrand and have moved the businesses into a different phase of development.”

The win means that COPE now goes on to represent Scotland in the national UK awards in London on 26 November.

Local MSP Tavish Scott, who was present at the ceremony on Tuesday night, added: “After the tremendous changes that Ingrid and the team have made, this is national recognition for all that hard work. Roll on London.”