0345 646 5201
HR Consultancy in Bristol
Bristol’s businesses thrive on innovation, but rapid growth often exposes talent gaps, founder dependency and fragile structures. Our Bristol-based Fractional People Directors bring board-level HR expertise directly into your team, aligning people, culture and strategy to support scaling, strengthen leadership and reduce talent turnover. In just a few days a month, they deliver measurable impact and ROI – without the cost or commitment of a full-time HR consultancy hire.
Strategic HR Consultancy in Bristol
Bristol businesses are renowned for their innovation across aerospace, fintech, advanced manufacturing, the creative industries and more. But while commercial ambition is high, many leaders are held back by talent shortages, overstretched management, and organisational structures that aren’t keeping up with rapid growth.
That’s where our Bristol-based Fractional People Directors make a difference. Embedding into your business at board level, they align your people, culture and structure with your commercial goals – building resilience, clarity and leadership strength to support your future vision.
We have experienced People Directors working across Bristol and its key commercial districts, including:
- Bristol City Centre
- Temple Quarter & Temple Meads Enterprise Zone
- Bristol & Bath Science Park
- Aztec West Business Park
- Harbourside & Finzels Reach
- Clifton Triangle
- Bedminster & South Bristol regeneration areas
- Emersons Green
- Avonmouth & Severnside Enterprise Area
- North Fringe – Filton, Patchway, Stoke Gifford
Talk to a People Puzzles HR Consultant in Bristol
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our Bristol-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 Bristol HR consultancy team
Our Bristol strategic HR consultancy team brings board-level experience, commercial insight and cross-sector expertise, helping ambitious organisations strengthen leadership, sharpen culture and build the people strategies that drive lasting growth.
Our People Directors have shaped HR strategy and transformation for leading brands across aerospace, engineering, professional services, tech, FMCG, healthcare and the charity sector. Many have held senior roles at household names including BT, Aviva, Mars, Kimberly-Clark, Mitsubishi and the BBC, as well as steering fast-growth SMEs through critical change.
Their track record spans international restructures, mergers and acquisitions, large-scale culture change, succession planning and more.
With deep knowledge of Bristol’s key industries – from aerospace clusters and fintech hubs to world-leading creative media – they combine strategic thinking with practical delivery to equip organisations with the structure and resilience they need to realise their future ambitions.
Strategic HR Consultancy in Bristol – Building Leadership for Long-Term Growth
Godfrey Wilson – Reducing Founder Reliance and Strengthening Future Leadership
Challenge: Bristol-based accountancy practice Godfrey Wilson had grown from a small home office into a respected 25-person firm specialising in the charity sector. But much of the business still revolved around its founders. Recruitment was proving difficult, the management structure was unclear, and planning for the next stage of growth felt out of reach without more leadership capacity and a stronger people strategy.
Solution: Through staff surveys and leadership interviews, People Director Alison Cooper identified the key barriers and created a tailored people plan. This included a full organisational redesign, clearer career pathways, and leadership development to prepare managers for greater responsibility. Alison also introduced a structured framework to align business and people goals, alongside new HR software and an applicant tracking system to streamline hiring and reduce admin pressure.
Results: Godfrey Wilson now benefits from a stronger leadership team and a clear roadmap for the decade ahead. Graduate recruits see transparent progression routes, managers have the skills to lead with confidence, and founders have been freed to concentrate on strategic priorities. With defined roles, improved retention and better alignment between culture and strategy, Godfrey Wilson is positioned for sustainable success well into the future.
Strategic HR consultancy services for Bristol businesses
It’s commendable to be ambitious — but without the right people frameworks to keep that ambition on track, progress can stall. Founders waste energy on operational distractions, managers burn out under the weight of responsibility, and fragile structures buckle as growth accelerates.
Our Bristol-based People Directors solve these challenges by embedding into your business at board level and applying proven strategies to align your people with your business goals. They strengthen leadership, design structures that scale, and build cultures that retain talent, freeing leaders from constant problem-solving to focus on growth.
Here are the most popular HR support services Bristol businesses turn to us for:
People Processes
Even the most innovative firms stumble without consistent processes. From recruitment and onboarding to performance management and well-being, our Strategic HR Consultants streamline systems to save leaders time and reduce risk. With the right processes in place, Bristol businesses can focus on growth instead of compliance.
Strategic HR
Juggling with the challenges of scaling sustainably? Our Strategic HR Consultants in Bristol are experts at aligning people strategy with commercial priorities – shaping culture, structure and leadership so growth isn’t left to chance. With clear direction and board-level expertise delivered on a fractional basis, your organisation moves from short-term reactions to long-term success.
Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
Technical expertise doesn’t always translate into leadership confidence. Our Bristol-based People Directors coach and develop managers to communicate clearly, inspire teams and make more informed decisions. By building a strong leadership pipeline, we give founders the reassurance they need to step back and scale sustainably.
Organisational Structure
As you expand, unclear roles and blurred accountability can slow momentum. Our Bristol-based Fractional People Directors redesign organisations so leaders focus on strategy, teams know exactly how they contribute and feel valued as a result, and founders are freed from managing the day-to-day. The outcome? A structure that supports your growth plans.
Talent Management & Retention
With competition from London, Bath and beyond, Bristol employers face constant pressure to hold onto skilled people. We help you stand out with a compelling employee experience, grounded in career development, culture and purpose. From attracting graduates to retaining experienced specialists, our People Directors make your business a place where talent stays and thrives.
Culture Development
When values are unclear or leadership is stretched, culture can quickly fragment. Our Bristol-based Fractional People Directors work with you to embed behaviours and values that unite teams and drive performance. The result: a culture of trust and accountability that strengthens your reputation and keeps your people motivated.
Business Strategy
Whether scaling fast, restructuring for investment or preparing for exit, Bristol businesses need people strategies that match their ambition. Our People Directors work hand-in-hand with leadership teams to align structure, culture and talent with commercial goals – building resilience and capability for the future.
Why choose our strategic outsourced HR consultants in Bristol?
Bristol business leaders face a unique mix of challenges: competing for specialist talent, building robust leadership and succession pipelines and holding culture together are all typical pressures. Add in the city’s green ambitions and growing demand for ESG credentials, and the pressure on getting the people strategy right is greater than ever.
This is where People Puzzles brings so much value. Our Bristol-based Fractional People Directors are more than operational HR consultants – they’re senior leaders and transformation specialists with first-hand experience across aerospace, engineering, financial services, tech, healthcare and the creative industries.
By embedding into our clients’ businesses at board level for just a few days a month, they stabilise structures, develop confident leaders, and build cultures that retain top talent – delivering measurable results and ROI – at 60–70% less than a full-time hire.
Why People Puzzles?
- Proven impact in scaling, restructuring and transformation projects
- Expertise across Bristol’s key industries, from aerospace to digital media
- Trusted by more than 1,000 ambitious business leaders nationwide
- A flexible model with no long-term tie-ins
And with a network of over 90 People Directors nationwide, you’ll benefit from local insight into Bristol’s challenges – backed by the depth, scale and shared knowledge of a national team.
“I think as a founder it can be very difficult to let go, but if you don’t let go you are restricting the growth potential, the sustainability of your business and I don’t think I would have realised that without People Puzzles’ help.”
Alison Godfrey, Founder Director – Godfrey Wilson (Bristol)
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
A Fractional People Director is a highly experienced HR leader who works within your organisation part-time, giving you board-level expertise without the cost or commitment of a permanent role. For Bristol firms – whether in aerospace, fintech, the creative industries or professional services – it’s a flexible way to strengthen leadership, build structure and retain talent – achieving measurable impact, while keeping overheads under control.
Operational HR handles essentials like contracts, policies and compliance. Strategic HR looks further ahead, shaping leadership, culture and organisational design to match your growth goals. Most Bristol businesses need a blend of both. Our Strategic HR Consultants provide that balance – ensuring today’s processes run smoothly while preparing your people strategy for the future.
This is a common challenge in Bristol, particularly among high-growth start-ups and fast-moving SMEs. Our People Directors work directly with leadership teams to redesign structures, clarify accountability and ease the pressure on founders – ensuring growth is supported by strong foundations.
In Bristol, businesses compete with global employers, London salaries and a strong start-up scene. But pay isn’t the only factor. Our People Directors help you define a compelling employee value proposition (EVP), create clear career paths and build a culture that engages people long-term, so you stand out for more than just salary.
It’s common for technically strong performers to move into management without the right support. Our Fractional People Directors provide coaching and mentoring that builds confidence, improves communication and strengthens leadership pipelines – turning managers into effective leaders who inspire teams and drive performance.
They’re very much hands-on. By embedding in your business for just a few days a month, they work side by side with your leadership team – not only offering advice, but implementing and managing solutions that fit your culture and deliver measurable results.
Yes. With Bristol’s universities producing thousands of graduates every year, there’s a strong talent pool to tap into. But younger employees value purpose, flexibility and development as much as pay. Our Strategic HR Consultants design graduate pathways, strengthen onboarding, and create cultures that appeal to the next generation of talent.
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 Bristol Today
Let’s move your Bristol business forward – together
Whether you’re growing fast, reshaping your structure or developing your leadership team, our Bristol-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.