0345 646 5201
HR Consultancy in Cambridge
Whether you’re scaling fast, managing investment or facing structural change, our Cambridge-based Fractional People Directors bring senior-level HR expertise into your business – without the cost or risk of a full-time hire. More than traditional HR consultants, they’re embedded strategic partners who build leadership strength from the inside out, unlocking a culture of innovation, and driving tangible transformation across performance and profitability. They are also deeply experienced HR professionals happy to roll up their sleeves and solve the day to day challenges that could be holding your business back, while uncovering the root cause and building the plan for future growth by your side.
Strategic HR Consultancy in Cambridge
We specialise in delivering high-impact strategic HR consultancy across Cambridgeshire – from the technology, life sciences and research institutions of the Cambridge Cluster and Cambridge-Oxford Growth Corridor, to the advanced manufacturing and engineering hubs of Peterborough, Huntingdon and St Neots, and the port-linked businesses of Wisbech.
Our Fractional People Directors are trusted by a variety of organisations, from scale-ups, university spin-outs and educational institutions, to innovation-led enterprises across biosciences, aviation, property consultancy, technology, engineering, packaging and more.
Whether you’re navigating rapid expansion, managing restructuring, or developing your leadership capability to meet growth goals, our locally based board-level HR consultants bring both deep regional understanding and national-level expertise, supporting ambitious businesses across Cambridgeshire:
- Cambridge
- Peterborough
- Huntingdon
- Wisbech
- St Neots
- Ely
Meet our Strategic HR Consultants in Cambridge
HR Directors, law graduates, CIPD Fellows, Executive Board Members and business owners themselves, these are people who know how to plan, direct and support meaningful transformation. From delivering £11m in cost savings, to turning a £6m loss into profit, and helping organisations achieve B Corp, Investors in People and Great Place to Work status, they bring board-level insight and tangible results to every engagement.
Some have held senior roles in the likes of BT, Balfour Beatty, Serco, Aviva and Kinnerton Confectionary. Others have scaled HR functions in biotech, engineering, retail and education – supporting growth from £80m to £157m, leading complex TUPE transfers and embedding change across multiple sites.
Our Cambridge People Directors are strategic partners, executive coaches, mentors and trusted sounding boards. They work hands-on as part of the senior team, leading with structure, vision and care – helping fast-growing organisations stay focused, aligned with their growth goals – and ready for what’s next.
For every business challenge – from scaling fast to succession planning – our experts combine sharp strategic thinking with a people-first approach.
As our East of England Regional Director Katrina Walker puts it, “Innovation doesn’t begin with tech – it begins with people.” And that belief sits at the heart of everything we do.
Strategic HR Consultancy in Cambridge – Our work in action
Echion Technologies – Coaching Future Leaders for Global Growth
Challenge: Based in Sawston, Echion Technologies was scaling fast, with a growing team and plans to launch operations in China. To sustain momentum, the business needed to strengthen its leadership capability and ensure managers were equipped to support its ambitious growth strategy.
Solution: Cambridge People Director Clare Burles delivered a tailored one-to-one executive coaching programme, working closely with emerging leaders to build confidence, strategic focus and management capability aligned with the company’s international objectives.
Results: The leadership team emerged more empowered, aligned and effective – ready to lead the business into new global markets with a shared sense of purpose and direction. Engagement is at an all-time high, and processes have been notably streamlined.
Strategic HR consultancy services – helping Cambridge businesses grow with confidence
Without the right people strategy, business growth or organisational change can bring as many problems as they solve. We see it every day: leaders stretched thin, teams unprepared for change, and critical skills gaps stalling the culture of innovation that ambitious enterprises need to realise their vision.
Whether you’re scaling, restructuring, managing investment or expanding into new markets, our Cambridge-based People Directors are ready to support you with senior-level HR consultancy and wider commercial expertise. Embedded in your leadership team, we’ll help align your people with your goals – building a resilient, high-performing culture that delivers lasting value.
People Processes
From recruitment and onboarding to performance reviews, training, compliance and more, robust people processes are the engine room of an effective organisation. But as businesses grow or restructure, these systems often lag behind. Our Fractional People Directors assess what’s working, identify gaps, and embed clear, scalable frameworks that support leaders, protect the business, and keep teams aligned and performing – even through periods of change.
Strategic HR
In a region defined by innovation and rapid growth, a well-aligned people strategy is essential. Our Cambridge-based People Directors work within your business to embed the structure, leadership, and culture needed to scale sustainably. Whatever changes or challenges you’re navigating, we deliver hands-on support that strengthens your leadership pipeline, builds future-ready teams, and fosters the innovation-led culture needed to stay competitive – without overextending your budget.
Leadership Development
Fast growth demands more from your leaders – but technical know-how alone isn’t enough. We work closely with senior and mid-level managers to strengthen the commercial thinking, communication and people skills needed to lead with confidence. Whether you’re preparing for succession, stepping back from the day-to-day or building a high-performance culture, we help shape a leadership team that can drive your business forward, not just keep pace with it.
Organisational Structure
Fast-growing businesses in Cambridge often face structural strain – with founders stretched thin and teams unclear on roles, reporting lines or future progression. Our Fractional HR Directors work within your organisation to build a scalable structure, developing future leaders and instilling clarity across teams. The result? Greater accountability, stronger performance, and a business that’s ready for growth, succession or investment – without everything depending on one or two key individuals.
Talent Management & Retention
Cambridgeshire’s most ambitious businesses face fierce competition for specialist talent. All too often, valuable people leave or get stuck in the wrong roles. We help you take control of the full talent lifecycle, from smarter recruitment and onboarding to retention and progression. By embedding practical strategies that align people with purpose, we reduce churn, improve engagement, and build a stronger, more stable workforce ready to support sustainable growth.
Culture Development
Company culture isn’t just about perks – it shapes how people work, lead and grow. But fast growth, restructuring or leadership gaps can quickly unravel even the strongest culture. Our Cambridge-based HR consultants work as part of your senior team to embed values, behaviours and leadership habits that drive innovation, accountability and performance – building a positive, resilient workplace culture that supports retention, productivity and long-term business success.
Business Strategy
Growth plans without a formal people strategy often hit roadblocks – from unclear leadership accountability to outdated structures. Our Cambridge HR consultants work at board level to align your organisational set-up with your commercial goals – bringing clarity, cohesion, and control. We don’t just advise from the sidelines – we work hands on to implement a personalised roadmap that unlocks performance, resilience and long-term value through people.
Why choose our strategic outsourced HR consultants in Cambridge?
Cambridgeshire is a region built on ideas – home to world-class research, cutting-edge innovation and global ambition. But turning technical brilliance into commercial success takes more than just vision. Ambition-led businesses need clear organisational structure, aligned leadership and the right people in the right roles with sector-specific skills – supported by positive culture to drive momentum along the way.
Our Fractional People Directors work with some of the region’s most exciting and fast-growing organisations – from pioneering university spinouts and science-led scale-ups, to ambitious property, engineering and manufacturing businesses – helping them build the leadership capacity and people infrastructure they need to sustain growth, and create long-term value.
We support businesses through periods of rapid expansion, investment, succession planning, restructuring and leadership change – helping founders and senior teams take confident, strategic action.
Behind every engagement is top level expertise. Our Cambridge strategic HR consultancy team includes former HR Directors and Executive Board Members from the likes of BT, Balfour Beatty, Aviva and Kinnerton Confectionary – professionals who have delivered multimillion-pound cost savings, led mergers and TUPE transfers, and supported businesses through complex cultural and structural change.
With deep sector experience spanning biotech, telecoms, retail, engineering, education and more, our high calibre HR consultants help you take strategic action that delivers measurable results – from stronger margins and scalable structures to more resilient, energised teams built for long-term success.
And with 90+ People Directors across the UK, you gain the strength of a national network – alongside the insight and agility of a Cambridge-based team who understand your local challenges – and personal ambitions.
Take a look through our recent client success stories
Defining the Future: How Scottish Rail Holdings Transformed Credibility, Governance, and Strategic Alignment
Scottish Rail Holdings (SRH) is a relatively young organisation, established around three years ago when the Scottish rail network was brought back into public sector ownership. Initially taking over ScotRail operations, they later expanded to include Caledonian Sleeper services. With around 28-30 staff, SRH operates as a holdings company that reports to Transport Scotland, providing […]
Right-sizing for success: How a Sports Business Scaled Headcount 50% While Cutting Recruitment Costs 35%
Fast growth is great but without the right structure, it can lead to issues. When expanding sports hospitality business Corinthian realised their success was causing growth problems, they called in a people expert to help unblock the path ahead. Corinthian Sports Transformation: At a Glance The Challenge: Rapid growth led to an outdated, expensive, and […]
Strategic leadership and fractional HR expertise is key to the delivery of complete business transformation
When The Connected Places Catapult’s new CEO arrived, she brought something transformational: a crystal-clear vision for the future. However, she recognised that achieving this vision in a large, complex organisation required more than strategy. It needed expert tactical execution to make it happen.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is fractional HR – and why is it a good fit for Cambridge businesses?
Fractional HR gives you access to senior HR leadership on a part-time basis – ideal for ambitious businesses that need strategic support without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire. In an innovation-led economy like Cambridge, this flexible model helps businesses scale with structure and clarity, while keeping overheads lean.
What does a People Director do – and how is it different to a traditional HR consultant?
A People Director is a commercially minded HR leader who works inside your business to drive strategic outcomes. As well as making sure policies and compliance procedures are in good order, they roll up their sleeves and work within your senior team – aligning people with business goals, building leadership capability, embedding positive culture, and delivering measurable impact from day one.
Do your People Directors work onsite in Cambridge?
Yes – and that’s a big part of our model. Our Cambridgeshire-based Fractional People Directors work in person with clients across the region, from Cambridge, Wisbech and St Neots to Peterborough and Ely. By being embedded in your business, they gain a real understanding of your team, culture and operating model – allowing them to lead change from within.
Can you help us as we scale and navigate new markets?
Absolutely. Many of our Cambridge clients are navigating investment, entering new markets, planning international expansion or shifting from founder-led operations. We support you to structure your teams, develop future leaders and build a scalable people function that protects your culture while unlocking sustainable growth.
We’re a tech / science-based business – will you understand our world?
Our Cambridge team includes People Directors with specific experience in biotech, engineering, advanced manufacturing, telecoms and beyond – many of whom have worked with university spinouts, R&D-driven firms and innovation-led scale-ups. So we understand the unique challenges you face – which combined with our in-depth discovery process where we get to know what’s really going on in your business – means we’re strongly positioned to support you on your individual journey.
Can you support us with cultural transformation and employee experience?
Yes. We help you define and embed a culture that reflects your values and supports your business goals – through leadership behaviours, career development, well-being initiatives and smart people processes. Our clients have gone on to achieve recognition including B Corp, Investors in People and Great Place to Work.
Can you step in to help with a specific HR project or issue?
Yes – whether it’s executive coaching, restructure planning or conflict resolution, we can provide project-based support. That said, most of our Cambridge clients see greater long-term value in having a Fractional People Director embedded within their team – helping them build lasting change, rather than just solve a short-term problem.
What types of businesses do you work with in Cambridge?
Our clients across Cambridgeshire range from scaling tech firms and university spinouts to logistics, manufacturing, education and consultancy businesses and more. Typically, they will be looking for support in navigating change, whether it’s rapid growth, inbound investment, branching out into new markets or territories, or shifting from founder-managed to a future-proof leadership function. All of which our Cambridge Strategic HR consultants are able to drive and support – hands-on.
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 Cambridge Today
Whether you’re restructuring after rapid growth, preparing for investment, or facing tough people challenges, our Cambridge-based Fractional HR Directors are ready to help. We work within your senior team – bringing strategic clarity, deep expertise and practical support that drives measurable results.
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.