0345 646 5201
HR Consultancy in Cheltenham & Gloucester
Struggling to attract the right talent, keep hold of your best people or free leaders from constant firefighting? Our Cheltenham & Gloucester-based Fractional People Directors embed within your senior team to align people, culture and strategy with commercial goals. In just a few days a month, and without the cost or commitment of a full time HR support hire, they deliver measurable ROI and transformational change that many businesses didn’t know was possible.
Strategic HR Consultancy in Cheltenham & Gloucester
Cheltenham and Gloucester businesses are diverse – from aerospace and defence to cyber, engineering, retail, and professional services. But while opportunity is strong, many leaders face the same barriers: difficulty attracting and retaining skilled people, managers stretched beyond capacity, and structures that strain under rapid growth or family-business transitions.
That’s where our Cheltenham & Gloucester-based Fractional People Directors come in. Working hands-on at board level, they align people, culture and leadership with your commercial goals – creating clarity, stability and the capacity to grow with confidence.
You’ll find us supporting organisations across Cheltenham, Gloucester and their key commercial centres, including:
- Gloucester Business Park
- Barnwood & Eastern Avenue commercial areas
- Gloucester City Centre & Docks
- Cheltenham Town Centre & Promenade
- The Brewery Quarter & Cheltenham Business District
- Innsworth Technology Park & Cyber Park
- Golden Valley Development (Cheltenham Cyber Central)
- Staverton & Gloucestershire Airport business zone
Talk to a People Puzzles HR Consultant in Cheltenham and Gloucester
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our Cheltenham and Gloucester-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 Cheltenham & Gloucester HR consultancy team
Our Cheltenham and Gloucester strategic HR consultancy team brings decades of board-level expertise and commercial know-how, helping ambitious organisations across the region strengthen leadership, embed culture and design people strategies that deliver lasting results.
Collectively, our People Directors have led HR strategy and transformation for brands across aerospace, advanced manufacturing, professional services, healthcare, FMCG, tech and the charity sector. Many have held senior roles at major names including BT, Aviva, Mars, Kimberly-Clark, Mitsubishi and the BBC, as well as guiding scaling SMEs through rapid growth and change.
Their experience spans mergers and acquisitions, international restructures, succession planning, leadership coaching and culture development.
With deep knowledge of the region’s key sectors – from aerospace and engineering to financial services, education and creative industries – they combine strategic insight with hands-on delivery to give local businesses the clarity, confidence and capability they need to grow sustainably.
Strategic HR Consultancy in Cheltenham & Gloucester – Strengthening Leadership for Sustainable Growth
Springpack – Building Structure and Culture to Support Rapid Growth
Challenge: Springpack, a fast-growing West of England-based packaging supplier, doubled turnover in four years but lacked the leadership and HR framework to sustain progress. Founders Laurence and Jerry were still immersed in daily operations, senior roles weren’t clearly defined, and outdated processes risked slowing momentum. Without change, growth could compromise both culture and performance.
Solution: People Director Rachel Holmes introduced strategic planning tools, created a senior leadership team and supported the appointment of a Managing Director. She modernised HR systems, promoted internal talent into director roles, and embedded values into everyday processes. Alongside this, Rachel launched well-being and engagement initiatives, helping the business define its culture and build the leadership capability needed for long-term growth.
Results: Springpack now has a clear structure, modern HR systems and a motivated leadership team driving the business forward. Retention improved, staff turnover fell by at least 10%, and engagement reached an ENPS of 63. Most notably, the business achieved recognition as one of the Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For – enhancing its reputation and supporting further recruitment and growth.
“During a period of such rapid growth, we were conscious we didn’t have a clear people strategy or structure in place, things were happening at such a pace, our priority was ensuring our people were given the recognition, development and reward that came with our successful growth period. We were also mindful of our lack of clear and relevant policies in place for our people, as we progressed from a small to medium sized company.”
James York, Managing Director – Springpack
Strategic HR consultancy services for Cheltenham & Gloucester businesses
It takes more than commercial ambition to achieve lasting growth. Without strong people frameworks in place, leaders get pulled into day-to-day issues, managers lack support, and businesses risk losing their best talent to larger competitors in bigger cities.
Our Cheltenham & Gloucester People Directors step in to change that. They work alongside your senior team to design structures that scale, build leadership strength, and create the culture needed to engage and retain the right people. With proven strategies tailored to your goals, they help you move from short-term fixes to long-term results.
Here are the most in-demand HR support services Cheltenham and Gloucester businesses call on us for:
People Processes
Without consistent processes, even successful firms lose time and risk compliance headaches. Our Fractional People Directors streamline recruitment, onboarding, performance management and well-being frameworks. Cheltenham & Gloucester leaders gain time back, while teams benefit from clear, reliable systems.
Strategic HR
Scaling without the right people strategy can drain time and momentum. Our Cheltenham & Gloucester Strategic HR Consultants work as part of your leadership team to align culture, structure and talent with commercial goals. With board-level expertise delivered flexibly, you’ll move from firefighting challenges to achieving sustainable long-term results.
Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
Brilliant technical skills don’t always come with the confidence to lead. Our Cheltenham & Gloucester People Directors coach and develop managers to communicate effectively, motivate teams and take sound decisions. The result is a stronger leadership pipeline, and reassurance for founders to step back and scale with confidence.
Organisational Structure
Fast growth often leads to unclear roles and blurred responsibilities. Our Fractional People Directors redesign organisations across Cheltenham & Gloucester so leaders are freed up to focus on strategy, teams know their purpose, and founders aren’t tied to the day-to-day. The outcome? A structure that supports your next stage of growth.
Talent Management & Retention
With competition high, employers in Cheltenham & Gloucester need more than salary to win and keep talent. We help you build a compelling employee experience, with career pathways, purpose and culture at its core. From attracting graduates to retaining seasoned professionals, we make your business a place where people want to stay, and share your vision for growth.
Culture Development
When values aren’t clear or leadership is stretched, culture can quickly fracture. Our Cheltenham & Gloucester-based Strategic HR Consultants help you define and embed the behaviours that unify teams and drive accountability. The outcome: a culture that motivates, supports performance and enhances your reputation.
Business Strategy
Whether scaling, restructuring or preparing for exit, businesses in Cheltenham & Gloucester need people strategies that match their ambitions. Our People Directors embed at board level to align leadership, culture and structure with commercial goals – building strength and capability for the future.
Why choose our strategic outsourced HR consultants in Cheltenham & Gloucester?
Cheltenham and Gloucester businesses face a distinctive set of challenges: competing for specialist talent, meeting the demands of high-pressure regulated industries, and keeping leadership pipelines strong in sectors where technical expertise often outweighs people management skills.
Add in the region’s focus on financial services, defence and cyber security – with all the scrutiny and governance that entails – and the need for a robust people strategy is clearer than ever.
This is where People Puzzles makes a clear difference. Our Cheltenham & Gloucester Fractional People Directors are senior leaders and transformation specialists with proven experience across aerospace, defence, professional services, tech, cyber, and advanced manufacturing.
They embed board-level expertise into your organisation for just a few days a month – shaping structure, culture and leadership to deliver measurable impact at a fraction of the cost of a full-time HR support hire.
Why People Puzzles?
- Proven results in scaling, restructuring and transformation projects
- Specific expertise in Cheltenham & Gloucester’s priority sectors
- Trusted by over 1,000 ambitious business leaders nationwide
- A flexible model with no long-term commitments
- Board-level HR support at 60–70% less than the cost of a full-time HR hire
And as the UK’s largest fractional HR provider, you’re never relying on one consultant alone. Your specialist is backed by a Regional Director, a central resourcing team and a 90+ strong national network of People Directors – combining local expertise with shared insight to solve even the most complex challenges.
“Springpack selected People Puzzles through a recommendation by a friend and site director with previous experience of People Puzzles, and Rachel in particular. Rachel came with a glowing reference and hasn’t disappointed!”
James York, Managing Director – Springpack (West of England)
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
A Fractional People Director is a senior HR leader who works with your business part-time, giving you board-level expertise without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire. For firms in aerospace, defence, financial services, professional services or advanced manufacturing, it’s a flexible way to align people and strategy, strengthen leadership, and retain talent – driving transformational change, while controlling overheads.
Operational HR looks after the essentials – contracts, compliance, policies and processes. Strategic HR takes a longer view, building leadership pipelines, embedding culture, and shaping organisational design to deliver your growth plans. Most Cheltenham and Gloucester businesses need a blend of both. Our consultants provide that balance – keeping today’s systems efficient while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.
This is common in Cheltenham and Gloucester, especially for manufacturers, engineering firms and fast-growing SMEs. Our People Directors design structures that match your vision, clarify roles and responsibilities, and free up founders from managing day-to-day issues – ensuring growth rests on strong, sustainable foundations.
Pay is only part of the story. People also want career progression, flexibility and purpose. Our People Directors help businesses in Cheltenham and Gloucester stand out with a compelling employer value proposition, structured career paths and cultures that engage talent long-term – so you compete on more than just salary.
This is a frequent challenge across technical and specialist sectors. We provide coaching and mentoring to build confidence and communication skills, turning technically skilled managers into leaders who can inspire their teams, support retention and drive performance.
Our Fractional People Directors embed in your business for just a few days a month, working alongside your leadership team – shaping strategy, implementing solutions and making sure improvements stick. It’s a practical, sleeves-rolled-up approach that gets results quickly.
Yes. Many firms in Cheltenham and Gloucester are rooted in long-standing sectors like defence and engineering and professional services. We help balance heritage with modern expectations by embedding values, strengthening employee engagement and introducing practices that appeal to today’s workforce while respecting your established culture.
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 Cheltenham and Gloucester Today
Let’s move your Cheltenham and Gloucester business forward – together
Whether you’re growing fast, reshaping your structure or developing your leadership team, our Cheltenham and Gloucester-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.