0345 646 5201
HR Consultancy in North West England
Whether you’re facing CEO dependency or manager burnout, navigating rapid growth, or struggling with talent drain, our North West-based Fractional People Directors will help turn things around by bringing senior-level, strategic HR expertise into the heart of your organisation – without the cost of a full-time hire. Working hands-on at board level, they’ll help you strengthen leadership, culture and structure so your business can start thriving, rather than just surviving.
Strategic HR Consultancy in the North West
The North West is a region where industrial heritage meets modern innovation. From the docks of Liverpool to the runways of Manchester Airport, it’s a place that moves goods, ideas and talent around the world. Businesses here thrive in diverse settings – from industrial estates and science parks on city fringes to regeneration hubs in coastal and rural communities.
It’s a region proud of its resilience and its talent pipeline, fuelled by world-class universities and a strong culture of keeping business local. Competition for skilled people is fierce, and expectations from clients, investors, and public sector partners are high – making the right people strategy a critical advantage.
At People Puzzles, we bring localised, hands-on experience of the industries and enterprises of the North West, helping leaders tackle the people-based challenges that are holding them back from achieving their ambitions.
We are proud to support businesses in Manchester, Liverpool, Blackpool, Carlisle, Huddersfield, Warrington and Crewe, as well as a variety of surrounding towns and cities across all of the North West counties:
- Cheshire
- Cumbria
- Lancashire
- Merseyside
- Greater Manchester
Talk to a People Puzzles HR Consultant in the North West
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our locally based Fractional HR Directors across North West England 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 North West HR consultancy team
Our People Directors combine deep commercial insight, cross-sector expertise, and a practical, results-driven mindset – partnering with businesses across the North West to unlock growth through people.
With experience across manufacturing, engineering, and technology to professional services, charity, multi-site retail, leisure and healthcare, our People Directors have held corporate leadership roles in major brands like BT, Aviva, Mars, Kimberly-Clark, Mitsubishi, and the BBC.
Many have led people strategy through international expansion, mergers and acquisitions. Others have guided ambitious enterprises through investment rounds and large-scale transformation projects across the UK and overseas.
With backgrounds spanning HR, operations, business development, and compliance, our North West Strategic HR Consultants truly understand the value of aligning people strategies with commercial objectives – creating the leadership, culture, and structure needed for sustainable success. They’ve built strong succession pipelines, strengthened morale, rebuilt structures, and freed founders from day-to-day firefighting so they can focus on growth.
Clare Riches is Regional Director for People Puzzles North West. An experienced business leader and highly successful entrepreneur in her own right, she scaled a start-up from £0-£10m in less than four years. She says:
“Having a strategic people plan in place is proven to have a significant impact on your profitability and performance.”
“If you’re serious about growth, you need to be serious about people.”
Clare Riches, Regional Director – North West
Strategic HR Consultancy in the North West – Supporting Growth Through People, Process and Structure
Inciner8 – Aligning Leadership, Embedding Values and Driving Performance
Challenge: Burscough-based manufacturer Inciner8, a global leader in its field, had a new CEO eager to align the senior team for growth. Leadership silos, limited transparency, and engagement challenges were slowing progress. With a need for both structural discipline and a people-first approach, the business sought a combined solution to unite its leaders and strengthen its foundations.
Solution: Working alongside an Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) Implementer – a specialist in bringing structure, consistency, and accountability to leadership teams –People Director Sarah Humphreys introduced a strategic people plan to complement the operational framework. Organisational structure and values were embedded into every aspect of the business – from recruitment to performance reviews. Updated terms, improved communication and regular management meetings drove collaboration, while a “develop and achieve” process opened clear pathways for employee growth.
Results: Inciner8 has achieved increased sales, a stronger order book, and an empowered senior team with a clear shared direction. Collaboration has improved across departments, values are actively lived throughout the organisation, and the business is equipped with the leadership, structure and engagement needed to sustain its roadmap for growth.
Strategic HR consultancy services North West businesses trust for results that drive change
From world-leading manufacturers and engineering firms to construction innovators, professional service providers, and globally recognised sports and music brands, the North West is a region that blends proud industrial heritage with cutting-edge capability.
It’s also home to ‘hidden champions’ producing specialised goods and services for markets from humanitarian aid to the public sector – often without the people infrastructure to match their ambitions.
Many are competing fiercely for skilled talent, while balancing legacy ways of working with the need to adapt. Others are restructuring, scaling rapidly, or managing the complex compliance demands that come with supplying government, defence and international clients.
At People Puzzles, our locally based People Directors understand the unique challenges North West business leaders face. They are ready to dive hands-on into those challenges to develop tailored, practical people-based solutions designed to instigate transformational change.
Working at the heart of your leadership team, we strengthen management capability, embed resilient structures, resolve people challenges, develop positive culture, and build practical systems that align people strategy with commercial goals – so you can perform at your best in a region that thrives on resilience and pride.
Here are some of the most in-demand strategic HR services we deliver across the North West:
People Processes
When you’re navigating growth, change or restructuring, even small gaps in HR processes can ripple through a business. In the North West, where competition for talent is high, inefficient recruitment, onboarding, or performance management can quickly undermine stability. But by streamlining your core people processes, our Strategic HR Consultants will gain you clarity, consistency and compliance – so operations run smoothly, and teams are focused on delivering results.
Strategic HR
North West businesses are balancing rising costs, skills shortages, and the need to adapt in competitive markets. Without clear strategic direction, even the most ambitious risk getting stuck in survival mode. Our Fractional People Directors bring an external viewpoint and strong commercial focus, aligning your people plan with your business strategy for high-impact solutions that help you build the structure, leadership, and momentum needed to thrive rather than just survive.
Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
The North West is a region proud of its diverse expertise. But so often, people who are highly skilled in their day jobs move into leadership roles without formal support. The result? Strong technical ability but a lack of people management skills, exposing gaps in growth strategies and culture. Our Fractional HR Consultants work at the heart of management teams, instilling the self-assurance and communication skills they need to draw the best out of their teams.
Organisational Structure
Scaling businesses often outgrow their structures before they realise it. Misaligned roles, unclear reporting lines, and over-reliance on founders can block progress. Our Strategic HR Consultants in the North West redesign organisational structure from the ground up – so every role has purpose, every person has clarity, and your structure supports rather than stifles growth, freeing you to focus on strategy instead of firefighting.
Talent Management & Retention
From hidden manufacturing champions to high-profile service brands, the North West is home to employers competing for the same skilled people. Yet high turnover, patchy knowledge sharing, and toxic culture can all drive talent away. Our locally-based People Directors work with you to sharpen your employee value proposition, strengthen leadership, and create a workplace people choose to stay in – and grow with.
Culture Development
In the North West, many businesses are balancing heritage ways of working with the need to adapt. When engagement drops or leadership skills fall short, culture can suffer – especially during periods of growth or change. Our Strategic HR Consultants work alongside leadership teams to define values, embed consistent behaviours, and create people practices that lift morale, build accountability, and make your culture a genuine asset.
Business Strategy
When the ambition to grow is there but the people strategy is missing, progress stalls. In the North West, businesses often hit this point when scaling, restructuring or entering new markets. To counter this, our Fractional People Directors work at board level to align your people structure with your commercial goals – instilling clarity and direction into the heart of your business, and building the resilience needed to grow sustainably.
Why choose People Puzzles for strategic HR consultancy in the North West?
From the global gateways of Liverpool and Manchester to the advanced manufacturing hubs of Lancashire and Cheshire, the North West blends deep industrial heritage with bold, forward-looking ambition.
This is a region where world-class universities feed innovation, and where family firms pass on decades of expertise. Where cutting edge sectors rise alongside traditional industry, and where hidden champions operate behind warehouse doors, producing vitally important components that keep international supply chains moving.
Yet even the most resilient businesses encounter challenges. Growth outpaces structure. Founders become tied up in day-to-day firefighting. Managers face burnout. Teams lose focus as demand rises.
Without a clear plan for leadership, culture and succession, opportunities are missed and competitive edge starts to fade, taking reputation with it. Businesses that could be thriving are simply surviving.
If this sounds all too familiar, it’s time to talk to People Puzzles.
The support you need to thrive, not just survive
People Puzzles are not traditional HR consultants. Our People Directors are commercially focused leaders – they’ve headed up businesses, scaled operations, led transformation projects – and navigated the same challenges you face. That means our advice is grounded in experience, and our support is hands-on.
We work alongside you at board level, embedding the leadership strength, culture and structure you need to achieve your commercial ambitions. Transforming your business into a place people want to work. And helping you achieve the quality, social and environmental credentials that sharpen your competitive advantage.
Bringing deep experience across manufacturing, logistics, technology, healthcare, retail, professional services, construction and many more sectors, we work with you on-site for just a few days a month – delivering the expertise and strategic oversight of a full-time hire, without the fixed overhead.
We get results. We drive transformational change. And we deliver tangible ROI.
And with over 90 People Directors nationwide, you gain the benefit of local insight backed by the strength, scale and shared knowledge of a national team – so you are never facing the next challenge alone.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
A Fractional People Director is a senior-level HR expert who works part-time within your business to deliver strategic impact. Our North West-based People Directors embed themselves in your team – building structure, developing leaders, and unlocking the full potential of your workforce from within. It’s a flexible, cost-effective, results-driven solution that works particularly well for businesses that need strategic expertise but aren’t ready for a full-time HR director.
Operational HR handles the day-to-day essentials – contracts, compliance, policies and resolving issues. Strategic HR looks ahead – aligning your people with your business goals, shaping culture, building leadership, and creating the structures that drive growth. Most organisations need both. Our locally based Strategic HR Consultants provide the senior-level leadership you need, while helping you strengthen operational HR.
Absolutely. Many North West clients start with us in exactly that position. Our People Directors step in to resolve urgent issues, put robust processes in place, and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth. Whether you’re stabilising, scaling, or reducing risk, we meet you where you are – and help you put your people at the heart of your success.
Yes. Strategic HR is just as valuable when you’re consolidating or restructuring as when you’re expanding. Our Fractional People Directors help you navigate difficult decisions – from redeployment to redundancy – with fairness and clear communication, while protecting your culture and setting you up for a stronger future.
Yes, we can. This is one of the most common challenges across the North of England and indeed amongst business leaders throughout the UK. Our People Directors will work with your leadership team to clarify roles, strengthen line management skills, and ensure the right people are in the right roles – so that everyone can perform at their best, and your business has the best possible foundation to grow.
Our North West People Directors work hands-on as part of your team. They spend time on-site, getting to know your business from the inside, diving into your unique challenges, building trust with leaders and staff, and delivering meaningful change that aligns with your bigger picture goals – not just offering advice from afar.
We approach every change project with empathy and respect. Our Fractional People Directors help you communicate clearly, involve the right people at the right time, and protect the trust and values that matter – especially in businesses with strong heritage and deep local ties – which is so typical of the North West.
The North West is home to powerhouse cities like Manchester and Liverpool, and competition for skilled people is intense. We help you sharpen your employer brand, create clear development opportunities, and build a culture that goes beyond salary and everyday benefits to attract and retain great people – even when competing with big city employers.
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 North West England
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our Northern 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.
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.