In Brief: Orchard Group; Property Network; JCT600

UTILITY management specialist the Orchard Group has expanded with the launch of a new telecoms division.

Group managing director Gareth Henderson said the latest addition to the Orchard portfolio would see the organisation offer landline, mobile, broadband and VoIP installation and technical support alongside its existing IT solutions, waste management, energy purchasing and energy efficiency services.

Operating as an extension of the Elland-based organisation’s Orchard Networks company, Mr Henderson said the new division would enable the group to offer a more complete range of managed utility services.

“Our Networks business works alongside Orchard Energy and Orchard Environmental to help businesses manage their essential business utilities strategically as a way of keeping budgets under control and reducing costs.

“Orchard’s rapid growth in recent years is partly attributable to a growing need for efficiency in all businesses but our account management system, which allocate firms with a dedicated manager who becomes their local point of contact, has played a significant role in our success.”

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PROPERTY Network has announced it is to open a new office in Leeds to accommodate for new staff additions.

Bradford-born Sohail Rashid founded Property Network in Leeds less than three years ago and by the end of the year it will employ more than 50 people.

Property Network said it is set to compete with Rightmove and Zoopla by being the only social network for home movers and property professionals. It will use social incites from Facebook to source the most appropriate home for buyers’ work and lifestyles.

Yuseph Hedar, former chief operating officer at Green Flag, was brought in to assist with the growth of operations of the company.

Mr Hedar said: “We are proud to be a Yorkshire company and I felt it was important to have a strong presence in Leeds city centre. In 2010 we only had one employee and for us to have come this far this quickly is evidence of what a great idea Property Network is.”

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CAR retailer JCT600 is undertaking a £650,000 redevelopment of its Volkswagen dealership in Wakefield.

Work has already started on the complete refurbishment of the interior which will incorporate Volkswagen’s latest retail concept, together with an expansion of the showroom area enabling it to house 10 vehicles.

The refurbishment at the Dewsbury Road site is expected to take 12 weeks. The work is being carried out by APP Construction from Leeds.