Neil works as a consulting engineer in the construction sector and is involved in the design of buildings and masterplans in the UK and internationally. His background is in mechanical engineering, but he specialises in environmental design and sustainability in the built environment (including integration of renewables).

Neil lives in Kent and is also involved in other voluntary work.

Richard joined the Orchard board in 2023 after 27 years in the oil and gas industry working in the UK and internationally, mainly in commercial roles.

Richard lives in Kent and is also involved in other voluntary work.

Janet has worked in local government for the last twenty years and is currently the climate change officer at Swale Borough Council. In addition to her work at Swale, Janet sits on South East Water’s Environmental Scrutiny Group and on their Helping Hands grant panel. Janet has been a parish councillor for several years and currently chairs Oare Parish Council. Prior to working in Kent, Janet spent several years working in East Africa with VSO and Save the Children.

After studying physics and petroleum engineering Francis worked for over 25 years in the upstream sector of oil and gas industry, in the technical design and operational management of exploration and production wells around the world. During the past twelve years Francis has steered his career into consultancy promoting high efficiency and renewable energy technologies.

Francis lives in Kent.

Ben has worked for over a decade at COOK Trading Ltd in Sittingbourne, renowned for its award-winning frozen meals and puddings and status as one of the UK's pioneering certified B Corporations. As General Manager for New Infrastructure, he spearheads major capital projects in the South of England. Ben played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of the rooftop array at the COOK Classics Kitchen, which went live in 2021.

Paul completed an engineering apprenticeship after leaving school and subsequently qualified as an accountant. During his career in manufacturing management, areas of skills and training as well as environmental improvement were never far from the top of his agenda. In 1988, he commissioned one of the first rainwater recycling systems in Kent and was an early adopter of PV with an 800 panel system.

A resident of Swale, Paul supports local schools as an Enterprise Advisor and is an active Apprenticeship Ambassador.