Soft Drinks Feasibility Study

COPE Ltd is a social enterprise driven by the need to make new opportunities available to the growing numbers of adults with disabilities who have been identified in the education system.  COPE has a proven track record in developing such enterprises including a Soap Manufacturing Company, catering and recycling. The numbers of adults with learning disabilities who will need services over the next ten years is likely to increase by 50%. (Draft Shetland Disability Strategy 2004) In addition COPE is now working with adults with mental health problems, physical disabilities and people who have disabilities following a head injury.

COPE Ltd requested assistance with the investigation of a new diversification venture. The aims of the project were to examine the feasibility of setting up and operating a lemonade/soft drinks/mineral water production unit as a social firm employing adults with disabilities.  It was hoped that this would result in the creation of a new manufacturing facility in Shetland, to contribute towards local economy, offering new employment opportunities and products for the export market.

The feasibility study investigated the involvement of young people and the underemployed. Through undertaking a feasibility study looking into the diversification of a community enterprise with the potential to increase employment opportunities and skills of people with disabilities the project invests in community strengths, leadership and confidence. COPE Ltd were therefore granted Leader+ assistance of £1,300 to contribute to the costs of undertaking the study.

The feasibility study has resulted in the project moving towards the next stages of development recommending the establishment of the Shetland Soda Company - a new social enterprise business that will produce and distribute a range of soft drinks, spring water products, energy drinks and bottled carrot juice.