Challenger energy business creates jobs following £10m acquisition

ENERGY broker Orchard Energy has launched its Elland centre creating 30 jobs, with 30 more promised for the area.

Following its £10m acquisition by asset and energy services group Lakehouse last year, Orchard is working with its sister company Providor, which has won a five-year contract with a Big Six energy company to provide smart meter services.

Orchard will deliver smart meter telesales services from its new Elland call centre, with 30 more jobs expected over the next five years.

The centre will support a government legislation which will see all homes installed with smart meters by 2020.

Nigel Sutcliffe and Laura Robinson will lead the team at the new centre with Helen Ekuase appointed as the contact centre manager.

Orchard Energy’s managing director, Gareth Henderson, said: “This is a big move for Orchard Energy, as we take a step into the domestic market, which has always been part of our long-term expansion plans.

“We have a strong track record in telesales, and to be able to establish the new call centre at our head office will enable us to showcase our telesales expertise, as well as cross-sell our other products to a wider audience.

“It’s an exciting project and we are proud to be able to create more jobs for the local community, as well as contribute to the government’s rollout of smart meters across the domestic market, which will ultimately help homes across the UK save money on their energy.”