0345 646 5201
HR Consultancy in Yorkshire
and the North East
Whether you’re evolving a long-established business or building something new, our Yorkshire and North East-based Fractional People Directors bring senior-level, strategic HR expertise into the heart of your organisation – without the cost of a full-time hire. We embed at senior level, aligning your people strategy with your commercial goals, helping you shape the right structure, strengthen leadership, and build the kind of enterprise you’re proud to lead.
Strategic HR Consultancy in Yorkshire and the North East
We deliver strategic HR consultancy to businesses across Yorkshire and the North East – combining commercial expertise with deep respect for the region’s resilience, pride and distinctive work ethic.
Whether rooted in heavy industry, construction, telecoms or manufacturing tech, many of our clients are based on the outskirts of cities – in science parks, enterprise hubs and industrial estates that reflect the region’s ongoing regeneration. From ex-mining communities to post-industrial strongholds, this is a part of the UK shaped by transformation – and defined by determination.
Our Fractional People Directors bring first-hand experience of the sectors and pressures that matter here. We work hands-on at the heart of leadership teams to tackle complex operational challenges, support sustainable growth, and align people strategy with long-term business goals – all while building on the cultural pride and innovation that set the North apart.
We support businesses in Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield, Durham, Newcastle, Sunderland, Darlington, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, York and a variety of surrounding towns and cities across the whole of the North East and Yorkshire:
- Northumberland
- Tyne & Wear
- County Durham
- North Yorkshire
- South Yorkshire
- West Yorkshire
- East Riding of Yorkshire
Talk to a People Puzzles HR Consultant in Yorkshire and North East England
Meet our Yorkshire and North East HR consultancy team
Our Yorkshire and North East HR consultancy team comprises seasoned business leaders, large-scale transformation experts and CIPD fellows with a proven track record of driving growth, and achieving results.
From scaling an international start-up from £0-£10m and leading restructures for £200m-turnover firms, our Yorkshire and North East People Directors are known for their ability to deliver commercial change, by putting people at the heart of everything they do.
Collectively, they’ve supported rapid expansion in sectors ranging from housebuilding and manufacturing to education, healthcare, food and drink, and fast-growth retail. Their experience includes supporting business sales, mergers, acquisitions, MBOs, restructures and family business growth transitions – all with a sharp focus on people, process and profitability.
More than traditional HR consultants, our North East People Directors are ILM-accredited coaches, NLP practitioners and CIPD Fellows – but what really sets them apart is their ability to get under the skin of your business and unlock practical, people-led solutions that deliver lasting value.
Strategic HR Consultancy in Yorkshire – Aligning Culture, Structure and Leadership for Sustainable Growth
Fibreline – Driving Business Transformation Through People
Challenge: Fibreline, a family-owned manufacturer employing 200+ people in Keighley, West Yorkshire, had grown steadily for decades, but progress had begun to stall. Whilst demand was rising, employee engagement was slipping and the senior team felt stretched and stuck. With ambitious plans to become the UK’s leading cushion filling supplier, the business needed help to break through and build the structure, leadership and culture to match.
Solution: Following a deep-dive Discovery process, People Puzzles worked alongside Fibreline’s leadership to create and deliver a strategic people plan aligned to their vision. Leadership coaching and a new organisational framework promoted personal accountability and clarified direction. Shop-floor challenges were tackled to rebuild trust. A refined recruitment strategy and employee development pathways helped unlock long-term change – while staying true to Fibreline’s strong culture and values.
Results: Labour turnover dropped by 67%, productivity rose by 30%, and managers at all levels are now better equipped to lead. Fibreline has a clear vision, a structured leadership team, and an engaged workforce ready to grow – with people strategy now firmly embedded in its commercial success story.
Strategic HR consultancy services our Northeast and Yorkshire clients value most
From heavy industry and construction to professional services, telecoms, sport and tourism, our Yorkshire and North East-based People Directors bring board-level HR expertise rooted in commercial reality.
We work with ambitious businesses typically facing rising costs, strategic drift, and high staff turnover. Where legacy structures and people-pleasing cultures make change difficult. And where leadership gaps, remote working and lack of HR capacity leave founders stuck in survival mode instead of setting direction.
In response, our Fractional HR Consultants embed within your senior team to turn ambition into action. We reshape roles, develop confident managers, resolve people challenges and create clear, practical strategic HR systems that unlock performance – so your business can move forward with clarity and control. And these are the core services that support our work:
People Processes
Gaps in HR expertise, high staff turnover and legacy working methods can all disrupt your day-to-day people operations. Our Yorkshire and North East HR Consultants work within your business to streamline core processes – from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and compliance – creating clarity, consistency and legal peace of mind – especially valuable during periods of change or restructuring.
Strategic HR
Businesses across Yorkshire and the North East face mounting pressure – navigating rising costs, market uncertainty and growing demands on leadership. Without the right strategic support, it’s easy to get stuck in survival mode. Our experienced People Directors bring fresh perspective and commercial focus, aligning people plans with business goals to create real momentum through practical, high-impact solutions that move your business forward.
Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
Talented individuals often step into leadership roles without formal support or mentoring. That can leave a gap between technical ability and people management. Our Yorkshire and North East Fractional HR Consultants help bridge that gap, working hands-on with managers organisation-wide to build the confidence, communication and commercial awareness they need to lead effectively – unlocking performance at every level.
Organisational Structure
Fast-growing businesses face a common dilemma: teams are expanding, but their structure isn’t keeping up. Misaligned roles, unclear reporting lines and founder dependency can all hinder progress. Our North East People Directors help reshape your organisation so every role has purpose, every person has clarity, your structure enables growth instead of stifling it – and you can step back from firefighting and focus on the future.
Talent Management & Retention
High staff turnover. Remote working that stifles knowledge transfer. Workplace culture that feels ‘just OK’. Many businesses struggle to retain talent not because they lack ambition, but because there’s no compelling reason for people to stay. Our North East and Yorkshire Fractional People Directors help reshape your employee value proposition, working environment and leadership approach to build stronger teams – and long-term loyalty.
Culture Development
Legacy working processes, low engagement and lack of skilled leadership can all take a toll on company culture – particularly in sectors under pressure or going through change. Our Yorkshire and North East Fractional People Directors work hands-on alongside leadership teams to define clear values, embed consistent behaviours and build practical people practices that improve morale, drive accountability and create a culture people want to be part of.
Business Strategy
Ambitious growth plans are often held back by outdated structures, unclear leadership roles or a missing people strategy. Our North East and Yorkshire Strategic HR Consultants work at board level to align your people set-up with your commercial goals. So whether you’re scaling, restructuring or exploring new markets, we bring hands-on clarity and direction to help you move forward with confidence, resilience and long-term impact.
Why choose People Puzzles for strategic HR consultancy in Yorkshire and the North East?
From the manufacturing and construction heartlands of South and West Yorkshire to the innovation clusters and industrial parks of County Durham, Northumberland and Tyne & Wear, the North has always been a powerhouse of industry, ingenuity and resilience.
But deep heritage can bring hidden hurdles. Many Northern businesses are proudly independent, with loyal teams, tight-knit cultures and long-standing ways of working. That makes change feel risky – especially when growth has stalled, leadership is overstretched, or people problems are starting to cost the business time, money or talent.
At People Puzzles, we understand the balance between preserving your legacy and building for the future – and we know that change, however necessary, can feel uncomfortable when your team is like family and your values run deep.
Whether you’re worried about upsetting loyal staff, or unsure how to improve morale without losing your identity, our approach is practical, empathetic and built around what already makes you strong.
Who we are, and how we work
We work differently to traditional HR consultants. We embed in your team as senior leaders, helping you create clarity, structure and performance – without compromising what makes you special. Whether you are grappling with morale issues, flat-lining productivity or a lack of leadership capacity, our approach is always commercially focused and led by real-world business experience.
Our Yorkshire and North East People Directors are seasoned leaders who have scaled start-ups to £10m+ turnover, led restructures for £200m firms, and shaped people strategies for the likes of Aviva, BT, Mars and Mitsubishi. From board-level change to family business succession, they deliver sustainable transformation that respects your values – and empowers your people.
Strategic HR, rooted in Northern strength
With deep regional experience across manufacturing, engineering, construction, renewables, education, healthcare, retail, food and drink, and more, our Fractional HR Directors work hands-on to solve deep-rooted issues and unlock commercial value.
Working at your premises for just a few days a month, they’ll help you become the kind of employer today’s top talent wants to work for – with clear progression paths, confident leadership and a culture people are proud to be part of.
And with over 90 People Directors across the UK, 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-level HR expert who works part-time within your business to drive meaningful change. Our Yorkshire and North East-based People Directors become part of your team – helping you build structure, develop leaders, and unlock the full potential of your workforce from within. It’s a flexible, cost-effective, ROI and results-driven solution that works especially well for businesses that need strategic input, but are not ready for a full-time HR director.
Operational HR deals with day-to-day tasks like contracts, compliance and grievances. Strategic HR focuses on aligning your people with your business goals – shaping culture, structure, and leadership to unlock performance. Most businesses need both. Our locally based Strategic HR Consultants can provide hands-on strategic leadership, while helping to strengthen your operational HR too – whether in-house or outsourced.
Absolutely. Many of our Yorkshire and North East clients come to us in exactly that situation. Our Fractional People Directors step in to calm the storm – resolving issues, setting up clear processes, and laying the foundations for sustainable growth. Whether you are growing, stabilising, or simply trying to reduce risk, we will meet you where you are, and guide you to where you want to be by helping you put your people at the heart of everything.
Yes. Strategic HR is not just for scaling businesses. If you are downsizing or consolidating, a People Director can help you manage difficult decisions with care – from restructuring to redeployment – while protecting your culture, minimising disruption, and setting you up for a stronger future.
Yes – and it is a common challenge across the region. Our locally based People Directors work closely with your leadership team to create clear roles, develop line management skills, and put the right support in place so everyone can thrive. It’s not about making dramatic changes – it’s about unlocking performance through better structure and leadership.
Our People Directors in the North East and Yorkshire work hands-on, on-site, within your team, not remotely or at arm’s length. They take the time to understand your business from the inside – building trust with your leaders and people so they can deliver real change from within, not just offer advice from the sidelines.
Change is never easy – especially in close-knit teams. Our Fractional People Directors approach every situation with empathy, clarity, and respect. We help you communicate change clearly, involve the right people, and maintain the trust and loyalty that matters so much – particularly in businesses with strong heritage and deep local roots.
Yes – and you’re not alone. With world-class universities in Leeds, Durham, Newcastle and Sheffield, there is a strong pipeline of future talent in the region – but competition is fierce. Our Strategic HR Consultants help you refine your employee value proposition (EVP), create clear development pathways, and build a culture that speaks to the next generation of skilled professionals.
Definitely. Our Yorkshire and North East People Directors never take a one-size-fits-all approach. We start by understanding what already makes your business special – then help you build on that foundation with consistent leadership behaviours, strong values, and practical systems that support a positive, productive culture.
Yes. Technical skill doesn’t always translate into people leadership – but it can be developed. Our Fractional People Directors work flexibly with your managers to build their confidence, clarify expectations, and give them the tools they need to lead effectively. That way, your leadership pipeline strengthens from within.
We understand the pride and heritage that runs through many Yorkshire and North East businesses. Our People Directors are skilled at protecting what matters – while helping you move forward in a way that feels true to your values. We do not impose change – we support you to shape it on your terms.
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 Yorkshire and North East England
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our North-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.