Orchard has introduced a new model focusing on digital, social and PR 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 so that their clients can benefit from its expertise 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, he will lead 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. “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.”
Brooke Kenyon and Chris Chilton, Orchard’s MD (operations), bought the business in 2017 via a management buyout (MBO) and have made significant strides towards delivering its revamped mission to adapt and innovate to meet industry challenges.
Since the MBO, the agency has developed a proprietary strategic model, won two agency of the year awards and expanded its specialist partner network. This move is the latest evolution of Orchard, said Brooke: “Orchard has been a market leader in the Crown Dependencies for 25 years and this restructure will keep us in pole position. We are giving the islands’ organisations clarity that they can come to us for more than traditional media relations. Our digital, social and PR branches will work together to go beyond storytelling for our clients and drive positive change, business growth and long-term value for them.”
Brooke said that the new model plays to the strengths of Orchard’s team of eleven communications professionals. “Expertise, creativity and integrity are our team’s hallmarks and 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 change, Orchard has revamped its website to reflect the branches and clearly outline the services it offers to the Crown Dependencies markets.
