Energy broker’s call centre dials up 30 jobs

A CALL centre opened by an energy broker which created 30 jobs when it launched in July is hoping to double that number as it celebrates its first month’s success.

Orchard Energy opened the centre at its head office in Elland and is now looking to recruit further staff to accommodate an increase in demand for smart meters in homes.

The call centre is part of a five-year contract won by Orchard Energy’s sister company, Providor, both part of the Lakehouse Group, to provide smart meter services for one of the ‘Big Six’ energy companies.

In its first month, Orchard said the call centre has exceeded its appointment booking target by 17%. It has also surpassed a target to secure 85% capacity of engineers’ time, instead scheduling 95% of its capacity.

Smart meters offer energy saving measures, allowing consumers and smaller businesses to monitor their gas and electricity more closely and help them understand their bills and what’s costing them.

Orchard Energy’s operations director, Colette Costello, said: “The success of the call centre in its first month is phenomenal. Despite it being a new team, working with new systems and techniques, all staff have exceeded our expectations.

“Consumers are becoming more savvy when it comes to their energy consumption and how they can save money, and smart meters are being seen as a logical solution to monitor that, which is why take up is so high for appointments following our calls.”