Elland-based management consultancy Orchard has unveiled plans to grow its IT and waste management businesses by creating new jobs and services over the next five years.

Initiatives are expected to include an IT and managed service support package designed for fledgling Yorkshire businesses and backed by business advisory roadshows.

On the environmental side, growth will focus on the expansion of waste mapping, which helps businesses source the most cost-effective recycling or disposal route for their waste.

Gareth Henderson, founder and managing director of Orchard Networks and Orchard Environmental, said the plan was expected to mean another 15 to 20 jobs across both businesses over the next five years – and said recruitment was already under way.

Mr Henderson launched the Orchard group of companies with energy management consultancy Orchard Energy in 2004, which was sold to energy support services group Lakehouse plc earlier this month.

Now the focus is on replicating the growth and success of his energy business for Orchard Networks and Orchard Environmental, which he will continue to operate as private companies.

“Orchard Networks and Orchard Environmental remain a firm part of the Orchard Group and it is my intention to drive these businesses forward with the vigour, ethos and ethics that have come to define the Orchard brand,” he said.

“Having grown Orchard Energy from a small Yorkshire start-up into a flourishing national business I am now looking forward to focusing my attention on maximising the potential of Orchard Networks and Orchard Environmental and introducing the Orchard way of working to more businesses in the Yorkshire region and beyond.

“Our networks and environmental customers can look forward to new products and services as we expand with our characteristic commitment to excellent customer service and helping them driving down business costs.”