Orchard Connects In Strategic Partnership With BDS

Boutique sponsorship and brand partnership agency Orchard Connects, which launched in 2019 as an arm of the Orchard Media and Events Group, is partnering with sponsorship and commercialisation consultancy BDS.

Orchard Connects, whose managing partner is Kerry McDonald,  aims to bring together brands, rights holders and audiences through engaging, innovative and purposeful partnerships. Its clients include Wales Millennium Centre, Watford FC, Glamorgan Cricket, and the Cardiff Devils. 

BDS, headed up by CEO Richard Busby, works across multiple sectors with a portfolio of clients that include the likes of the Olympic Legacy Park, Wembley Stadium, TFL, Coventry City Council and Shell.   

The two companies have joined forces on a number of new business wins, including The National Forest Company; Scottish Canals, IJBAAN, a cable car planned for Amsterdam, and the British Standards Institute (BSI).

Kerry said: “We’re like-minded companies with complementary skills. This developing partnership not only strengthens our client offer, but gives it greater breadth. ”

The two companies combine decades of knowledge and expertise across sport, entertainment, culture, sustainability, third and public sector and transport. BDS in particular is currently engaged on a number of transport and sustainability projects.

Richard said: “The Orchard Group offer clients a breadth of experience and expertise across a number of different areas. By establishing this close relationship, clients will really benefit from the enhanced service we can offer.”

The Cardiff-based Orchard Connects team has worked with and advised a number of leading rights holders, national governing bodies and blue-chip brands, including Nike, Mercedes-Benz, AFEX, Red Bull, Harlequins and Sport England. Managing Partner Kerry McDonald currently sits on the boards of Welsh Netball, Celtic Dragons and Active Surrey.