Orchard branches out

Friday 14 May 2021

Orchard has introduced a new model focusing on digital, social and PR in a move the company says will help to meet changing client demand across the Crown Dependencies.

The communications agency, which celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2021, has launched the three branches and increased the responsibilities of its senior team across these specialist areas.

Mike Wilkins will continue to lead Orchard’s digital team, having joined the agency two years ago and scaled up its in-house production capabilities; Harriet Black will head the newly created social branch of the agency, with responsibility for social media campaigns and strategy; and Dan Gallienne has been named head of PR, leading Orchard’s PR offering in the context of 2021’s communications landscape.

Brooke Kenyon, Orchard’s MD (client services), said that the clear responsibilities allow the agency to cater to more clients.

“We believe in communications as a force for good, and it is at its most effective when it’s strategically planned and encompasses all the forms of media at our disposal,” she said.

Pictured: Brooke Kenyon and Chris Chilton, Orchard’s MD (operations), bought the business in 2017 via a management buyout.

“But we’re having more conversations with organisations who want to work with us for individual projects using specific channels. Those who outsource their marketing and PR work need a flexible approach, and our new model offers exactly that.”

Ms Kenyon said that the new model plays to the strengths of Orchard’s team of 11 communications professionals.

“Expertise, creativity and integrity are our team’s hallmarks," she said. "This restructure embraces those traits and enables our senior team to prioritise their specialisms while continuing to work in the collaborative environment that has been such a key component of our success.”

As part of the changes, Orchard has revamped its website to reflect the branches and clearly outline the services it offers to the Crown Dependencies markets.

Orchard has this year announced partnerships with Linda Rolf Associates, to expand its internal communications offering, and ESI Monitor, to offer a communications package around environmental impact and sustainability.