0345 646 5201
HR Consultancy West of England
Whether you’re tackling CEO-dependency or manager burnout, trying to fill leadership gaps, or battling talent drain in a competitive market, our West and Wales-based Fractional People Directors are ready to help you take control. Working hands-on at senior leadership level, they’ll align your people strategy with your commercial goals – strengthening culture, structure and performance, and delivering transformational change in just a few days a month, without the cost of a full-time hire.
Strategic HR Consultancy in the West
From vibrant cities and historic ports to rural enterprise zones and fast-growing coastal hubs, the West of England offers a diverse business landscape – each with its own people challenges and opportunities.
Our Fractional HR Directors understand the local economies, industries and talent markets that shape success here, and work with leadership teams to strengthen culture, capability and long-term resilience.
Locally-based across the region, our People Directors support businesses in Oxford, Bristol, Bath, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Swindon, Cardiff, Swansea, Plymouth and Exeter, plus a variety of towns and cities across the whole of the West of England and Wales:
- Oxfordshire
- Gloucestershire
- Wiltshire
- Somerset
- Devon
- Cornwall
- Wales
- Worcestershire
Talk to a People Puzzles HR Consultant in the West
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our locally 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 West of England HR consultancy team
Our West HR consultancy team brings board-level expertise, commercial insight and a proven record of helping businesses build on their success and achieve their ambitions by harnessing the value of their people.
These are specialists who’ve led HR strategy, turnaround programmes and high-level leadership reviews for premium brands and global names across a range of sectors. From engineering, manufacturing, construction and technology, to warehousing, distribution, transport, financial services, hospitality, energy, FMCG and the third sector, they’ve embedded into the heart of organisations to drive transformational change.
Between them, they’ve restructured organisations across Europe, Asia, Australia and the US, supported £1bn-plus acquisition programmes, and spearheaded large-scale strategies, including complex corporate restructures and management reorganisations.
From executive coaching to complex organisational change, our West of England team has the experience, insight and commercial focus to help ambitious businesses thrive by putting people at the heart of the strategy.
With expertise spanning organisational design, leadership development, culture transformation, succession planning, talent acquisition, people processes, and complex change management, they bring both strategic vision and hands-on delivery.
Collectively, they’ve driven growth by embedding purpose-led cultures, aligning people strategy with commercial goals, and creating environments where employees thrive.
More than traditional HR consultants, they’re trusted advisers, executive coaches, mediators and transformation partners. They immerse themselves in your business, build strong relationships at every level, and aren’t afraid to ask the tough questions that unlock real progress.
The result for YOU? Practical, people-first solutions that move the dial to deliver lasting commercial value.
Strategic HR Consultancy in the West of England – Building Leadership Capacity for Sustainable Growth
Godfrey Wilson – From Founder Dependence to a Future-Ready Leadership Team
Challenge: Bristol-based accountancy firm Godfrey Wilson had grown from a home-based practice to a 25-strong team serving the charity sector, but too much depended on its founders. With recruitment challenges, no clear management structure, and a need to plan for the future, the business required a strategic HR partner to help free up leadership time, align its people strategy with growth goals, and ensure the right skills were in place for long-term sustainability.
Solution: Following a detailed Discovery process, including staff surveys and leadership interviews, South of England People Director Alison Cooper developed a strategic plan centred on organisational design and structure, career pathways, and manager training. A proven framework was introduced to guide decision-making and align goals. Leadership coaching and skills workshops prepared future managers to step up, while new HR software and an applicant tracking system streamlined recruitment and reduced admin time.
Results: Godfrey Wilson now has a clear plan for the next decade, a stronger leadership team, and defined career pathways that improve retention and staff satisfaction. Graduate recruits can see a clear route to qualification, managers are better equipped to lead, and board expansion has freed the founders to focus on strategic initiatives. With structure, capability and culture aligned, the business is well positioned for sustainable growth.
Strategic HR support for businesses across the West of England
From aerospace, advanced engineering and manufacturing to education, food production, tourism, pharma, biotech, professional services and creative industries, the West of England is home to a rich mix of enterprises – all facing a common issue: people challenges.
In response to these challenges, our locally based People Directors bring board-level HR expertise rooted in commercial reality – and specifically tailored to the needs of the region’s diverse economy.
We work with businesses facing the pressure to scale, sharpen leadership and retain talent in competitive and challenging markets. Our clients range from family-run manufacturers and professional services firms, to fast-growing tech start-ups, export-focused producers and tourism and hospitality brands, all navigating the challenges of organisational change, skills gaps and founder dependency.
Our Fractional HR Consultants embed within your senior team to align leadership, culture and structure with your long-term goals – turning people challenges into progress.
Here are some of the most in-demand strategic HR services we deliver across the West of England and Wales:
People Processes
Even the strongest teams can falter without efficient, consistent people processes. Our Strategic HR Consultants in the West of England streamline everything from recruitment and onboarding to performance reviews and compliance. By reducing risk and freeing up leadership time, we create solid foundations that improve retention, strengthen accountability, and keep growing businesses on track to meet client demands and maintain reputation.
Strategic HR
Our Strategic HR Consultants in the West of England help businesses move beyond survival mode firefighting to create a clear, future-ready people plan. We align culture, leadership and structure with your goals, tackling issues like talent retention, founder dependence and leadership gaps. The result is a well-led, resilient organisation where people and business strategy work hand in hand to drive growth.
Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
Do you have skilled operational managers but lack confident, well-rounded leaders? Our Strategic HR Consultants in the West of England work hands-on with senior teams to develop the skills needed to lead effectively – from communication to vision-sharing and commercial thinking. We build internal leadership strength so founders can step back, confident the right leaders are ready to step up.
Organisational Structure
A common challenge for businesses in the West of England is scaling faster than their structure can keep up with. Our Fractional People Directors help reshape your organisation for clarity, accountability and sustainable growth – ensuring leaders know their roles, teams pull together, and founders can step back from daily operations to focus on strategic priorities.
Talent Management & Retention
It’s common for West of England businesses to struggle to compete for talent on salary alone. Our People Directors help you build a stronger employee value proposition – offering purpose, progression and culture. We create an environment people want to be part of, helping you attract and retain the skills you need to move forward with your business plan.
Culture Development
Without a shared vision and clear values, it’s hard to keep great people or prepare future leaders. Our Fractional People Directors in the West of England work with you to define and embed the behaviours and leadership style that create a positive, unified culture. The result is purpose, trust and consistency – and a workplace people choose to stay and grow in.
Business Strategy
Big decisions demand a solid people foundation. Our People Directors in the West of England and Wales work at board level to align your leadership, structure and teams with your commercial goals – whether you’re scaling, restructuring or planning an exit. We turn ambition into action by building the capability and resilience to deliver on your vision, backed by a people strategy built for the future.
Why choose People Puzzles for strategic HR consultancy in the West of England?
From the maritime gateway of Bristol to the tourism industries of Bath, Devon and Cornwall and the aerospace and advanced engineering hubs of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Somerset, the West of England is a region where history, innovation and enterprise work hand in hand. But it’s also a place where businesses find people-related challenges all too common.
Rapid growth – whether through mergers, acquisitions or natural expansion – leaves organisational structure vulnerable. Founders are pulled into day-to-day firefighting, leaving no headspace for strategy planning. Managers are exhausted, and accidental leaders without formal training lack the skills to inspire and communicate. Culture becomes toxic, and talent drains away, eroding reputation and competitive edge, and leaving organisations exposed to decline.
If this sounds familiar, it’s time to talk to People Puzzles.
People Puzzles are not traditional HR consultants. Our locally-based Fractional People Directors understand the pace, culture and opportunities of the West of England region. As former business founders, corporate leaders and board members themselves, they’ve been on the front line, facing the same challenges – and have learnt valuable lessons in how to meet them head-on.
By linking your corporate vision and business strategy to practical people-based initiatives, and by delivering hands-on solutions that drive engagement and create future-proof organisational structures, our People Directors will show you that there IS a way to move beyond your current challenges, so you can shift the dial from survive, to thrive.
Not ready for full-time HR consultancy?
If you don’t think you’re ready for a full-time in-house HR consultant, but you know you’re ready for change, our model is for you. There’s no lengthy or minimum contract. Instead, your dedicated West of England People Director will work with you onsite for however many days per month you need them, delivering the expertise and strategic oversight of a full-time hire, without the fixed overhead.
And with more than 90 People Directors nationwide, you benefit from local expertise, supported by the scale, wide-ranging expertise and shared knowledge of a national team.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
A Fractional People Director is a senior HR leader who works flexibly within your organisation – often one day a week, but sometimes more – to deliver long-term people strategy. It’s a cost-effective way for West of England businesses to access high-calibre expertise without the cost of a full-time hire. Our People Directors help strengthen leadership, restructure for growth and boost retention – all while working hands-on as part of your team.
Operational HR covers day-to-day essentials such as contracts, policies and compliance. Strategic HR focuses on aligning people strategy with your business goals – shaping leadership, culture and structure to drive performance and growth. Most organisations need a blend of both. Our West of England and Wales-based Fractional HR Directors provide strategic leadership while supporting operational HR, so you have all the bases covered.
Yes – this is a familiar challenge for fast-scaling businesses across the West of England and Wales, whether they’re expanding into new markets or navigating a merger or acquisition. Our locally based People Directors help you define roles, strengthen leadership capacity and design a structure that supports sustainable growth, all while maintaining the values and heritage that matters to you and your customers. We give founders space to step back, while ensuring the business is set up to thrive long term.
It’s not just about money. A compelling culture, clear career progression, strong leadership and a genuine sense of purpose can be just as persuasive as a bigger pay packet. We work with West of England businesses to shape a strong employee value proposition (EVP) that gives people clear reasons to join, stay and grow with you – whatever other opportunities are out there.
Many businesses in Wales and the West of England start with little or no formal HR in place. In many cases, our People Directors manage the recruitment and onboarding of their clients’ first HR managers to help build internal capability. Whether you are growing, restructuring or simply stretched, we will meet you where you are and put the right people strategy in place.
Absolutely. Strategic HR is not just for growing organisations. Whether you are managing change, exiting a business or navigating a challenging market, we help you restructure with care, protect morale, and make sound people decisions that support long-term success – without damaging culture or capability.
Yes. Many skilled managers have the technical expertise but lack the confidence or people skills to lead effectively. Our People Directors coach and mentor your managers to improve communication, commercial awareness and leadership presence – building a strong succession pipeline to safeguard your organisation’s future.
We are embedded in your organisation. Our West of England and Wales People Directors usually work on-site one day a week so they can build trust, understand your culture and implement meaningful change from within. We are not just advisers – we become an integral part of your team.
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 West
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our London-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.