0345 646 5201
HR Consultancy in Manchester
Struggling with staff turnover, founder dependency or the pressures of rapid scaling without structure? Many Manchester businesses face these hurdles – often without any real HR support. Our Fractional People Directors step in with senior-level expertise, embedding at board level to resolve issues quickly. They strengthen leadership, sharpen culture and build the frameworks you need to attract and retain talent – delivering lasting impact without the cost of a full-time hire.
Strategic HR Consultancy in Manchester
Manchester’s economy is one of the UK’s most dynamic, powered by financial services, digital and tech innovation, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and a thriving creative sector. From MediaCityUK to Spinningfields, the city blends global-scale employers with ambitious start-ups and scale-ups, creating a vibrant but highly competitive environment.
Yet many Manchester businesses are stretched. Founder-led firms struggle with sensitive people issues, managers face burnout, and growth ambitions are held back by weak structures or high staff turnover. And with thousands of graduates entering the market each year, employers also need clear strategies to attract, develop and retain young talent in a competitive city.
That’s where our Manchester-based Fractional People Directors step in. Bringing board-level practical solutions, they work hands-on to introduce clarity, structure and leadership strength into your business – creating environments where talent stays, culture flourishes, and forward-looking enterprises are primed to scale with confidence.
You’ll find us supporting businesses across Manchester and its key commercial districts, including:
- Manchester City Centre
- Spinningfields
- MediaCityUK (Salford Quays)
- Northern Quarter
- Oxford Road Corridor
- Trafford Park
- Manchester Science Park / Circle Square
- Airport City Manchester
- Ancoats & New Islington
- Salford Crescent & University District
Talk to a People Puzzles HR Consultant in Manchester
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our Manchester-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 Manchester HR consultancy team
Our Manchester Strategic HR Consultants combine commercial insight, cross-sector expertise and board-level leadership experience – bringing practical, results-driven support that helps businesses unlock growth through their people.
Our team includes People Directors with backgrounds spanning manufacturing, engineering, technology, professional services, retail, leisure, healthcare and the charity sector.
They’ve held senior roles at brands including BT, Aviva, Mars, Kimberly-Clark, Mitsubishi and the BBC, and bring proven experience of leading transformation in both global corporates and fast-growth regional enterprises.
From guiding mergers and acquisitions to international expansion, investment rounds and large-scale change programmes, our Manchester People Directors know how to deliver sustainable results through people strategy. Many have also rebuilt structures, designed succession pipelines, and developed leadership capability to support long-term resilience.
By embedding in your business on a fractional basis for just a few days a month, they achieve real impact quickly – achieving measurable results and clear ROI – at 60–70% less than a full-time equivalent.
Clare Riches is Regional Director for People Puzzles North West. A seasoned business leader and celebrated entrepreneur, she scaled a start-up from £0-£10m in less than four years. She says: “If you’re serious about growth, you need to be serious about people.” And that’s why at People Puzzles, we make sure your people remain at the heart of your business strategy.
Strategic HR Consultancy in Manchester – Building Leadership for Sustainable Growth
The Fine Bedding Company – Strengthening Leadership and Securing B Corp Status
Challenge: The Fine Bedding Company, part of fourth-generation family business Trendsetter, was growing but lacked UK-based HR support. With HR functions based in Estonia, the Manchester team needed greater leadership alignment and stronger communication between the Board and Senior Leadership Team. Managing Director Claire Watkin also wanted expert support to unify strategy, develop the SLT, and achieve ambitious sustainability goals including B Corp accreditation.
Solution: People Puzzles People Director Sarah Humphreys joined to strengthen cohesion between the Board and SLT, clarify roles and responsibilities, and align leadership around clear goals. She developed a strategic people plan while bringing in fellow People Director and Talent Development specialist Robin Stirzaker-Phillips to deliver a tailored programme for the SLT. Alongside leadership development, Sarah coached the in-house HR Manager, building capability to support long-term growth and eventually take ownership of the People Plan.
Results: The Fine Bedding Company achieved B Corp accreditation in 2021, embedding sustainability into its culture and operations. The Board and SLT now work cohesively within a clear framework of accountability, while the SLT is more confident and productive. In-house HR has been strengthened, with a newly promoted Group HR Manager leading the People Plan. With improved leadership cohesion and stronger people strategy, the business is positioned for sustainable growth.
“Working with People Puzzles has enabled me and the team of Directors to step out of the day to day running of the business and concentrate on our future strategic direction. People Director Sarah has helped us focus on how we develop our future leaders and cross team collaboration, and enhance overall business performance, as well as supporting the achievement of B Corp status.”
Claire Watkin, Managing Director – The Fine Bedding Company (Manchester)
Strategic HR support for Manchester businesses
Manchester’s economy is buzzing with opportunity – from global finance and advanced manufacturing to thriving creative, tech and digital sectors. But behind the momentum, many businesses struggle with people challenges that hold them back.
Some lack any formal HR function, relying on untrained staff to troubleshoot issues. Others are scaling fast without the structure to support growth, or grappling with graduate retention, leadership burnout and cultures under strain.
If this sounds familiar, our Manchester-based Strategic HR Consultants are ready to step in to resolve these challenges. Working as part of your leadership team, they bring senior-level expertise to strengthen structures, develop confident leaders and create a culture where people want to stay – freeing founders and managers to focus on growth.
Here are some of the most in-demand strategic HR services Manchester 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
In Manchester, businesses face rising costs, skills shortages and pressure to adapt. Without clear direction, even strong firms can lose momentum. Our Fractional People Directors bring an external viewpoint and board-level expertise, aligning people with business strategy to build structure, strengthen leadership and keep your organisation moving forward with confidence.
Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
Manchester is rich in technical expertise, but many skilled professionals step into leadership without the support they need. Our Fractional People Directors coach and develop managers to strengthen communication, build confidence and lead teams effectively. The result is a stronger leadership pipeline that helps your business grow.
Organisational Structure
Growing businesses in Manchester often reach a point where their structures no longer fit. When responsibilities blur and reporting lines lack clarity, progress slows. Our Strategic HR Consultants redesign organisations so every role has purpose, leaders have accountability, and founders are free to focus on growth.
Talent Management & Retention
Manchester employers compete for the same skilled people, from graduates to experienced specialists. But high turnover can derail plans. Our People Directors help you stand out with a stronger employee value proposition, career pathways and leadership culture that encourages people to join, stay and grow with your business.
Culture Development
When values are unclear or leadership is stretched, culture can quickly lose focus. Our Manchester-based Fractional People Directors work with you to define and embed consistent behaviours that build trust, accountability and motivation – turning culture into a competitive strength for your organisation.
Business Strategy
Ambition alone is not enough to scale, restructure or enter new markets. Without the right people strategy, growth can stall. Our Manchester-based Fractional People Directors align teams, structures and leadership with commercial goals – building the resilience and capability needed for long-term success.
Why choose People Puzzles for strategic HR consultancy in Manchester?
Manchester’s economy is one of the UK’s most diverse – spanning financial and professional services, advanced manufacturing, technology, life sciences, logistics, retail, sport and leisure, tourism, hospitality and the creative industries.
It’s a city buzzing with opportunity, but also one where competition for talent is fierce, graduate retention is tough, and many businesses find themselves scaling without the structure or leadership depth they need.
This is where People Puzzles makes a real difference. Our Manchester-based Fractional People Directors are more than traditional HR consultants – they’re senior leaders, transformation specialists and board-level strategists who understand the pressures CEOs and founders are facing.
Working hands-on as part of your leadership team, they strengthen management setups, design resilient structures, and build a culture that attracts and retains talent – helping you move from reactive firefighting to confident, sustainable growth.
Why People Puzzles?
- Proven commercial impact from day one
- Expertise matched to your sector and Manchester business needs
- Trusted by over 1,000 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 Manchester-focused expertise – backed by the depth, scale and shared knowledge of a national team.
“I feel like a weight has been lifted. We are all on the same page now and working towards the right goals which has really improved focus and engagement. The change is really noticeable.”
James Almond, Director – P+HS Architects (Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds & Stokesley)
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
A Fractional People Director is a senior HR leader who works with you part-time, bringing board-level expertise without the cost of a full-time hire. Our Manchester-based People Directors embed directly in your business, aligning people strategy with commercial goals, strengthening leadership and building the structures you need to scale. It’s a flexible, cost-effective model that suits ambitious Manchester organisations at every stage of growth.
Operational HR covers day-to-day essentials like policies, compliance and employee relations. Strategic HR looks ahead – shaping culture, leadership and structure to match your long-term goals. Most Manchester businesses benefit from a balance of both. Our People Directors provide senior-level strategic input, while also strengthening operational HR – whether that’s handled internally or through external providers.
Yes. Many Manchester businesses come to us from exactly this position. Our People Directors step in to stabilise urgent issues, introduce consistent processes, and build the people frameworks you need to grow. From compliance to culture, we meet you where you are – and help you put the right structures in place for the future.
Definitely. With institutions such as the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan and the University of Salford, the city produces thousands of skilled graduates each year – but competition to attract them is intense. Our People Directors help sharpen your employer brand and value proposition, design clear progression pathways, and build a culture that appeals to the next generation of professionals.
Yes. It’s common in Manchester for strong technical performers to move into management without support. Our Fractional People Directors coach and mentor managers to build confidence, improve communication, and develop people skills – creating leaders who inspire their teams and free founders from day-to-day dependency.
Our Manchester People Directors don’t just advise from the sidelines – they embed as part of your leadership team. By working on-site and building trust with leaders and teams, they deliver practical solutions that fit your culture and move the business forward.
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 Manchester Today
Let’s move your Manchester business forward – together
Whether you’re growing fast, reshaping your structure or developing your leadership team, our Manchester-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.