0345 646 5201
HR Consultancy in Glasgow
From rising costs and talent retention challenges to leadership gaps and outgrown structures, many Glasgow businesses are forward-looking, but struggling to balance growth with resilience. Our locally-based Fractional People Directors work within leadership teams to meet these challenges head-on, bringing board-level strategic HR expertise to align people, culture and structure with commercial goals – achieving transformational results in just a few days a month, without the cost of a full-time hire.
Strategic HR Consultancy in Glasgow
Glasgow has always been a city of industry, but today it’s also one of the UK’s fastest-evolving commercial centres. From advanced manufacturing and engineering to financial services, digital innovation and the city’s thriving creative industries, Glasgow blends heritage strength with forward-looking enterprise.
But with rising costs, leadership gaps, and a constant battle to retain skilled people, many businesses find themselves overstretched — reacting to challenges instead of building for the future.
That’s where our Glasgow-based Fractional People Directors make a difference. Working hands-on at board level, we align people, culture and structure with your business goals – helping your organisation step out of survival mode and into long-term, sustainable growth.
You’ll find us supporting businesses across Glasgow and its key commercial districts, including:
- Glasgow City Centre
- International Financial Services District (IFSD)
- Merchant City
- West End (Kelvingrove, Hillhead, Byres Road)
- East End regeneration zones (e.g. Clyde Gateway)
- Finnieston & Exhibition District
- Glasgow Harbour & Partick
- Southside Business Districts (Shawlands, Govan, Pollokshaws)
Talk to a People Puzzles HR Consultant in Glasgow
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our Glasgow-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 Glasgow HR consultancy team
Our Glasgow strategic HR consultancy team combines entrepreneurial insight, board-level expertise and international experience – helping forward-looking businesses strengthen leadership, unlock potential and deliver lasting commercial growth.
Between them, our locally-based Fractional People Directors have scaled start-ups to multi-million-pound turnover, led transformation across FMCG, logistics, retail, energy and finance, and delivered award-winning programmes in culture, well-being and retention.
Their experience spans global brands such as BT, EE, National Trust and HS2, as well as executive leadership across Europe, Africa, the Americas and Australia.
From governance, risk and ESG to executive coaching, succession planning and culture change, our Glasgow People Directors bring clarity, challenge and strategic insight. They’re trusted by boards to align people strategy with business ambition – shaping resilient organisations that perform, adapt and thrive.
More than traditional HR consultants, they’re commercially minded leaders, coaches and transformation partners who embed into your team, ask the tough questions and deliver practical, people-first solutions that move the dial.
As Zoe Hamilton – Regional Director for Scotland – puts it, “Whether it’s misaligned leadership, disengaged teams or growing pains across multiple sites, getting the right people in the right seats with a shared direction can be transformational. That’s exactly where People Puzzles steps in – and the results are, quite literally, game-changing.”
Strategic HR Consultancy in Glasgow – Strengthening People and Performance Foundations
Bear Scotland – Building HR Capability from the Ground Up
Challenge: Bear Scotland was experiencing rapid growth, but people processes hadn’t kept pace. HR activity was largely reactive, leadership development was limited, and talent retention was becoming an increasing concern. Without a clear framework, the business risked losing momentum and competitive edge.
Solution: People Director Clyde Marwick has partnered with Bear Scotland to design a robust people strategy. Working across five strategic pillars, he is reshaping the HR function, refreshing rewards and benefits, strengthening leadership capability, and introducing a clear framework for culture and identity. This embedded structure will give the organisation the tools to manage growth effectively and sustainably.
Results: Bear Scotland now has a long-term people plan aligned to its growth strategy. With stronger leadership, clearer processes, and a refreshed brand identity, the business is better placed to retain talent, enhance culture, and compete with confidence in the future.
Strategic HR consultancy services for Glasgow businesses
Glasgow’s economy is diverse and ambitious, but businesses are under pressure from rising costs, skills shortages and tightening employment legislation. Leaders often find themselves stuck in the day-to-day, while fragile structures, retention challenges and compliance risks slow growth and make it harder to plan ahead.
Our Glasgow-based Fractional People Directors bring both commercial and legal know-how. They embed at board level to align people, culture and structure with your goals – while navigating the nuances of Scottish employment law and tribunal practices to keep your business protected as well as productive, competitive, and prepared for the future.
Here are the most in-demand HR support services Glasgow businesses turn to us for:
People Processes
In a city where rising costs and evolving employment laws make mistakes costly, clear people processes are essential. From recruitment and onboarding to performance reviews and compliance, our locally-based Fractional People Directors put systems in place designed to protect your business, reduce risk, and keep your teams performing smoothly.
Strategic HR
Our Glasgow-based Strategic HR Consultants go beyond compliance to drive performance and growth. We align your people strategy with business goals, strengthen leadership, and build a culture that retains talent in a competitive market. The result? A resilient organisation that’s ready for the future – with measurable commercial value from your people plan.
Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
Fast growth and hybrid working often expose leadership gaps. Our Strategic HR Consultants in Glasgow coach managers and senior teams to step up with confidence – developing communication, vision-sharing and people skills to match their technical expertise, and building the strong succession pipeline your business needs.
Organisational Structure
With operational costs rising, efficiency matters more than ever. Our Fractional People Directors in Glasgow help redesign organisational structures so teams are clear, accountable and able to deliver more with the resources you already have – freeing founders from the day-to-day and creating capacity for future growth.
Talent Management & Retention
Glasgow employers face fierce competition for talent, and salary alone rarely seals the deal. Our People Directors help shape a strong employee value proposition – balancing purpose, career progression and culture – so you can attract the right people and keep them engaged for the long term.
Culture Development
Without a shared vision, talent retention suffers and succession planning stalls. Our Brighton-based Fractional People Directors help define and embed the values, behaviours and leadership practices that create positive culture. By building trust, purpose and consistency, we help shape a working environment people want to commit to – and grow with.
Business Strategy
Ambitious plans won’t succeed without the right people strategy behind them. Our Glasgow-based People Directors work at board level to connect leadership, culture and structure with commercial goals – turning business vision into practical steps that drive growth, resilience and lasting success.
Why choose People Puzzles for strategic HR consultancy in Glasgow?
Glasgow’s business scene blends heritage and innovation – from advanced manufacturing and engineering to financial services, technology, and the city’s world-renowned creative industries. But with rising costs, talent shortages and fragile structures under pressure, too many organisations are firefighting when they could be growing.
This is where People Puzzles makes the difference. Our Glasgow-based Fractional People Directors are more than HR consultants – they’re senior leaders and board-level strategists who’ve faced the same challenges first-hand.
Working side-by-side with your team, they strengthen leadership, embed sustainable structures, and build the culture and resilience you need to move the dial from ‘survive’ to ‘thrive’.
Why People Puzzles?
- Proven commercial impact from day one
- Skills matched to your sector and Glasgow business needs
- Trusted by over 1000 ambitious business leaders
- Fully flexible with NO minimum commitment period
And with a network of more than 90 People Directors nationwide, you’ll benefit from Glasgow-focused expertise – backed by the shared knowledge, sector depth and collective strength of a national team.
“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!”
A People Puzzles Client
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
A Fractional People Director is a senior HR leader who works part-time within your organisation to deliver strategic impact at 60–70% less than a full-time equivalent. For Glasgow businesses under pressure from rising costs and tight margins, it’s a practical way to access board-level expertise – strengthening leadership, structure and culture while keeping overheads lean.
Operational HR keeps things compliant – contracts, policies, and day-to-day employee relations. Strategic HR looks ahead, aligning people, culture and leadership with your growth plans. Most Glasgow employers need both. Our Strategic HR Consultants balance compliance with long-term strategy, so you’re not just managing today’s issues, but building resilience for tomorrow.
Yes. Competing on salary alone is rarely sustainable. Our Glasgow-based People Directors help you sharpen your employee value proposition – from progression and training to culture, purpose and flexibility – so people have clear reasons to stay and grow with you.
It’s a common gap. Our highly experienced Glasgow People Directors have proven skills in coaching and supporting managers to develop confidence, communication and leadership presence. This allows businesses to build a pipeline of capable leaders who can inspire teams, drive productivity and protect future growth.
Absolutely. While core employment law is UK-wide, Scotland has its own tribunal system, procedures and precedents. Our Glasgow People Directors understand the local nuances, ensuring your business stays compliant, protected and ready for change.
We have you covered for both scenarios. If you’re facing urgent issues like redundancy consultations, employee disputes or sudden leadership exits, we can typically be onsite in Glasgow within 24–48 hours. Many clients come to us in crisis but stay for the long-term value of having a Fractional People Director embedded in their leadership team.
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 Glasgow Today
Let’s move your Glasgow business forward – together
Whether you’re growing fast, reshaping your structure or developing your leadership team, our Glasgow-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.