0345 646 5201
HR Consultancy Birmingham
High calibre HR consultancy that goes beyond operational HR to embed strategy, structure, culture and leadership vision into businesses across Birmingham, moving the dial from survive to thrive and driving tangible ROI. With your own dedicated Fractional People Director working at the heart of your organisation for just a few hours a month, you’ll see rapid transformational change at the highest level – all without the overhead of a full time hire.
Strategic HR Consultancy in Birmingham
We deliver board-level fractional HR consultancy to businesses across Birmingham, blending local insight and experience with the vast expertise of a national team.
Whether you’re a family-run firm that’s outgrown its structure and eager to shake off founder dependency, a high-tech startup or public-facing service that’s struggling to attract and develop the right talent and leadership, or you’re simply heading towards all-out manager burnout and losing sight of your commercial vision, our Birmingham People Directors are here to deliver the senior-level knowhow you need to instigate meaningful change – through people.
With proven people strategy expertise across a variety of industries, from manufacturing, tech, renewables and logistics, to professional services, tourism, leisure, retail and hospitality and more, our Strategic HR Consultants operate throughout the key districts of Birmingham, including:
- Birmingham City Centre
- Colmore Business District
- The Jewellery Quarter
- Learning and Technology Quarter
- Edgbaston
- Moseley
- Hall Green
- Yardley
- Harborne
- Sutton Coldfield
- Digbeth
- Northfield
- Kings Norton
- Stirchley
Talk to a People Puzzles HR Consultant in Birmingham
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our Birmingham-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 Birmingham HR consultancy team
Former board-level HR leaders, global transformation leads, and commercial change-makers, our Birmingham People Directors bring decades of senior experience across a range of industries and business types.
They’ve led global restructures and high-stakes mergers and acquisitions for leading corporate brands. They’ve worked with the likes of GKN Automotive and Tenneco. They’ve built people strategies for PE-backed start-ups, and shaped growth trajectories across multiple sites and international territories.
But one thing our Birmingham and West Midlands Fractional People Directors have in common is that they take enormous pride in becoming a part of our clients’ teams.
They enjoy working hands-on to drive change, seeing businesses move from surviving to thriving, achieving their goals and becoming a place where people genuinely enjoy working – where they feel like part of the family, and share the collective vision for success.
“HR isn’t just support – it’s a strategic engine for growth”
Nicola Cavanagh, Regional Director – West Midlands
Strategic HR Consultancy in Action
Total Enterprise Solutions (TES) – Powering Business Growth through Talent Retention
Challenge: High staff turnover and inconsistent employee engagement were threatening global growth plans for this 20-year established West Midlands-based tech support and digital transformation enterprise.
Solution: People Puzzles People Director Rachel Humphreys introduced new employee engagement strategies, a formal leadership development programme and a detailed people plan as well as making operational improvements to help accelerate growth and prepare for expansion into the USA.
Results: The clear people strategy saw TES experience faster growth, whilst the streamlined processes and cohesive leadership setup enabled quicker decision making. People engagement improved markedly, with individuals feeling valued and able to see a clear path forward for development. Talent churn reduced, and productivity increased. US expansion plans played out successfully, and pressure was taken off the CEO, allowing greater focus on broader business goals.
Strategic HR support services for Birmingham businesses
Our Birmingham-based Strategic HR Consultants go way beyond compliance-based everyday human resources to deliver practical solutions designed to support your vision, and put people at the heart of your business strategy.
By embedding within your senior team and becoming a part of your organisation, our highly skilled People Directors work hands-on to help you rethink your organisational structure.
They equip leaders with the confidence and skills they need to drive growth, develop a culture of inclusion, communication and vision that people want to be part of, and create a succession pipeline that frees founders from everyday firefighting to refocus on strategic development.
Our value-driven outsourced HR services are designed to help Birmingham-based businesses scale with purpose. They include:
People Processes
Whether it’s everyday HR compliance, recruitment, onboarding or performance appraisals, your dedicated Fractional HR Consultant will work closely with you to streamline your people processes so that productivity thrives, and your reputation remains strong. With employment laws changing all the time and risks increasing, we’ll make sure you are set up for success, with everything running like clockwork – leaving you to focus on what matters most – achieving your goals.
Strategic HR
Traditional compliance-based HR keeps you afloat. But strategic HR powers you on. If your Birmingham-based business has hit a point where you’re feeling stuck, wondering how to make real progress towards your business goals, or you’re navigating major change such as mergers, acquisitions or investment, our People Directors will work as part of your team to support your next move, with people-based strategic solutions that deliver measurable returns.
Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
Growing businesses face a common challenge – rising stars that are great at their day jobs naturally drift into management roles – but without the skills to lead. And when these skills are missing, gaps appear in communication and accountability lines. Culture starts to drift, and the next generation of rising stars become disengaged, leading to talent churn. Our People Directors in Birmingham meet this challenge head-on, building confident leaders capable of driving growth.
Organisational Structure
Businesses will never succeed unless they have the right people in the right roles, and a robust leadership structure. If your organisational setup has been left behind following rapid growth, it won’t be supporting you towards your goals. Our Birmingham-based Strategic HR Consultants will help reshape your structure so every role adds value, every member of your team feels part of your journey and vision, and founders are freed up to focus on strategy, not firefighting.
Talent Management & Retention
Attracting and retaining the best talent is one of the greatest challenges for Birmingham-based businesses. But rather than simply launch yet another recruitment campaign, our Fractional HR Consultants take a step back to help you become a competing force in the job market. By improving culture, morale and employer value proposition, and by creating clear career pathways and transparent lines of communication, we help build workplaces where people want to stay – and grow.
Culture Development
When a workplace is known for its positive culture, it attracts great people – and keeps them. And when those people buy into your vision, they thrive – and so does your business. Our Birmingham-based strategic HR consultants embed within your senior team to shape behaviours, leadership habits and working practices. We help instil cultures that promote well-being, commitment and bigger picture buy-in, so your teams become your biggest asset.
Business Strategy
Your business vision may be clear – but do you have the people strategy to get you there? Whether you’re exploring new markets, navigating mergers, acquisitions or investment, or contemplating a future exit plan, our People Directors will make sure your people strategy aligns with your business strategy, so you have a clear way forward, and the leadership structure and talent to support it.
Why choose People Puzzles for strategic HR consultancy in Birmingham?
Whether you’re a family-run business under new generational management grabbing expansion plans by the horn, a cutting-edge technology start-up taking advantage of the inbound investment that Birmingham has to offer, or a leisure, retail or tourism enterprise keen to grab the opportunities that the Big City Masterplan is bringing to the region, there is a great deal to be excited about.
But every business faces challenges – whatever the industry, whatever the setup, however long they’ve been trading.
From informal family-run structures ill-equipped for growth, to burnt-out managers caught up in day-to-day firefighting, and from costly talent churn to a lack of formal leadership skills to take the business confidently into the future, there is a lot that can hold back progress.
At People Puzzles, we understand these challenges. And we know that all too often, it’s a lack of people strategy that’s standing in the way of getting ahead.
That’s why we’re focused on bringing strategic HR into the heart of Birmingham-based businesses.
Rather than focusing on operational HR and directing from the sidelines, we follow an ‘embedded’ approach. In practice, this sees us become part of your leadership team. Your own Fractional HR Director working flexibly for a few hours a month, but with the experience and board-level expertise to be able to instigate change rapidly.
Your People Director will come from a highly senior background. The Birmingham team is made up of former business leaders, operational directors, and entrepreneurial change-makers. They’ve sat on boards. They’ve managed high-stakes turnarounds, mergers and acquisitions. They’ve shaped strategy and worked closely with CEOs and leadership teams – turning people challenges into competitive advantage.
From putting the right people in the right roles and developing natural leaders beyond their technical talent, to developing workplace cultures that naturally attract talent, they excel at building people strategies that align with business plans to deliver high-value returns.
And with 90+ People Directors across the UK, the businesses we support gain local insight backed by national expertise.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Fractional HR gives you access to board-level HR leadership without the full-time cost. Our Birmingham-based People Directors work part-time, deeply embedded in your business, becoming trusted members of your senior team. It’s a flexible, affordable way for ambitious businesses to access strategic people expertise – without the cost of a full-time hire.
A People Director is much more than a traditional HR consultant. They’re senior business leaders with a commercial mindset and deep expertise in people strategy. At People Puzzles, our Birmingham People Directors have led change in sectors like manufacturing, engineering, tech and professional services. They go beyond policy and compliance – helping you build strong teams, confident leaders, and a people plan that supports growth.
Yes – we believe being on-site makes a real difference. Our People Directors work in-person with Birmingham businesses, becoming part of the culture and understanding what really drives your team. This embedded approach means we can spot opportunities, resolve issues, and support change more effectively than a remote consultant ever could.
Operational HR keeps the wheels turning – policies, payroll, and compliance. Strategic HR is about driving change – aligning your people with your business goals, developing leadership strength, and creating a structure that supports sustainable success. Our Birmingham People Directors focus on strategic impact, while working alongside your operational team.
Absolutely. Many Birmingham businesses come to us when growth starts to outpace their internal setup. We help you evolve – identifying the gaps, building leadership capability, and creating a structure that supports scale. That might mean freeing up founders from the day-to-day, clarifying roles and responsibilities, or developing your next generation of managers.
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 Birmingham Today
Let’s move your Birmingham business forward – together
Whether you’re growing fast, reshaping your structure or developing your leadership team, our Birmingham-based Fractional HR Directors are here to help. Working hands-on as part of your senior team, we bring clarity, focus and people expertise that drives real progress – and long-term 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.