Shetland social enterprise grows to meet green demand

1st September 2025

A social enterprise in Lerwick is putting the finishing touches on a major expansion project.

This milestone is a significant step forward in enhancing vital community services and unlocking new pathways for supported employment and skills development.

COPE Ltd, a registered charity and well-established social enterprise, has received up to £266,858 in funding from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) to support the £964,858 expansion of their Home Co. business unit at Port Business Park.

This investment will enable COPE to meet growing demand for its reuse and recycling services by increasing the size of its Home Co. premises at Port Business Park.

The expanded and refurbished facility will allow the Home Co. to have dedicated workspaces, enhancing productivity and quality standards, a new repair area to increase the volume of goods available for resale, enhanced display areas to accommodate larger items, and upgraded insulation and energy-efficient feature to reduce carbon emissions and support COPE's net-zero ambitions.

Work is progressing well and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Andrew Gear, head of business growth for HIE, said:

"HIE is pleased to be able to support the expansion of Home Co.'s premises, enabling COPE to expand its reuse and recycling services for the benefit of the local community. It’s great to see COPE bring this vision to life - enhancing the customer experience while creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for employees and work placements."

Steven Coutts, Chief Executive Officer at COPE, said:

"Shetland Home Co. has grown year on year due to community support, and we were delighted to receive the grant funding to realise our ambitions for the expansion. This project will be transformational for our participants, staff, volunteers and the wider community who donate and purchase goods. The extension also includes a large solar PV system which will support us on our net zero journey."

Thomas Coutts, executive manager - economic development for Shetland Islands Council (SIC), which contributed £21,387 through its Economic Development Grant Scheme, said:

“COPE Ltd is an exemplar of a community led business who deliver exceptional services for Shetland while providing inclusive opportunities for their participants and volunteers. The Council is delighted to be able to support the development of Shetland Home Co., and we look forward to seeing COPE realise their ambitions for growth and expansion, and seeing their great work continue.”

More than £653,000 was also secured by SIC through the Scottish Government's Islands Programme towards the project.

Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“I am delighted the Scottish Government was able to contribute over £653,000 towards this project through the Islands Programme capital funding scheme. By supporting a circular economy and creating opportunities for community wealth building, this project aligns very well with the vision of our National Islands Plan and the Scottish Government’s commitment to increase sustainability and resilience on our islands.”

COPE currently employs 27 full time equivalent staff and provides 85 weekly work placements across its three business units (Soap Company, Shetland Garden Co. and Shetland Home Co).