Orchid is the youngest pubco to gain Investors in People accreditation

18-Jul-2013 - Last updated on 19-Jul-2013 at 08:29 GMT

Orchid is one of the first pub companies to receive Investors in People accreditation

The Orchid Group has become the youngest pub company to receive accreditation from Investors in People.

Orchid, which was founded in 2006, entered the ranks on its initial assessment, joining an elite group of employee-focused UK firms. It is one of the first pub companies to achieve the accolade.

The group was praised for its industry-leading training and recognised qualifications, which give staff the opportunity to gain up to NVQ Level 5 and will provide NVQ Level 7 later in the year.

Growth and development within the group was also recognised - since 40% of area managers and 45% of general managers worked up the company ladder – as was Orchid’s dedication to future generations of hospitality staff, due to the volume of apprentices and work experience placements over this year and planned for the upcoming one.

Orchid is now aspiring to achieve Champion status, something very few firms attain, by the end of the year.

Orchid CEO Rufus Hall said: "Investors in People has worldwide acclaim and accreditation is far from easy. We are proud to be one of the first pub companies to achieve this status as it clearly demonstrates that Orchid values are lived and breathed throughout our business.

Valued staff

"Everyone is involved in key decisions and the lack of red tape and flat structure allows us to react and move quickly in a changing marketplace. This helps us to nurture a professional but non-corporate atmosphere where things are not simply pushed down from the top and every single person knows they are a valued member of the Orchid family, not just a number in our employee records."

Investors in People assesses companies after speaking to employees to find out how the company communicates and engages with them and helps them to progress and develop.

Rachel Onysko, manager at the Church Tavern in Birmingham and one of the employees interviewed, said: "Orchid does people like no other company. There is continuing investment in people and every member of staff is recognised and supported.

"The development and training opportunities are second-to-none and really inspire everyone in the Orchid family to enhance their careers."