A Shetland social business that provides employment opportunities for young people with disabilities has won Scottish Social Enterprise of the Year
Shetland social enterprise Cope has won Scotland's Social Enterprise of the year.
The organisation runs five businesses provides employment opportunities for people with disaiblities. It sells a range of goods and services to individuals, local authorities and private businesses.
Cope picked up its award at the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2015 awards ceremony in The Scottish Parliament.
This also qualifies Cope as a finalist in the UK Social Enterprise Awards.
Social enterprise is the future of business in Scotland, as a more sustainable and progressive way to delivering essential goods and services for everyone.
Fraser Kelly
Ingrid Webb, chief executive of COPE Ltd, said: "We are delighted to have won Social Enterprise of the Year at the Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2015. This award puts Shetland firmly on the social enterprise map. The award will help towards our growth and development over the coming months and years and is recognition of the hard work of all our staff and partners."
The awards also saw EuroBiotix CIC, a medical body working to reduce the cost of treatment for healthcare acquired infection, win the One to Watch.
Social Enterprise Champion went to Isobel Grigor, the chief executive of the Calman Trust, which provides housing support, training, employment opportunities for young people in the Highlands.
Fraser Kelly, chief executive, Social Enterprise Scotland, which organises the awards, said: “The Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2015 is a unique opportunity for social enterprises of all types to step up and be counted and show us how they’re changing Scotland. The diversity and quality of applications this year has been fantastic, congratulations to the winners and to everyone who was commended and shortlisted.
"Social enterprise is the future of business in Scotland, as a more sustainable and progressive way to delivering essential goods and services for everyone.”
John Swinney, Scotland's deputy first minster, presented the awards.
He said: “Social enterprises make a huge impact right across Scotland – tackling social problems and strengthening communities. They help create employment and skills opportunities, improve public services and support some of our hardest to reach individuals. I am very happy, therefore, to celebrate the success of this year’s Social Enterprise Scotland award winners and to congratulate them on their substantial achievements.”
The social impact award went to Cre8te Opportunities Limited, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport won the Buy Social: Market Builder award, and Arkleston Primary School picked up the Inspiring Youth Social Enterprise award.
