0345 646 5201
HR Consultancy West Midlands
From fast-scaling family firms to manufacturers reshaping for growth, our West Midlands-based Fractional People Directors bring senior HR leadership into your business – without the cost of a full-time hire. We embed at board level to align people strategy with commercial goals, helping you develop the right structure – and the right people – to grow with confidence.
Strategic HR Consultancy in the West Midlands
We provide high-calibre fractional HR consultancy to businesses across the West Midlands, combining deep local insight with the strength of a national team.
Our regional People Directors bring senior-level commercial experience across manufacturing, tech, renewables, logistics, and family-run firms that are the backbone of the region’s economy.
Whether you’re scaling fast, formalising structure, or developing a culture and reputation that helps you compete for top talent, our experienced strategic HR consultants support businesses across key West Midlands hubs including:
- Birmingham
- Solihull
- Coventry
- Wolverhampton
- West Bromwich
- Walsall
- Dudley
- Sandwell
We also work across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire – bringing strategic HR leadership to businesses right across the region.
Talk to a People Puzzles HR Consultant in the West Midlands Today
Meet our West Midlands HR consultancy team
Our West Midlands HR consultancy team is a dedicated group of senior People Directors – business leaders, entrepreneurs, mentors and CIPD-qualified experts, all ready to share board-level expertise – and a natural talent for instigating positive, lasting change.
Former board-level HR leaders, global transformation leads, and commercial change-makers – our West Midlands People Directors bring decades of senior experience across high-growth SMEs, large multinationals and complex PLC environments.
They’ve worked with brands like GKN Automotive and Tenneco, led mergers and acquisitions, built people strategies for PE-backed start-ups, and delivered global restructuring projects impacting 20,000 employees and £4 billion in turnover – all with minimal disruption. Others have shaped growth trajectories in veterinary pharmaceuticals, retail, logistics, hospitality and beyond – often across multiple sites and international territories.
With backgrounds spanning construction, engineering, technology, energy, food and drink, and private estate management, this team knows how to embed transformation with strategic intent and sector-savvy insight.
They’re CIPD Fellows, seasoned board members, and hands-on leaders who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves when change demands action. And they love what they do – as West Midlands Regional Director Nicola Cavanagh puts it: “It’s a privilege to be given so much insight into businesses across the region.”
Strategic HR Consultancy – Driving Change for West Midlands Enterprises
Thermex – Transforming culture and Performance to Drive Growth
Challenge: Redditch-based manufacturer Thermex had grown from a £1m acquisition to a £12m business – but hitting the £10m mark exposed critical growing pains. Outdated structures, high turnover, poor communication and low engagement were blocking further progress.
Solution: West Midlands People Director Shahbaz Idriss joined as a fractional HR Director in late 2023, bringing deep manufacturing expertise and a strategic lens. She quickly introduced a fit-for-purpose leadership structure, hired an experienced Plant Manager, established a proper HR function, and led a cultural shift – replacing “we’ve always done it this way” with openness, accountability and collaboration.
Results: In just 17 working days over a 3-month period, Shahbaz helped lay the groundwork for a complete transformation. Employee engagement soared, leadership alignment improved, and team dynamics shifted. Within 12 months, Thermex achieved a 98.6% reduction in arrears, 50% improvement in delivery, and a significantly more motivated workforce – all with a stronger structure and clearer path to their £20m turnover target.
Strategic HR consultancy services our West Midlands clients value most
From fast-growing manufacturers to family-run firms switching from traditional structures to modern setups, our People Directors in the West Midlands deliver board-level HR that’s commercially driven – and built for change.
We work with businesses where the founder is still at the centre of everything – firefighting instead of leading. Where teams are growing fast, but without a clear structure. Where people are in the wrong roles, talent leaks to higher-paying opportunities in London, and leadership potential is left untapped.
Our West Midlands-based Strategic HR Consultants combine deep commercial insight with hands-on action. We embed within your senior team to reshape organisational structure, develop confident leaders, and put the right people in the right roles – so you can avoid the chaos, and scale with purpose.
People Processes
From recruitment and onboarding to performance appraisals and HR compliance, we help West Midlands businesses streamline their people processes to keep them protected and productive. With employment laws changing and risk on the rise, our Fractional People Directors instil clarity, structure, and peace of mind – so your day-to-day HR systems run smoothly, and your business is set up for success.
Strategic HR
Many West Midlands businesses have no HR support, or rely on agencies that focus only on compliance – adding cost but no strategic value. Our regional People Directors align your people function with your business strategy to deliver measurable ROI. We don’t create theory-heavy plans – we roll up our sleeves and work within your team to implement tangible solutions that generate real commercial returns.
Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
Many senior people know their craft – but haven’t been taught how to lead. That can leave businesses reliant on technical expertise, without the management strength to scale. Our strategic HR consultants work hands-on to build commercial mindset, communication skills and confidence to manage well, helping transform capable individuals into effective leaders – ready to drive performance and support growth.
Organisational Structure
Getting the right people in the right roles is key to business success. When roles are misaligned, it creates inefficiency, poor performance and frustration – all of which impact your bottom line. Our West Midlands People Directors help reshape your structure so every role adds value and every person can thrive. By creating clear accountability and succession pathways, we free up founders to focus on strategy – not firefighting.
Talent Management & Retention
Losing your best people to higher-paying roles in London? Struggling to attract the right talent? Our West Midlands-based fractional HR consultants help you compete in a competitive talent market – not just on salary and benefits, but through your culture, opportunities and reputation. We work from within to strengthen engagement, define career paths, and build workplaces where people want to stay, grow, and contribute long-term.
Culture Development
A strong culture drives performance – especially in competitive talent markets. Our West Midlands strategic HR consultants embed within your senior team to shape behaviours, leadership habits and working practices that bring your values to life. We help create cultures that support well-being, drive accountability, and give people the clarity and purpose they need to thrive and grow with your business.
Business Strategy
You have a business vision – but is your people strategy set up to get you there? Whether you’re expanding into new markets, navigating mergers, acquisitions or investment, or restructuring your operations, our People Directors will make sure your people plan is at the heart of your commercial goals, so everyone’s on board to drive your success.
Why choose People Puzzles for strategic HR consultancy in the West Midlands?
From Birmingham’s regenerating city centre, jewellery quarter and thriving tourism hubs to the craft-based industries of Staffordshire, and from Coventry’s advanced manufacturing and engineering enterprises to the tech clusters of Warwickshire, the West Midlands proudly combines established industrial heritage with emerging innovation.
Competition for talent is fierce, especially with the lure of London’s higher salaries tempting people out of the region.
Many family enterprises are reaching the point where informal structures no longer support their growth ambitions. CEOs are stretched thin, caught up in the day-to-day, and a lack of formal leadership development is leaving growth plans hanging in the balance.
At People Puzzles, we understand your challenges. But our approach is different to traditional West Midlands HR consultants.
Instead of focusing on operational HR and directing from afar, we embed in your business, becoming an integral part of your leadership team and helping you build competitive advantage through people.
Former business leaders, operational directors, and strategic change-makers, our People Directors have worked across manufacturing, technology, renewable energy, logistics, and professional services – sitting on boards, shaping strategy and working side by side with leaders to turn people challenges into competitive advantage.
Delivering true commercial value through strategic HR
Our Fractional People Directors operate across Birmingham and the West Midlands, getting the right people in the right roles, developing natural leaders beyond their technical expertise, and building people strategies that deliver commercial returns rather than just compliance.
And with 90+ People Directors across the UK, the businesses we support gain local insight backed by national expertise – and seamless support on tap.
“It’s a complete transformation from where we were 12 months ago. There’s a great team spirit and atmosphere now – and People Puzzles People Director Shahbaz was the catalyst for that change.”
Julian Crossley, Managing Director, Thermex (Redditch)
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Fractional HR gives you access to senior HR expertise at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire. Our West Midlands People Directors work part-time but fully embedded in your business – understanding your challenges, growth goals, and team dynamics from the inside. This flexible model allows ambitious businesses to access strategic HR leadership without long-term overheads.
A People Director is a strategic business leader who specialises in people. At People Puzzles, our People Directors bring decades of commercial experience across manufacturing, tech, renewable energy, and professional services. They’re not here to write policies or chase compliance – they help get the right people in the right roles and develop leaders beyond their technical expertise.
Yes – and we believe it makes all the difference. Our West Midlands HR consultants work on-site within your business, not remotely. This hands-on approach means we can quickly understand how your business really operates and help you lead meaningful change from within.
Operational HR handles policies, grievances and admin. Strategic HR focuses on aligning your people with your business goals – for example, by building a leadership pipeline, reshaping teams after a merger or acquisition, or fixing high talent turnover. Our People Directors focus on the strategic side – helping London businesses scale, attract talent, and improve culture and retention with a clear people plan in place.
Definitely. Many of our West Midlands clients come to us during rapid growth when they realise they need to trade in their original setups for more formal structures. We’ll help you get the right people in the right roles, free up founders from day-to-day operations, and build management capability that supports sustainable growth.
Yes – but it’s not just about pay. Our West Midlands People Directors help you build compelling employee experiences that go beyond salary – clear career development, strong culture, and the kind of leadership that makes people want to stay and grow with you.
We work with ambitious businesses across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Our clients range from family manufacturing businesses and emerging tech companies to established logistics firms and professional services. Whether you’re scaling fast or transitioning to formal structures, we match you with a People Director who understands your challenges.
Yes – our West Midlands HR consultants can step in on a project basis for anything from restructuring to leadership development. But we find most businesses gain more value from having a fractional People Director embedded longer term – building sustainable change, not just firefighting.
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 Midlands Today
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our Midlands-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.