0345 646 5201
HR Consultancy in Guildford
Fighting people issues? Whether you’re battling high talent turnover, overstretched managers or leadership gaps that are slowing growth, our Guildford-based Fractional People Directors are here to help. Embedding into your business at board level, they align people, culture and leadership with your commercial goals, freeing founders from daily issues and strengthening teams. With strategic impact delivered in just a few days a month, you’ll see measurable ROI, without the cost of a full-time hire.
Strategic HR Consultancy in Guildford
Guildford businesses face common challenges – competing for talent, keeping pace with rapid growth, and leadership gaps that are stalling commercial ambition. CEOs often find themselves pulled into constant problem-solving, while overstretched managers struggle to balance delivery with vision.
Sound familiar? If these are the challenges you’re facing, our Guildford-based Fractional People Directors are here to help.
Working hands-on at board level, they bring the expertise to strengthen leadership teams, design future-proof structures, and embed the culture you need to retain talent and support long-term goals. From succession planning to scaling, we help organisations move from reactive problem-solving to confident, sustainable growth.
You’ll find us supporting organisations across Guildford and its surrounding commercial centres, including:
- Guildford Town Centre
- Guildford Business Park
- Surrey Research Park
- Cathedral Hill Business Park
- London Road corridor
- Woking and wider Surrey commercial districts
Talk to a People Puzzles HR Consultant in Guildford
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our Guildford-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 Guildford HR consultancy team
Our Guildford HR consultancy specialists blend board-level expertise with hands-on experience, helping ambitious businesses unlock growth by strengthening leadership, structure and culture through practical, people-focused solutions.
With backgrounds at major brands such as Pret, Vodafone, Verizon and Hotel Chocolat, as well as experience guiding SMEs through investment rounds, mergers, restructures and international growth, our Fractional People Directors bring proven commercial acumen.
But credentials are only half the story. What sets them apart is how they work – embedding in your business, spending time with leaders and teams, and getting under the skin of the challenges you face. They listen, analyse and act, designing practical solutions that build stronger structures, confident leaders and cultures where people thrive.
From resolving founder dependency to shaping succession pipelines, they’re trusted partners to CEOs who want to step back from reactive mode to focus on growth.
And with the backing of People Puzzles’ national network of more than 90 People Directors, you’ll benefit from both local Guildford knowledge and shared expertise.
As Daniel Broome – Regional Director for the South of England – puts it, “So many businesses carry on suffering in silence and battling challenges because they don’t realise there’s a cure. But we’re here to show them there IS a cure – and that’s strategic people planning.”
Strategic HR Consultancy in the South of England – Building Performance and Accountability for Long-Term Sustainability
Kendra Energy – Strengthening Talent Attraction and Future Leadership
Challenge: Kendra Energy, a fast-growing provider of net-zero energy solutions, had expanded to more than 150 employees across the UK. Despite its strong culture, the business struggled to showcase its employer brand externally. Recruitment processes weren’t attracting the calibre of candidates needed to maintain reputation, leadership teams operated in siloes, and there was no clear succession plan to secure long-term sustainability.
Solution: People Directors Sharon Vinnels and James Montgomery conducted an in-depth review of current leadership, structure, culture and people processes. Working with the leadership team, they refreshed the company’s mission, vision and values, modernised recruitment and onboarding materials, and improved internal communications through new collaboration forums. Succession planning and talent development frameworks were introduced to support long-term resilience.
Results: Kendra Energy now has a more visible and compelling employer brand, improved recruitment and onboarding, and a stronger sense of alignment across its leadership team. Knowledge sharing and inter-team collaboration have been embedded, while succession planning has given leaders confidence in the pipeline for future growth. With these changes, the business is better placed to attract and retain the talent it needs, while safeguarding sustainability for the years ahead.
“Working with Sharon and James at People Puzzles has been instrumental in shaping Kendra’s HR strategies and providing focus to our growth plan, with both our companies’ values and goals aligning seamlessly.”
Chris Mills, Managing Director – Kendra Energy
Strategic HR consultancy services for Guildford businesses
Our Guildford People Directors work alongside your leadership team to put the right people structures in place for long-term success. They bring the experience to build leadership depth, strengthen succession pipelines, and create cultures that make great people want to stay.
From tackling founder dependency to reducing turnover, they’ll help you align people strategy with business goals — so growth isn’t just achieved, it’s sustained.
Here are the most in-demand HR support services Guildford businesses call on us for:
People Processes
Growth and change put pressure on HR basics. Our Guildford-based Strategic HR Consultants streamline recruitment, onboarding, performance management and compliance – reducing risk, saving leadership time and creating the consistency needed to scale successfully.
Strategic HR
Our Strategic HR Consultants in Guildford help businesses move from short-term fixes to long-term people strategies that support future ambitions. Whether you’re scaling, restructuring or preparing for investment, we align culture, leadership and structure with your commercial goals, unlocking growth through people.
Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
Technical strength doesn’t always translate into leadership confidence. Our Guildford-based Strategic HR Consultants coach and develop managers to improve communication, vision-sharing and commercial awareness – building a stronger leadership pipeline that supports sustainable growth.
Organisational Structure
Many Guildford businesses outgrow their structure without realising it. Our Fractional People Directors redesign organisations to create clarity and accountability – ensuring leaders know their roles, teams collaborate effectively, and founders are free to focus on strategy rather than managing everyday challenges.
Talent Management & Retention
With many businesses competing for the same skilled professionals, Guildford employers need more than a competitive salary to stand out. Our People Directors help you build a compelling Employee Value Proposition – combining culture, career progression and purpose – to attract, retain and grow the talent you need to succeed.
Culture Development
When values are unclear or behaviours inconsistent, culture suffers. Our Guildford People Directors work with you to define and embed the practices that build trust, accountability and motivation – creating an environment where people genuinely want to work for you, and grow with you.
Business Strategy
Ambitious plans demand strong people foundations. Our Guildford-based People Directors align leadership, structure and teams with your commercial objectives – so whether you’re expanding, restructuring or planning succession, you have the people strategy in place to support your goals.
Why choose People Puzzles for strategic HR consultancy in Guildford?
Guildford’s business landscape is diverse – from professional services and technology firms to life sciences, creative agencies and high-value manufacturing. Many serve larger corporate clients or compete directly with London employers, putting extra pressure on talent, leadership and structure.
When skills are hard to find, managers are stretched, and founders are tied up in day-to-day operations, growth can stall. That’s where People Puzzles adds real value.
Our Guildford-based Fractional People Directors are senior leaders with board-level experience. They work hands-on inside your organisation, setting you up with a clear people strategy that fits with your commercial priorities, and helping you prepare for a thriving future.
Why People Puzzles?
- Tangible commercial impact from day one
- Expertise tailored to Guildford’s professional and technical sectors
- Trusted by over 1,000 ambitious business leaders nationwide
- A fully flexible model with no minimum commitment period
With a network of more than 90 People Directors across the UK, you’ll benefit from Guildford-focused expertise, backed by the scale and shared knowledge of a national team.
“It was very reassuring to always have that senior HR support from People Puzzles right from the very beginning. Within 2-3 months of joining, we went from a head count of circa 450 to 1,400.”
HR Manager – Avicenna Pharmacy
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
A Fractional People Director is a senior HR leader who works with you part-time, delivering board-level expertise without the full-time cost. Our Guildford-based People Directors embed directly into your business, aligning people strategy with growth goals, building leadership capability, and ensuring structure keeps pace with ambition. It’s a flexible model designed for ambitious organisations looking to grow sustainably.
Operational HR handles the day-to-day essentials – contracts, policies, compliance and employee relations. Strategic HR looks at the bigger picture – developing culture, structure and leadership to meet long-term goals. Most Guildford businesses need both. Our Fractional People Directors provide the strategic expertise to unlock growth, while ensuring operational processes run smoothly.
Yes. Founder dependency is a common challenge in Guildford businesses, especially among high-growth SMEs and family-run firms. Our Strategic HR Consultants help design stronger leadership structures, create succession pipelines, and build confidence across management teams – so growth doesn’t stall when one person is overstretched.
They’re fully hands-on. Our People Directors spend time in your business, working with leaders and teams to understand challenges first-hand. They don’t just make recommendations – they deliver practical, tailored solutions that stick, while becoming a trusted part of your leadership team.
Guildford’s proximity to London makes talent attraction a challenge. But salary isn’t everything. We help businesses sharpen their employer brand, design clear career pathways, and build cultures that people want to be part of – giving you a compelling Employee Value Proposition (EVP) that retains talent without competing on salary alone.
Absolutely. Many managers step into leadership roles without training or support. Our Fractional People Directors coach and mentor managers in communication, decision-making and people skills – equipping them to inspire teams, reduce pressure on senior leaders, and strengthen succession pipelines.
Yes. Investors and buyers look closely at people and structure. A business too reliant on its founder or without clear leadership depth will struggle to secure the best valuation. Our experienced Strategic HR Consultants put the right structures, processes and succession plans in place – ensuring your business is future-ready and attractive to investors.
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 Guildford Today
Let’s design a people strategy that unlocks growth for your Guildford business.
Our Guildford-based Strategic HR Consultants work alongside your leadership team to drive transformational change. It’s hands-on, board-level expertise that delivers lasting impact in a short timeframe.
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.