Orchard branches out with care homes in south

ORCHARD Care Homes has won a contract to operate 40 care homes in the south of England and Wales, building on its existing strength in the North of England and Scotland.

This new deal establishes Orchard as a leading UK player with more than 110 homes. Orchard won a contract two years ago to manage 40 of the former Southern Cross homes from landlord London & Regional.

The transformation in the quality and performance of these homes has led to London & Regional awarding their southern portfolio to Orchard.

The group will be moving to Hornbeam Park in Harrogate to accommodate this expansion and is actively recruiting for positions in its purchasing, estates, finance and customer service departments.

Paul Mancey, chief executive, said: “This addition of 40 care homes secures our position as a major national player and gives us a platform for further growth.”

Orchard has 6,000 employees and a turnover of £81m.

The project turnover of the London & Regional homes is £50m.

It has 6,000 beds nationwide, providing various forms of care.