A full-service communications agency which expanded into Bristol this year has enjoyed growth in the city, its owner has told Insider.

Headquartered in Jersey, Orchard Communications grew its team by five in 2022 and opened a new base in the South West.

It is now eyeing a busy 2023.

Speaking to Insider, PR director and owner Allan Watts said the firm is “ahead of target for 2022 both in terms of revenue and, perhaps more importantly, the growth of our UK hub in Bristol”.

“Our focus is on building our UK office further,” he added. “We aim to grow our Bristol-based team by 50 per cent and we are looking forward to implementing our ambitious business development strategy.

“We are targeting particularly owner-managed businesses in the South West where we can work directly with decision makers and create a positive change for their organisation.

“As the economy comes under increasing pressure, delivering effective marketing solutions is going to be key.”

Looking at challenges that may arise, Watts noted that the greatest one is “common across all sectors – recruitment”.

“We are lucky that Bristol has a rich seam of creative talent so we are excited by the possibilities – but we are acutely aware of the need to find not just any people, but the right people for Orchid, who will understand and embrace our ethos – and then of course ensuring we provide the right environment in which they can grow and achieve their own professional goals.”