News / COPE enterprise attracts new funding
SOCIAL enterprise COPE Ltd has secured funding to new develop a new website and promote its products to an international market.
The Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) money, which amounts to £122,350, has also been used to allow COPE to acquire local food and drinks company Shetlandeli.
A marketing manager will be employed for the next three years in the view of promoting products from its Shetland Soap Company and Kitchen Company arms to a wider audience.
Shetlandeli’s range of chutneys and relishes will now be sold through COPE after the business was bought by the social enterprise.
It was launched in 2015 by Jill Franklin and its award-winning products are stocked in areas like Orkney, Inverness-shire, Kilmarnock and Dunbar.
COPE chief executive Ingrid Webb said the enterprise has had a “strong and supportive relationship” with HIE for a number of years.
It currently employs 50 people, with seven of those supported employees. Twenty four people are given a total of 100 skill development sessions each week.
“As a social enterprise we consistently strive to find ways of self-generating income that enables us to maintain and develop our social purpose,” Webb said.
“People with learning disabilities are valuable to our communities and societies and this funding will assist us build on what has already been achieved.
“We are very proud to work alongside agencies such as HIE which supports us to produce amazing products by amazing people.”
HIE’s Katrina Wiseman added: “The enterprise is award-winning for its vision and strategic direction, leadership and community impact and we are delighted to be supporting it to grow.
“A new website and rebranding will strengthen the brand, back up the quality of the products and support the promotion of the company for online customers both in the UK and overseas.”
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