0345 646 5201
HR Consultancy in Leeds
Is your Leeds-based business primed to take advantage of the many opportunities this thriving commercial powerhouse of the North has to offer? Whether you’re restructuring an established family-run firm, launching an innovative startup or setting up a global HQ, our Leeds-based Fractional People Directors are here to support you. By bringing board-level, strategic HR expertise into the heart of your organisation, we’ll help you achieve your ambitions with high-calibre, people-focused support that costs 60–70% less than a full-time equivalent hire.
Strategic HR Consultancy in Leeds
When you’re running a business in one of the biggest playing cities of the Northern powerhouse, a region depicted by rapid growth, innovation, regeneration and investment, the importance of robust leadership structures, a talent-attracting culture and a future-proof people strategy that works hand in hand with your business strategy cannot be overplayed.
If your business isn’t ticking these boxes and is stuck in survival mode, there’s every chance you’ll be missing out on the amazing opportunities the UK’s fastest growing city has to offer.
Our Leeds-based Fractional People Directors work to change all of that. Operating hands-on at the heart of organisations across the city and its thriving enterprise zone and renowned quarters, we support business leaders through organisational restructures, mergers and acquisitions, investment rounds, complex turnarounds and more – instigating thought-leading strategies that put people at the heart of business ambition.
Using proven expertise to support businesses through transformational change – from freeing up founders from day-to-day firefighting, to building leadership structures fit for sustainable growth, and developing workplace cultures that attract the vibrant talent pipeline that defines the region, our Strategic HR Consultants operate throughout the key commercial districts of Leeds, including:
- Leeds City Centre
- Leeds City Region Enterprise Zone
- Northern Quarter
- Civic Quarter
- Shopping Quarter
- Cultural Quarter
- Financial Quarter
- Skyscraper Quarter
Talk to a People Puzzles HR Consultant in Leeds
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our Leeds-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 Leeds HR consultancy team
Former board-level HR leaders, transformation specialists and commercial change-drivers, our Leeds People Directors bring senior experience across the city’s most important industries – from financial and professional services to healthcare, manufacturing, digital and the creative sectors.
They’ve restructured £200m-turnover businesses, built HR functions from scratch for international firms, and shaped growth strategies for PE-backed start-ups and family businesses alike. Their experience spans global names such as BT, Aviva, Mars, Kimberly-Clark and the BBC, as well as high-growth regional employers across Yorkshire.
With Leeds recognised as the UK’s largest financial centre outside London, and a regional HQ base for national and global brands, our team understands the scale, pace and demands of the city’s commercial landscape.
For just a few days a month, our Fractional People Directors become an embedded part of your leadership team – aligning people strategy with business goals, supporting change, and creating workplaces where people thrive and businesses achieve lasting success.
As Northern Territories Regional Director Clare Riches puts it: “If your workforce is happy and well-structured, your business will grow – your profits will increase, productivity will improve, and your organisation will thrive.”
Strategic HR Consultancy in Leeds – Driving Growth Through People
Fibreline – Transforming Leadership and Culture
Challenge: Fibreline, a family-owned manufacturer in West Yorkshire, was eager to become the UK’s leading cushion filling supplier. But while demand was rising, staff engagement was falling and the senior team felt overstretched.
Solution: People Puzzles worked with Fibreline’s leaders to create a clear people plan. Leadership coaching, a refreshed structure, and shop-floor engagement rebuilt trust. Recruitment and development pathways ensured the right people in the right roles.
Results: Staff turnover fell by 67%, productivity rose by 30%, and managers are now equipped to lead with confidence. Fibreline has a stronger culture, sharper leadership, and a workforce ready for growth, with a robust people strategy at its core.
“I found that People Puzzles’ involvement helped us initially define our strategic goals and then helped identify, articulate and implement the changes we needed to move us forward again.”
Richard Prudhoe, Managing Director – Fibreline (West Yorkshire)
Strategic HR consultancy services Leeds businesses trust to move the dial
As the UK’s fastest growing city and the nation’s biggest economy outside London, Leeds is an exciting place to be running a business. But with rapid growth, investment and expansion typically come an array of people-related challenges. Issues that can damage competitive edge and reputation, thwart productivity, and bring ambition to a grinding halt.
From leadership gaps to founder dependency, and from outdated structures to toxic culture and talent churn, these are the typical problems we are seeing day in, day out – problems that are leaving Leeds businesses just about surviving, when they could so easily be thriving.
Our Strategic HR Consultants work closely with businesses across Leeds, embedding at senior leadership level to meet these challenges head-on. And whilst we understand that rising costs and economic pressures may put leaders off absorbing yet another expense, the fact is that our fractional HR model is proven to deliver a viable ROI – so rather than seeing it as a cost, you can consider it an investment in the future of your business.
Here are the most popular strategic HR support services that are in demand across Leeds:
People Processes
Our Leeds HR Consultants work at the heart of your business to streamline important processes – from recruitment and onboarding to performance management and HR compliance. Employment law is evolving all the time, and for businesses navigating change through investment, mergers or acquisitions, it’s doubly important to stay on top of everything. Streamlined processes create order and clarity, both vital for positive company culture.
Strategic HR
Without the right strategic support, so many businesses in Leeds get stuck in survival mode. Our experienced People Directors bring fresh perspective and commercial thinking, working hands-on to develop, instigate and monitor tailored strategies that bring your wider business plan into perspective, and put your people at the heart of it.
Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
Talented individuals often move into leadership roles without formal training or mentoring, creating accidental managers that lack the skills to develop others and steer the business forwards. Our Leeds HR Consultants work hands-on with leadership teams to build the confidence, communication and commercial skills they need to take the organisation to the next level.
Organisational Structure
Founder dependency, lack of succession planning and absent leadership skills are a common side effect of rapid growth. Our Leeds-based Fractional People Directors structure for success, putting the right people in the right roles and instilling clear communication and reporting lines into the heart of the business, so you can step back from firefighting and focus on future plans.
Talent Management & Retention
Struggling to attract and keep the right people to support your expansion plans? Many Leeds businesses face the same issue, but our Fractional People Directors are here to change everything by creating a compelling employee value proposition, by instilling a culture of inclusion and satisfaction, and by creating clear career progression pathways. The result? A place people want to work, stay and grow.
Culture Development
Outdated working processes, lack of leadership structure and unclear reporting lines all impact company culture, often bringing business growth plans to a standstill. Our Leeds-based People Directors know what it takes to get culture working for a business. They’ll work at the heart of your leadership team to define values, shape leadership habits and streamline processes, improving morale and creating that sense of belonging and purpose that means so much more than a salary and benefits package.
Business Strategy
You have a clear vision for your business. But do you have the people strategy to support it? Whether you’re growing, consolidating, exploring new markets or navigating change of any kind, we’ll create strategies that put your people at the heart of everything, so your plans are supported at all times by strong leadership and the right people in the right roles.
Why choose People Puzzles for strategic HR consultancy in Leeds?
With over 100,000 businesses, 20+ further and higher education institutions, and one of the most diverse and fastest-growing private sector workforces in the UK, Leeds is a magnet for ambitious organisations.
From financial and professional services and health-tech to traditional industry, advanced manufacturing, digital startups and creative hubs, the city’s business landscape is as dynamic as it is competitive – bringing both opportunity and challenge.
Scaling at speed, leadership gaps, founder dependency and attracting and retaining talent are pressing issues for many Leeds-based employers.
And this is where People Puzzles makes a tangible difference, helping you tackle all of these challenges with a tailored, people-focused strategy.
More than operational HR consultants, our Fractional People Directors are senior business leaders with commercial backgrounds who work hands-on at board level. Embedded into your organisation – usually for just a few days a month – their expertise brings transformational change into the heart of your enterprise – aligning people strategy with business goals to drive performance, resilience and growth.
And with over 90 People Directors across the UK, you benefit from deep local understanding – backed by the strength, scale and shared expertise of a national team.
“Labour turnover has reduced by 67% thanks to a range of initiatives implemented by People Puzzles.”
Fibreline (West Yorkshire)
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
A Fractional People Director is a senior HR leader who works part-time inside your organisation to deliver big-company expertise without the cost of a full-time hire. Our Leeds-based People Directors become embedded in your team – aligning people strategy with business goals, strengthening leadership, and unlocking workforce potential. It’s a flexible, cost-effective model that suits ambitious Leeds businesses needing strategic input while scaling up.
Operational HR covers the essentials: contracts, compliance, policies and employee relations. Strategic HR looks ahead – aligning people, culture, structure and leadership to where the business is going. Most Leeds employers need both. Our locally based Strategic HR Consultants give you senior-level strategic input, while also helping to bolster your operational HR, whether that is handled internally or outsourced.
Yes – it’s a common challenge across Leeds. Our Fractional People Directors work closely with your leadership team to put the right structures in place, develop line management skills, and create clarity across roles. Often it’s not about wholesale change, but about small, focused shifts that enable individuals to thrive and businesses to perform at their best.
Our Leeds People Directors work hands-on in your business, alongside your leaders and teams. They take the time to understand how your business really works and build trust from within. That way, they can deliver practical change and measurable results – not just advice from the sidelines.
Absolutely. With leading institutions such as the University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett and Leeds Trinity, the city produces a steady stream of skilled graduates – but competition for them is fierce. Our Strategic HR Consultants help you sharpen your employer brand and employer value proposition, design clear development pathways, and build a culture that appeals to the next generation of professionals.
Yes. Technical ability doesn’t automatically translate into leadership capability. Our Leeds-based Fractional People Directors work flexibly with managers to strengthen their confidence, improve communication and people skills, and equip them to lead effectively. This way, you build a stronger leadership pipeline and future-proof your organisation.
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 Leeds Today
Let’s shape a people plan that works for your Leeds business
Whether you’re scaling up, reshaping culture, or preparing for the next stage of growth, our Leeds-based Fractional People Directors are here to help. We work alongside your leadership team – providing strategic HR support that respects your values, unlocks performance, and drives lasting change from within.
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.