An award-winning Cardiff communications agency has ceased trading after facing a shrinking market and increased competition.
The board of Orchard Media and Events Ltd has instructed business advisory firm Menzies LLP to place the company into liquidation.
In a statement, the company said: “The Board of Orchard Media and Events Ltd has made the difficult decision to cease trading and have instructed Menzies LLP to place the Company into Liquidation.
“In recent months, the company has faced the challenges of a reducing market and increased competition. This presented a situation where the scale and quality of our work was no longer sustainable. Throughout this time, our dedicated and expert staff team continued to deliver excellent results for our clients.”
Orchard was established in 2010 and provided services including communications, strategy, creative work, content creation, events and brand activations.
In October 2024, the company announced that it had become employee-owned through an Employee Ownership Trust.
At the time, Orchard employed a 64-strong team and reported annual turnover of £15 million. The change transferred ownership of the business to its employees following the departure of its original founders.
The company’s latest statement continued: “We have had an enviable track record as a company since we were established as Orchard in 2010. We grew significantly, developing our services and responding to the needs of clients, and became employee-owned in 2024.
“Menzies LLP will contact all outstanding clients and suppliers as soon as possible.
“We would like to thank our clients, suppliers and partners for their support.”
Orchard was recognised as an RAR+ Top 100 agency and received honours from The Drum and Drum Recommends. It was also included in The Drum’s rankings of leading independent agencies.
Its integrated and multilingual “Cymru i’r Byd, Wales to the World” campaign, which promoted Wales during the country’s appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, won the Grand Prix and Travel and Tourism prizes at the World Media Awards.
All correspondence relating to the liquidation should be sent to LAsekome@menzies.co.uk
