Please could you briefly explain what your business does?
The Orange Tree Theatre is a registered charity (number 266128), Richmond’s only producing theatre, and London’s only permanent theatre-in-the-round. We produce new work and neglected plays of outstanding quality. In 2015, we were awarded 9 industry awards for our work, attracted 50,000 audience members to Richmond, performed to 20,000 across England, and worked with 10,000 young people in Richmond and the surrounding boroughs.
What does it mean to be a part of the Chamber and Richmond Business Awards?
Anne and the Chamber have always been very supportive of the Orange Tree and in particular at making connections and introducing us to new people in the local business community. Last year, the OT won Best Website at the Business Awards, an accolade that helped to promote the Theatre and a welcome recognition for the team who had worked tirelessly to improve our presence online.
What is special about the business community in Richmond borough? Category specific:
Why did you sponsor the Best …..category?
The Richmond business community is incredibly diverse, and perhaps thanks in part to the diversity, extremely supportive of each other. The Chamber plays a key role in fostering a supportive community through initiatives such as its mentoring programme and the annual Awards. As a relatively small independent business (speaking as a close neighbour to international technology companies) and as a charity, we are proud to play our part in the community, and as a Chamber member.
Did you enjoy the Gala evening at the RFU last year?
Our Executive and Development Directors enjoyed a wonderful evening attending the Awards dinner at Twickenham stadium last year! Not only was it a great surprise to win an award, but we very much enjoyed spending the evening with everyone on our table – friends old and new – and the atmosphere was one of excitement and fun. It was a fantastic way to celebrate some of the great achievements of Richmond’s businesses in the past year.