0345 646 5201
HR Consultancy East of England
Whether you’re scaling fast, navigating post-restructure uncertainty or struggling to attract and retain the right talent, our East of England-based Fractional People Directors are here to support your next strategic move, freeing up leadership time to focus on the bigger picture thinking while working hands-on at senior leadership level. They’ll align your people strategy with your commercial goals – driving transformational change in just a few days a month, without the cost of a full-time hire.
Strategic HR Consultancy in the East of England
We provide strategic HR consultancy to businesses across the East of England – combining commercial focus with a deep understanding of the region’s changing landscape. From fast-growth innovation hubs to manufacturing heartlands, this is a region defined by innovation – but also by pressure.
From the high-tech manufacturing and research forces of the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor to the advanced engineering and logistics hubs of Essex, and from the agri-tech enterprises of rural Suffolk and Norfolk to the strong education-linked presence that spans the entire region, there is great scope for growth.
But while many ambitious enterprises here are scaling quickly, there are many challenges at play.
Our locally-based People Directors understand those challenges – from founder-dependence and skills gaps, to failing structures, and talent attraction and retention challenges in tight-knit, insular sectors like education and life sciences. And while innovation plays a pivotal role in growth, many organisations are struggling to embed it as a team-wide culture – and are missing out on opportunities as a result.
At People Puzzles, our East of England Fractional HR Directors work side-by-side with business leaders to embed the structure and culture needed to support long-term success. By aligning your people strategy with your commercial vision – we get everyone thinking the same way – delivering measurable value in the process.
Our People Directors support businesses in Cambridge, Norwich, Ipswich, Chelmsford, Colchester, Stevenage, Luton and a variety of surrounding towns and cities across the East of England:
- Suffolk
- Norfolk
- Cambridgeshire
- Hertfordshire
- Essex
Talk to a People Puzzles HR Consultant in the East of England Today
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our East of England-based Fractional HR Directors are here to help. We work hands-on as part of your senior team – bringing high-calibre strategic HR support that delivers commercial results and lasting change.
Meet our Strategic HR Consultants in the East of England
Our East of England People Directors bring board-level expertise, commercial insight and a hands-on approach – helping innovative businesses unlock performance and drive sustainable growth through people.
From scaling biotech firms and supporting investment rounds, to embedding culture and restructuring leadership teams, our Fractional People Directors know what it takes to deliver meaningful transformation – and measurable results – to businesses across the East of England.
More than HR support consultants, they’re former HR Directors, Executive Board Members, law graduates, CIPD Fellows and business owners in their own right – commercially minded experts who’ve sat at the top table and led real change from within. Between them, they’ve delivered £11m in cost savings, turned a £6m loss into profit, and supported growth from £80m to £157m. They’ve helped clients become B Corp certified, achieve Investors in People, and earn Great Place to Work recognition.
Strategic partners. Executive coaches. Mentors. Trusted sounding boards. Our People Directors embed themselves in your senior team to bring clarity, momentum and structure – coaching leaders, aligning people strategy with vision, and making sure every step supports long-term commercial value.
That coaching capability is a real point of difference in this region. Our Executive Coaching Programme – exclusive to the East of England – is delivered by Level 7 qualified coaches and Chartered Fellows with ILM, CIPD and NLP credentials. It’s tailored, high-level support that empowers CEOs, senior leaders and rising stars to lead with confidence, resilience and purpose.
As Sarah Hamilton – Regional Director for the East of England – puts it, “We work with scaling businesses with a growth mindset across the East of England with a team of commercially focused, board-level people directors – helping them become more profitable and places people queue up to work for!”
Strategic HR Consultancy in the East of England – Building a Scalable Structure for Sustainable Growth
Planteria – Doubling Headcount and Revenue with a Tailored People Strategy
Challenge: Essex-based biophilic design business Planteria had ambitious growth plans, but lacked the structure and people strategy to scale effectively. With roles misaligned, recruitment challenging, and leadership capacity stretched, the business needed expert strategic HR input to reshape its structure and support rapid growth.
Solution: East of England Fractional HR Director Victoria Sullivan embedded a clear people strategy aligned with Planteria’s business plan. She restructured the leadership team, introduced new management frameworks, and guided key hires including an Operations Director and internal HR support. Victoria also improved recruitment and onboarding processes, implemented new HR systems, and reviewed pay and benefits to support retention and attraction.
Results: Within two years, Planteria doubled both its revenue and workforce. A restructured leadership team, scalable internal systems, and enhanced employee experience have equipped the business to sustain its growth trajectory with greater clarity, cohesion, and confidence.
Strategic HR consultancy services for high-growth businesses across the East of England
Future-focused business owners across the East of England know that the region’s investment and regeneration are offering exciting opportunities. But when it comes down to success – it will always hinge on having the right leadership and team structure in place to scale wisely.
Our locally based Fractional HR Directors bring board-level experience shaped by the region’s diverse economy – from advanced manufacturing and logistics to education, agri-tech and life sciences. We help build the leadership, structure and culture needed to grow with confidence.
Whatever changes you are facing, whatever your vision – we’ll work hands-on as part of your senior team to look at everything from a bigger picture perspective, and transform people challenges into those exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
Here are some of the most in-demand strategic HR services we provide across the East of England:
People Processes
In high-growth and post-restructure environments, poor people processes can stall progress. Our East of England Strategic HR Consultants assess what’s working, identify gaps, and embed clear, scalable systems – covering recruitment, onboarding, performance, compliance and more. The result? Aligned teams, confident leaders and a people function that supports growth at every stage.
Strategic HR
Across manufacturing, engineering, logistics, education, advanced technology, life sciences and more, our East of England People Directors embed within your business to shape people strategy that matches sector needs. We help you scale without overspending, strengthen leadership, and tackle talent gaps – building resilient teams and a structure that supports innovation, even through post-restructure uncertainty.
Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
In high-growth environments, leadership capability often lags behind business ambition. Our East of England Strategic HR Consultants develop senior and mid-level managers into confident, commercially aware leaders – strengthening succession pipelines, easing founder reliance, and building the leadership capacity needed to support long-term, sustainable growth.
Organisational Structure
From Growth Corridor scale-ups to evolving industrial firms, many East of England businesses face structural strain – with over-reliance on founders, unclear reporting lines and teams lacking direction. Our People Directors design scalable structures that support growth, succession and investment – developing leadership at every level, embedding accountability, and creating the foundations needed to compete and thrive.
Talent Management & Retention
Across sectors from life sciences and logistics to education and engineering, East of England businesses face growing pressure to attract, engage and retain the right people. Our Fractional HR Directors design tailored strategies that optimise recruitment, onboarding, progression and retention – reducing churn, improving alignment, and helping you build a stable, motivated workforce ready for growth.
Culture Development
Company culture can make or break performance, especially in fast-growing organisations. Our East of England Strategic HR Consultants work with your senior team to embed the values, behaviours and leadership habits that support innovation, accountability and growth. Whether you’re rebuilding after restructuring or have your sights set on new markets, we help create a culture that keeps your people – and your business – thriving.
Business Strategy
Without the right people strategy, even the best growth plans can stall. Our East of England Fractional People Directors work at board level to align structure, leadership and culture with your commercial goals. We don’t just advise – we embed within your business to implement practical, tailored strategies that drive clarity, capability and long-term value through people.
Why choose People Puzzles for strategic HR consultancy in the East of England?
From the world-leading innovation of the Cambridge-Oxford Growth Corridor to the fast-growing logistics and manufacturing hubs and innovative family enterprises of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, the East of England is home to businesses with big ambition – and a deeply rooted culture of innovation.
But as companies scale, growing pains often surface: founders become stretched, teams lose focus, and leadership gaps stall momentum. That’s where People Puzzles plays a pivotal role.
Our People Directors are more than traditional HR Consultants. They’re commercially minded board members, executive coaches, mentors and business leaders with decades of experience driving transformation from the inside. Between them, they’ve supported growth from £80m to £157m, led complex TUPE transfers, and helped clients achieve B Corp and Great Place to Work status.
By your side – at every turning point
We work with East of England enterprises at critical moments: scaling fast but lacking structure, facing skills gaps or cultural drift, or worried that growth will drive up costs without the leadership to manage it.
Our support is hands-on and practical – from our exclusive executive coaching programme, delivered by Level 7-qualified coaches and Chartered Fellows, to talent strategies that build stability and agility.
We ensure your people plan aligns with your goals – balancing innovation with structure, and unlocking long-term value.
And with over 90 People Directors nationwide, you gain more than just one expert. You get local insight backed by the reach, resilience and shared expertise of a national team – with seamless cover and support, whenever you need it.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
A Fractional People Director is a senior HR leader who works inside your business, part-time, to drive long-term strategic change. It’s a cost-effective solution for growing companies across the East of England who need high-level input without the pressure of a full-time salary. Whatever industry you operate in, wherever you are on your commercial journey, we’ll help you build the leadership strength, structure and capability you need to scale sustainably.
Operational HR handles the day-to-day – contracts, policies, compliance and line manager support. Strategic HR focuses on aligning your people with your business goals – building leadership, shaping culture, planning succession, and supporting long-term growth. Most organisations need both. Our East of England-based consultants deliver strategic leadership, and can also support or upskill your internal HR function.
Yes. Many of our clients across Cambridge, Norwich, Chelmsford and beyond are navigating rapid growth – but want to avoid costly hiring mistakes or bloated structures. We help you plan smart – putting the right roles, leadership, and succession pipeline in place so you can scale sustainably without burning through budget, or losing sight of culture.
Very likely. Our regional team in the East of England includes Strategic HR Consultants with deep experience in life sciences, biotech, engineering, aviation, agri-tech and education. Many have worked with innovation-led scale-ups, family firms and VC-backed businesses – so they understand the technical, people and performance pressures unique to your sector, and will always tailor recruitment, retention and culture development strategies to suit.
It starts with trust, clarity and alignment. In sectors like education, research and life sciences, people strategy is often based on legacy relationships – which can limit innovation and diversity. Our well-connected People Directors help modernise your people practices, support emerging leaders, and create space for new voices to shape the future – without losing sight of what’s made your organisation successful so far.
Absolutely. Post-restructure teams often face low morale, blurred roles and gaps in leadership. Our Fractional HR Directors work on-site to steady the ship – rebuilding clarity, strengthening line management, and creating a structure that supports stability and future readiness. Whether you’re regrouping or preparing for growth, we’ll help get you get back on track with a robust people strategy that reflects your new business vision.
Retention is about more than money. We help you strengthen your employee value proposition (EVP) – through culture, leadership, development, flexibility and purpose. Many of our clients in sectors like biotech, engineering and food production are now competing successfully by offering a more human, meaningful and progressive workplace – not just a bigger pay packet.
Yes – and this is a common challenge the high-growth businesses typical of the East of England. Our People Directors work closely with your leadership and line managers to build the skills, confidence and commercial awareness they need to lead well. That includes coaching, training, succession planning, and role clarity – helping you avoid burnout and bottlenecks as your business evolves.
Our model is hands-on. Your locally-based People Director will work onsite – usually one day a week but it could be more depending on your specific needs – embedded within your senior team and immersed in your business. This allows them to build trust, understand your culture and deliver meaningful change from within – not just advise from the sidelines.
Proven Impact. Tangible Results. HR with ROI.
Our work delivers measurable outcomes – from improved retention and stronger leadership to sustained growth.
Call us on: 0345 646 5201 or email [email protected]
Talk to a People Puzzles HR Consultant in the East Today
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our East- based Fractional HR Directors are here to help. We work hands-on as part of your senior team – bringing high-calibre strategic HR support that delivers commercial results and lasting change.
See what our clients say!
Clyde has been instrumental in taking BEAR Scotland from 'good to great'
Iain Murray, Managing Director, BEAR Scotland
Working closely with Clyde Marwick we developed a five-pillar framework addressing our goal for a high performing HR function including employer branding, recruitment innovation, and reward enhancement. We have navigated complex employee relations challenges while building strategic capability across our HR team. We now have the people infrastructure to match our operational excellence.
Liz's support was instrumental in us delivering a successful consultation
Director of Finance, National Hair & Beauty Federation
Following the completion of our restructure, I wanted to get in touch to say thank you. Liz's support was instrumental in us delivering a successful consultation. We are extremely grateful for her measured and sound advice, helping us to navigate such a sensitive situation, and we look forward to working with her again in future .
Lynn guided me out of my comfort zone to help me achieve my goals
Samantha Freeman, Management Accountant, Wirtgen Group
I could not recommend Lynn more, she guided me out of my comfort zone to help me achieve my goals and to think about things from an alternative perspective. I have also had a few people comment on the positive changes they can see in me which is a result of our sessions.
Sarah is a trusted advisor and sounding board to both me and my team.
Claire Watkin, Managing Director, Trendsetter
Working with People Puzzles has enabled me to step out of the day to day running of the business and concentrate on our future strategic direction. Sarah has helped us focus on how we develop our future leaders, cross team collaboration, and enhance overall business performance, as well as supporting the achievement of B Corp status.
The achievements of the People Strategy made a measurable difference.
Craig Bennett, Chief Executive Officer, Sigma
I can't thank Paula enough for all her support over the last 3 years. Her time with us turned out to be much longer than any of us expected but I guess this reflects the extraordinary events and circumstances we’ve encountered since 2019. The achievements over this period made a measurable difference to engagement and has helped Sigma transition our people policies from that of an SME into market leading large corporate. Thank you.
Lynn was always positive and listened when it mattered
Coaching Client – Wirtgen Limited
I cannot give Lynn enough thanks for the help that she gave me to better understand myself and help me find the answers to some tough questions. Lynn was always positive and listened when it mattered, Thanks again Lynn.
I have been able to build a proactive relationship with Pauline
Amy Fisher, MD, Doby Verrolec
I have been able to build a proactive relationship with Pauline. I came into this role last year with an agenda for growth and we have been working together across employee engagement, contacts and policies.
Pauline developed our people strategy with a robust methodology
Jeremy Royle, MD, YourNRG
Pauline’s hands on approach helped us to build on the work we have already taken and develop our people strategy with a robust methodology to meet the current needs and future growth of the business.
Working closely with one local and very knowledgeable person
Amy Fisher, MD, Doby Verrolec
The real benefit of People Puzzles is that your business and industry sector needs are matched with one of the People Puzzles Directors. This means you work closely with one local and very knowledgeable person who can quickly understand the people needs of the business.
Working with Sarah has been a rewarding, productive and an educational experience
Chief Operating Officer, Salford Primary Care Together
We wanted to understand more about what was driving our organisational culture, key risks and issues, what our priorities should be, and to understand what we could achieve with our limited resources. Sarah brought commitment, pragmatism, and positivity to our challenges which helped us achieve many of our goals including organisational restructures, re-design of several key HR processes and upskilling of our teams.
Pauline has very quickly gotten to grips with Your NRG.
Managing Director, Your NRG
Pauline has very quickly gotten to grips with Your NRG, and has brought to our attention some processes that need our focus as a result of our recent rapid growth. We are pushing on with the more pressing operational day-to-day strategies and initiatives whilst also educating the SMT on their overall understanding of ‘cradle to grave’ employment. Pauline continues to work diligently and tirelessly for Your NRG and I am delighted to have her ongoing support alongside us as we continue on our journey to realise our levels of ambition.
Changed the way we approach our senior meetings and develop our strategy.
Chair, Regular Cleaning
Shaun worked closely with me and the senior team and taught us a lot. Shaun dedicated time for each team member and encouraged, educated and guided them to be the best they can be. We achieved so much in the time we worked with Shaun and he has helped to change our focus from working in the business to working on the business giving us time to dedicate to the progression of the teams that make up the rest of our family.
Jill has worked on many projects as our part time HR Director.
Founder, Aura
One was around sick days which she has now reduced by 75%. This has significantly minimised the disruption it was causing.
Stewart's work has been a major factor in helping us achieve our ambitious targets.
Gerry Simmonds, Safpro
Stewart helped to align our senior team around business goals and implemented clear people plan has been a major factor in helping us achieve our ambitious targets. We have grown 20% over the past two years and with the team we now have in place this growth is set to continue.
Lynn's work as our trusted HR consultant and my mentor has been absolutely invaluable.
Oktawia Ellis, HR Manager, We Seal
I have the distinct pleasure of working with Lynn at People Puzzles. Her work over the last few years as our trusted HR consultant and my mentor has been absolutely invaluable. Lynn is an expert in her field, she is very knowledgeable, encourageing, supportive, and an effective leader. She is also really funny and a pleasure to be around! I learned a lot from Lynn and I would strongly recommend her.
The impact Lynn has had on our challenges are beyond my expectations
James Laxton, Managing Director, Laxtons
She has engaged with all our staff and her approach is a breath of fresh air for the business. The support she has given me has made some difficult issues appear straight forward and she has given a new lease of life in the business. We would not have been able to get to where we are now without her wealth of experience and hands on people approach and I am excited to see what the future brings working with Lynn.
Every team leader can now make decisions in line with the vision
Roy Bowie, Managing Director, GreenBlue Urban
I used to have the view that HR was managing difficult cases and moving people on with occasional recruitment support. But what People Puzzles does is so much more than that. It’s about the development of the business and its people as a whole which has been the biggest eye opener for me.
Working with Gill has helped us develop a People Plan which goes beyond compliance
Bernard Sellars, Managing Director, Lindum Packaging
Working with Gill from People Puzzles has helped us develop a People Plan which goes beyond compliance – it has helped us as a team to achieve greater alignment and engagement with the business strategy and goals.
I found the personal development coaching I received from Lynn to be very beneficial.
Alex Calvert, Marketing and PR Account Manager, Intandem Communications Ltd
I found the personal development coaching I received from Lynn to be very beneficial. Lynn helped me to work on some very clear objectives with a good balance of supportiveness and knowing when to challenge and push me out of my comfort zone!
We are now in a strong position from a people perspective, to leverage the future
Craig Bennett, CEO, Sigma Group
Paula developed a clear People plan and road map, which has significantly moved us on. She has developed the existing HR team, and ensured that we progressed quickly on all the initiatives that we identified. I’m confident that based on the last 6 months, with Paula’s input and contribution, we are now in a strong position from a people perspective, to leverage the next 6 months and beyond.
A very professional team
Chris Morling, Founder & CEO, Money.co.uk
It’s been brilliant to have such knowledgeable consultants help us to empower our people. Stuart and Sophie were incredibly flexible, adapting their services to our business and existing culture. I’d highly recommend People Puzzles.
Shifted my view of HR!
Gavin Pooley, Managing Director, Liquidline
I used to think that HR was all about employment law compliance and managing the administration basics. I didn’t get the hugely positive impact strategic HR could make to the business – I do now!’
Transformed my understanding
Managing Director, B2B Supplies and Support Services
Having Alison on the team is like having another MD/MBA in the business. She has totally transformed my understanding of HR.
Fantastic support!
Kerry Berry, Director, S&K Berry Associates LLP
Lynn has been a fantastic support to us and an ongoing fountain of knowledge. If you have a business and/or staff you need to take care of, you need a Lynn on your team!
Such a detailed process
Sue Ford, Director, Bridge Case Management
Lynn ran a detailed process and I wasn’t allowed to get away with anything – All relevant issues were included and dealt with objectively.
We’ve accomplished a lot!
Joseph Carr, Managing Director, Carrs Pasties
This is an inspiring story and it’s all true. I can’t believe it’s about us! We’ve accomplished a lot over the last 18 months.
Helping us shape the business
Stuart Hill, CEO, WNDirect
Carole has helped me and the business massively and added real value while helping us shape the business.
Vee has delivered a huge amount for the company
Bertie Kerr, Managing Director, Albany Associates Ltd
Vee started with a baseline study of where we were. She then presented a work plan to deliver over the coming months and while some priorities have changed it is impressive to look back and see how much has been achieved. She has become a trusted member of the senior team, providing advice and guidance on difficult topics and is regularly consulted by staff for her input.
Alison joined Valleys to Coast on an interim basis and 18 months later is still with us!
Joanne Oak, Chief Executive Officer, Valleys to Coast Housing
Alison has been instrumental working with me to recruit to a permanent role. Alison’s approach has been one of partnership, contributing as part of the strategic leadership team, which has been critically important given the turbulence the organisation has been through. Alison is always available, responsive and I would highly recommend her for expert HR support
Over the last 3 years, People Puzzles has helped build a very strong people culture
Phil Dupont, Director, RVT Group
We now have a clear Vision for the Companies 5 Pillars, In-house manager, leadership ‘Power 90’ Training and a rhythm of key meetings throughout each year. This has had a direct contribution to the significant growth of the company in the last 3 years… With this support from People Puzzles continuing, the company continues to grow both financially and culturally for the benefit of all.