EPL Supports Economic Development In Afghanistan
23/07/2009
EPL has been commissioned to prepare a business plan to develop a fair trade social enterprise which sells goods manufactured in Afghanistan
The Aga Khan Development Foundation, with the support of Business Link, has asked EPL to prepare a business plan which sets out the development of a new social enterprise named (working title) 'Eco Patch' – a distributor of a range of fair trade based garden products manufactured from old car tyres, and ethically sourced materials from Afghanistan. The plan will examine whether Eco Patch is a commercially viable business model. Its primary social purposes will be to:Open up trading routes and markets for producers base in Afghanistan, supporting the diversification of the Afghan economy away from poppy cultivation
Deliver training and employment for adults with disabilities in the UK
Encourage recycling
Key features of Eco Patch will include:
A range products manufactured from recycled car tyres for the garden and equestrian markets
Routes to markets will include:
Direct sales via a web-site
Direct sales via the Guardian Store
Direct sales via www.ethicgirls.co.uk
Distribution via garden centres and large diy chains
Its proposed market is the ethical garden shopper
The Eco Patch Community Interest Company has recently been established by a collection of like-minded organisations and individuals who believe social enterprise has the capacity to act as a force for good, as an agent of change. Drawing upon the principles of fair trade, Eco Patch will source its product range from contacts in Afghanistan, namely the Aga Khan organisation, and is planning to establish a UK Distribution network. This network will aim to operate as a social firm, providing pre-employment training and employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.
EPL Director, Dr Guy Turnbull, says, 'EPL is thrilled once more to be engaged in International Development work. Its important to remember that social enterprise is a world wide movement, and that trade can be a force for good'.