ORCHA, putting people at the heart of business 

Sci-Tech Daresbury has been working hard to invest in its people since it was established in 2006. As the 2021 campus survey reveals, the businesses at Sci-Tech Daresbury are leaders in retaining talent in science and technology. This is a key reason why at 28%, the number of campus firms experiencing skills shortages is much lower than the national figure of 56% as reported by the Open University in its Business Barometer 2020 report.  

The campus strives to get that figure even lower, and one means to do so is creating an environment that engages staff through both facilities and community, as well as providing an attractive place to work. 

Nestled within the heart of the North West, the dynamic campus setting of Sci-Tech Daresbury has seamlessly integrated world-class science and technology, innovation and business enterprises together within the Liverpool City Region. The community brings together some of the most innovative minds within STEM and its related fields. It’s a place called home to nearly 2,000 staff, belonging to nearly 150 businesses and counting.  

It's often argued that employees are the most important stakeholders of an organisation - they are, after all, the backbone of any business and are essential to an organisations long-term success.  

However, all too often, an employee’s value is extracted, but not returned. It’s no secret that skilled workers are in high demand, especially within STEM subjects, and businesses must now do more than simply consider upping-salaries to retain their precious talent. A survey by LinkedIn found 94% of employees who receive regular opportunities to learn, develop, and advance are more likely to stay with a company, improving factors like company culture and job productivity rates.   

Previously based at Vanguard House at Sci-Tech Daresbury, ORCHA has seen huge growth in its employee numbers since its creation back in 2015. Despite the challenges of recent years, its numbers have almost doubled with its recent growth now supporting a headcount of over 100 staff. 

As a result, the business announced its relocation to Violet,the newest development to hit Sci-Tech Daresbury’s bustling campus, in August 2022. This move will provide more space for ORCHA’s employees to collaborate and will easily accommodate for their employee-centric flexible working style.  

ORCHA has exciting plans to invest much of its resources into providing training and development programmes for its staff. ORCHA partnered with several organisations to deliver a development programme for both the Executive and Senior Leadership teams, and more recently first line managers to support its goal to be an employer of choice.  

Encouraging its staff to take time reflect upon their mental health and wellbeing has led to decreased stress levels and improved focus on tasks. Activities to date include a focus on team sports, a summer barbeque and a communal walk on the Sandstone Trail. More events are set to follow. ORCHA is keen to support the health and wellbeing of its staff and organises quarterly events. In the New Year, the company will also hold two further events in Spring and Summer. 

A recent employee survey sent to ORCHA’s staff discovered that an impressive 95% of staff feel that the wider team care and support each other, and that 97% of them felt that their managers care about them as individuals.