Shetlandeli becomes part of COPE Ltd

We're delighted to now be able to confirm that Shetlandeli has become part of COPE Ltd, thanks to successfully securing a grant from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The grant of £122,350 will help support a marketing manager post for three years, and acquire local food and drink company Shetlandeli. Fifty people are currently employed including seven supported employees. Twenty-four people are given a total of 100 skill development sessions each week.

The new full time post-holder will lead and implement a marketing and communications strategy. This involves developing a new website and products to access international markets for both the Shetland Soap Company and Shetland Kitchen Co. Shetlandeli was founded by Jill Franklin in 2015 and its presence in Scotland has been growing with stockists in Kilmarnock, Orkney, Inverness-shire and Dunbar as well as in Shetland. Its range of relishes and chutneys will now be added to COPE's products. Its piccalilli, Muckle Flugga, won silver in Best Product award at the Speciality Fine Food Show, and ale chutney Valhalla won a Great Taste Award, both in 2015.

Katrina Wiseman, said: “Social enterprises make a huge contribution to tackling some of the social and environmental challenges facing communities. Each COPE enterprise provides a range of volunteer skill development placements and supported employee positions.

“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 re-branding 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.”

Ingrid Webb, Chief Executive of COPE, said: “COPE Ltd has enjoyed a strong and supportive relationship with HIE for many years and are delighted to be able to grow our business and access new markets through this funding. As a social enterprise we consistently strive to find ways of self-generating income that enables us to maintain and develop our social purpose. 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.”

"We've been fans of Shetlandeli for many years and are thrilled that our products will now be made by our team in Shetland Kitchen Co. The products will still be as high-quality and as tasty and ever, and still stocked in the same places and online. But, from today, if you buy Shetlandeli products, you will be supporting us at COPE Ltd."

Shetlandeli products can be purchased online at www.shetlandeli.co.uk