News / New look COPE
SHETLAND social enterprise COPE has reinvented itself with a new brand identity for the five businesses under its umbrella.
Established as a charity in 1998, COPE (Community Opportunities for Participation in Enterprise) supports individuals with disabilities to access employment in a business environment.
Restructuring the organisation started more than two years ago with the refurbishment of Shetland Soap Company’ premises in Lerwick’s Commercial Street.
Now it is almost complete with the launch of a new company logo, which was celebrated with a reception held at COPE’s Lerwick Port Business Park premises on Friday afternoon.
An updated website is expected to be launched soon.
General manager Ingrid Webb said the changes had become necessary to adapt to changing market conditions that require a wide range of different skills.
“The re-branding is not just about having a shiny new logo. The process goes much deeper than that,” she said.
“We are committed to creating a strong organisation for the future based on quality for our participants, staff and customers.
“First and foremost, COPE believe that everyone – regardless of disability – should have the potential to contribute to the local economy and, in so doing, learn to value themselves and others.”
The company is one of the most successful social enterprises in the highlands and islands, she added.
The five businesses are:
• Shetland Soap Company has seen increases in sales since it rebranding two years ago;
• Orkney Soap underwent a similar exercise in 2013 resulting in a marked increase in sales at its refurbished shop on Kirkwall’s Albert Street;
• COPE Trees and Shrubs – renamed Shetland Garden Company -which now incorporates the former LastDitchology workshop as a garden shop;
• Shetland Scrapstore – renamed Shetland Home Company – which now also includes the pet supplies store, and has recently taken over the running of the council’s freight store for the north isles and rural Shetland;
• COPE Catering – renamed Shetland Kitchen Company.
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