UK Leisure Company to Speak at the United Nations

LONDON, June 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

- Orchid CEO Rufus Hall Invited to Address the United Nations in New York

Orchid Group's CEO, Rufus Hall, has been invited to present at a United Nations partnership conference on the issue of corporate social responsibility in New York from June 20th to 23rd.

The Junior International Chamber requested Orchid's presence after seeing the group move up the Sunday Times list of the top big companies to work for.

Earlier this year, Orchid ranked fifth, up from 20 in 2010, aided greatly by its commitment to CSR and employee engagement.

At the 2011 JCI Global Partnership Summit, Rufus will address delegates from around the world, including young active citizens, business experts, government representatives and UN advisors.

Rufus' speech will focus on Orchid's hugely successful CSR strategy, which involves ongoing work to support communities and their people in many ways.

"I look forward to sharing Orchid's vision and goals with like-minded people from around the world," says Rufus.

"The opportunities to provide valuable support to others are out there and the benefits to the business community in doing so are proven."

Alongside Rufus, speakers and attendees will include the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the International Chamber of Commerce, Vice President of International Government Relations at the Coca-Cola Company, Afzaal Malik, the Social Enterprise Alliance and the Editor of the UN Dispatch Mark Leon Goldberg.

In his official invite to Rufus, Edson Kodama, JCI Secretary General, says, "As the CEO of an innovative and employee-focused company, we would like to hear your perspective on how business can be used to create a better world."

"Orchid's CSR initiatives have helped us transform communities and we remain committed to doing this further as the company itself continues to grow. I hope the summit will inspire other businesses to follow Orchid's lead and that we may also learn from similar success stories and gain new ideas for our own programmes."

The top five ranking by the Sunday Times highlighted the dedication to people that Orchid shows every day. Revealing the position, as well as the group's titles of Best Improver and Wellbeing Award, the Sunday Times praised Orchid's commitment to staff, family-like atmosphere and strong communications programmes.

For further information, please contact: Kat or Kate T: +44(0)117-9739019 - E: pr@orchidgroup.co.uk Follow Orchid on Twitter @orchid_group or visit http://www.orchidgroup.co.uk