0345 646 5201
HR Consultancy South of England
Whether you’re managing growth, succession or post-acquisition change, or fighting talent drain or performance challenges, our South of England Fractional People Directors are ready to support your business through its next major turning point. Working hands-on at senior leadership level, they’ll align your people strategy with your wider commercial goals, driving transformational change in just a few days a month, and without the cost of a full-time hire.
Strategic HR Consultancy in the South of England
We deliver strategic HR consultancy to businesses across the South of England – combining commercial understanding with insight into the region’s ambitions, pressures and opportunities.
From the innovation corridors of Reading and Brighton to the university towns, rural hubs and coastal communities in between, this is a region rich in potential – but also under pressure.
The South is home to ambitious businesses across tech, creative industries, professional services, pharmaceuticals and more – many acting as trusted suppliers to bigger players. These businesses often operate to corporate standards but without the same in-house HR support. That’s where our Fractional People Directors step in – helping build the structure, leadership and culture needed to match expectations, retain talent and scale sustainably.
Our team brings first-hand knowledge of the typical challenges at play – from competing with London for talent, to tackling knowledge loss in hybrid teams, to guiding founders out of the day-to-day so they can focus on value creation or exit planning. Whatever the context, we help align people strategy with long-term business goals – bringing clarity, capability and a clear path forward.
Our locally-based, nationally-supported People Directors work with businesses in Guildford, Brighton, Worthing, Eastbourne, Maidstone, Rochester, Gillingham, Crawley, Twickenham, Reading, Slough, Southampton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Salisbury, Dorchester and a variety of surrounding towns and cities across the South of England:
- Kent
- Surrey
- East Sussex
- West Sussex
- Hampshire
- Isle of Wight
- Berkshire
- Dorset
Talk to a People Puzzles HR Consultant in the South of England
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our locally based Fractional HR Directors throughout the south of England 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 South of England HR consultancy team
Our South of England People Directors bring deep commercial acumen, cross-sector expertise and a highly strategic mindset – partnering with ambitious businesses to unlock growth through people.
From global tech and financial services to retail, manufacturing and professional services, they’ve driven results in high-stakes environments. Some have held senior leadership roles in major brands like Pret, Verizon, Tesco, Vodafone and Hotel Chocolat. Others have led people strategy through international expansion, investment rounds, FCA-regulated projects, and business turnarounds across the UK and beyond.
With backgrounds spanning HR, business development, operations, and compliance, our South of England strategic HR consultants know how to align the people plan with commercial goals – supporting growth with clarity, resilience and purpose.
They’ve developed positive cultures that attract and retain exceptional talent. Upskilled leadership teams to secure succession pipelines. Rebuilt structures and released founders to create commercial value. All the while aligning the people plan with the long term goals of the business to create transformational, lasting change.
As Daniel Broome – Regional Director for the South of England – puts it, “So many businesses carry on suffering in silence and battling challenges because they don’t realise there’s a cure. But we’re here to show them there IS a cure – and that’s strategic people planning.”
“So many businesses suffer in silence because they don’t realise there’s a cure. But there IS a cure – and that’s strategic people planning.”
Daniel Broome, Regional Director – South of England
Strategic HR Consultancy in the South of England – Supporting Growth Through People, Process and Structure
Avicenna Pharmacy – Embedding People Processes to Support Rapid Expansion
Challenge: Following the acquisition of two larger businesses, community pharmacy group Avicenna trebled its headcount almost overnight – growing from 39 to 135 branches, and from 450 to over 1,400 employees. With no standardised processes across the merged organisations, existing HR capacity was stretched, culture was fragmented, and the business lacked the systems, structure and strategy to support sustainable growth.
Solution: South of England People Director Zoë Murphy joined the team to strengthen internal capability and lead transformation across the newly expanded business. She centralised employee data, recruited a new HR Manager, and developed a strategic operational plan aligned to Avicenna’s long-term vision. Standardised people processes and a new benefits and reward strategy helped unify employee experience, while an in-house engagement platform improved communication, culture and brand visibility.
Results: Avicenna now has a scalable HR infrastructure, clearer leadership roles, and improved engagement across its 1,400-strong team. Recruitment has been brought in-house, reducing agency spend, while a refreshed employer brand and comprehensive benefits platform have enhanced retention. With strong internal systems and a consistent employee experience in place, the business is well equipped to manage its rapid expansion and continue to grow.
Strategic HR support for businesses across the South of England
From tech and creative hubs to pharmaceutical innovators, professional service firms, advanced manufacturers and export-focused producers, the South of England is home to a diverse mix of enterprises – spanning inland innovation centres to coastal commercial hubs. Our local People Directors bring board-level HR expertise that’s grounded in commercial understanding and tailored to the real challenges leaders face.
Many of our clients are fast-growing B2B partners supporting larger corporates – expected to operate at high standards without the internal HR resource to match. They face mounting pressure to attract and retain talent, maintain continuity, and meet client expectations, all while managing change and growth.
Our locally-based Strategic HR Consultants work on-site as part of your team – turning people challenges into progress by aligning leadership, culture and structure with your long-term goals.
Here are some of the most in-demand strategic HR services we deliver across the South of England.
People Processes
Without the right people processes, even great teams can stall. Our South of England Strategic HR Consultants help streamline everything from hiring and onboarding to performance management and compliance – creating clear, consistent systems that reduce risk and free up leadership time. We build practical foundations that support retention, accountability and growth – especially in businesses under pressure to meet high client expectations.
Strategic HR
Our Strategic HR Consultants in the South of England help ambitious businesses move beyond firefighting to build a clear, future-ready people plan. Whether you’re scaling, restructuring or preparing for exit, we align culture, leadership and structure with your long-term goals – helping you retain talent, reduce founder dependence, and create commercial value through people.
Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
Do you have skilled operational managers but lack confident, well-rounded leaders? Our South of England Strategic HR Consultants work hands-on among senior teams to develop the broader skills needed to lead effectively – from communication to vision-sharing and commercial thinking. We help build internal leadership strength, so founders can step back and the business can move forward with a stronger succession pipeline in place.
Organisational Structure
A typical symptom of rapid growth in the South of England is businesses scaling quickly without the structure to support them. Our local Fractional People Directors help reshape your organisation for clarity, accountability and future growth – ensuring every leader understands their role, every team pulls in the same direction, and founders can step back from day-to-day operations to focus on strategic thinking.
Talent Management & Retention
In the South of England, businesses often lose their best people to London, or struggle to compete on salary alone. Our local People Directors help you build a stronger employee value proposition: one that offers purpose, progression and culture. We shape the environment people want to be part of – helping you attract and retain the talent you need to compete and grow.
Culture Development
When people don’t share the company vision, retention suffers – and succession planning becomes impossible. Our South of England Fractional People Directors help define and embed the values, behaviours and leadership practices that shape positive culture. By creating purpose, consistency and trust across teams, we help you build the kind of working environment people want to commit to – and grow with.
Business Strategy
Big decisions need strong people foundations. Our South of England-based People Directors work at board level to align your team, structure and leadership with your commercial goals – whether you’re scaling, restructuring, or preparing for exit. We turn ambition into action by building the capability and resilience needed to move forward – with a people strategy that’s fit for your future.
Why choose People Puzzles for strategic HR consultancy in the South of England?
From the high-growth corridors of the Thames Valley to the port cities of the South Coast, and from agricultural estates and family-run firms in Hampshire and Sussex to the innovative engineering, tech and pharma businesses dotted across Kent and Surrey – the South of England is an economic powerhouse with deep roots and ambitious plans.
But growth often outpaces structure. Many founders find themselves too close to day-to-day operations. Teams become overstretched. Morale and momentum start to slip. And leadership gaps – especially in mid-sized businesses – can quietly erode confidence, performance and profitability.
At People Puzzles, we understand the pressure to scale while staying true to your values. We know how hard it is to balance commercial ambition with team well-being. And we work hands-on, side-by-side, to help you do both.
High-calibre leadership, hands-on delivery
Our People Directors in the South aren’t traditional HR consultants. They’re commercially minded professionals with experience spanning HR, operations, business development and compliance. Many have held senior leadership roles in some of the UK’s most recognisable organisations, leading people strategy through periods of rapid growth, international expansion, FCA-regulated projects, investment rounds and business turnarounds.
From shaping culture, strengthening morale and building leadership capability to designing HR infrastructure from scratch, they know how to align the people plan with commercial goals – creating tangible, lasting change.
Strategic HR, shaped by regional reality
Whether you’re managing growth, succession, post-acquisition change, talent drain or performance challenges, our Fractional HR Directors draw on board-level experience to help you align your people with your business strategy.
We work across the Southern counties with enterprises that need more than just compliance – they need direction. Often, they’ve outgrown informal people management, but aren’t ready for a full-time HR director. That’s where our fractional model fits.
And with over 90 People Directors nationwide, you benefit from deep local understanding – backed by the strength, scale and shared expertise of a national team.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
A Fractional People Director is a senior HR leader who works flexibly within your business – usually one day a week but it can be more – to drive long-term people strategy. It’s a cost-effective solution for ambitious South of England businesses that need high-calibre input without the cost of a full-time hire. Our People Directors help build leadership strength, restructure for growth and improve retention – all while working hands-on as part of your team.
Operational HR handles tasks like contracts, compliance and day-to-day issues. Strategic HR focuses on aligning people with business goals – shaping leadership, culture and structure to unlock performance and enable growth. Most businesses need both. Our South of England-based consultants provide strategic leadership while supporting your operational HR, whether in-house or external.
Yes – and you’re not alone. Many South of England businesses scale quickly but find their informal setups no longer work. Our locally-based People Directors help define roles, develop leadership capacity and create a structure that supports growth – not hinders it. We give founders space to step back – and the business room to grow with purpose.
This is a common challenge across the region. While you may not always compete on salary, you can offer something just as compelling – culture, progression, leadership and purpose. We can help you shape a stronger employee value proposition (EVP) that gives people clear reasons to join and stay, even with London nearby.
Not at all. Many of our South of England clients start with little or no formal HR in place. At South Croydon-based Avicenna Pharmacy, for example, our local People Director supported the leadership team through a major acquisition, then helped recruit and onboard their first in-house HR Manager to build long-term capability. Whether you’re growing, restructuring or just feeling stretched, we’ll meet you where you are and help put the right people strategy in place – now and for the future.
Absolutely. Strategic HR isn’t only for high-growth phases. Whether you’re consolidating, exiting or managing change, we can help you restructure with care, improve morale, and make smart decisions that support your long-term success – while protecting culture and capability.
Yes. Many talented managers struggle to lead people effectively without support. Our People Directors will coach and mentor your team – building confidence, improving communication, and helping managers develop the commercial awareness and people skills they need to lead with impact, and build you a robust succession pipeline to protect your business as you pursue your goals.
We work side by side with you. Our South of England People Directors are embedded in your business – usually on-site one day a week – so they can build trust, understand your challenges and culture, and deliver change from within. We’re not just advisers. We’re part of your team.
We understand the pressure of needing to meet corporate-level expectations without corporate resources. Whether you’re a creative agency, tech partner or regulated supplier, we help you professionalise your people function, retain great staff, and operate with the structure and leadership standards your clients expect.
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 South of England
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our South-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.