0345 646 5201
HR Consultancy in Nottingham
Losing talent to bigger cities? Founders and managers firefighting instead of leading? Team members in the wrong roles holding performance back? Our Nottingham-based Fractional People Directors resolve all these issues by putting people at the heart of your business strategy, embedding the culture and leadership you need to retain talent, build accountability and unlock growth. Delivering measurable ROI in just a few days a month, People Puzzles gives you board-level expertise at 60–70% less than a full-time HR hire.
Strategic HR Consultancy in Nottingham
Nottingham businesses face mounting pressures – from struggling to attract and retain the right people, to overstretched managers and CEOs caught up in everyday issues. Too often, HR is seen as admin or compliance, when in fact the right people strategy can be a powerful driver of growth.
Our Nottingham-based Fractional People Directors work alongside your senior team to embed the structures, leadership and culture you need to retain talent, build accountability, and move from reactive problem-solving to confident, long-term growth.
You’ll find us supporting organisations across Nottingham and its commercial centres, including:
- Nottingham City Centre
- Nottingham Science Park
- Nottingham Business Park
- Lace Market & Creative Quarter
- East Midlands Airport & logistics corridor
Talk to a People Puzzles HR Consultant in Nottingham
Whether you’re navigating complex change, planning for growth or tackling persistent people challenges, our Nottingham-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 Nottingham HR consultancy team
Our Nottingham People Directors are seasoned business leaders, board advisers and commercial strategists with decades of experience in supporting long-term growth and future adaptability.
They’ve held senior roles with household names including Rolls-Royce, Vodafone and Northern Foods, and delivered change across family-run firms, public sector bodies and private equity-backed companies. Their expertise spans everything from restructuring and succession planning to leadership coaching and culture transformation – always with measurable outcomes at the heart.
This is a team that has scaled businesses by doubling headcount, improved profitability by 20%, built international HR operations and delivered award-winning engagement strategies. Whatever the challenge, they bring credibility, clarity and momentum.
Working with you just a few days each month, our Nottingham-based People Directors deliver fast, tangible results, embedding themselves in your team and ensuring people strategy powers commercial success.
As Nicola Cavanagh – Regional Director for the Midlands – puts it, “Prioritising your people is key for business transformation” – and this principle underpins every project we deliver.
Strategic HR Support in Nottingham – Building Leadership Strength for Long-Term Success
200 Degrees Coffee – Aligning People and Culture with Ambition
Challenge: With 20 coffee shops and seven barista schools already thriving, Nottingham-based 200 Degrees Coffee was scaling at pace. The leadership team had a clear vision and a strong customer-first ethos, but no dedicated HR function to guide its next phase. They recognised that without structure around people and culture, rapid expansion could undermine the very strengths that set the brand apart.
Solution: Working closely with the business, People Director Ben Birchall carried out a Discovery process to capture staff insight and pinpoint gaps. He supported the hire of a Head of People, co-developed a business-wide people strategy, and set up a dedicated People function. Leadership coaching and senior team restructuring followed, providing greater clarity on roles and building the framework for future, culture-led growth.
Results: Today, 200 Degrees Coffee has a clear Employer Value Proposition, stronger two-way communications, and a structured Performance and Development Review system. Its senior team is aligned around a shared vision, leadership roles are well-defined, and the business is positioned to expand further while safeguarding the culture that underpins its success.
“Ben was really easy to get on with. He understood what was needed from the People function to add value to the company.”
Charlotte Coore, Head of People & Culture – 200 Degrees Coffee (Nottingham)
Strategic HR consultancy services for Nottingham businesses
Nottingham is a city with huge opportunity, but also tough challenges: high unemployment in places, strong talent competition from London and Birmingham, and rapid growth that often outpaces structure. Leaders know people are the key, but without a joined-up strategy, time and energy get swallowed by day-to-day issues.
That’s where our Nottingham People Directors step in. They design people frameworks that free up leadership capacity, strengthen succession pipelines, and keep your best people engaged for the long term.
With board-level commercial and strategic HR expertise on your side, you’ll gain the clarity, culture and capability to realise your business ambitions.
Here are the most popular HR support services Nottingham businesses call on us for:
People Processes
Growth without systems creates chaos. From onboarding to performance reviews, our Nottingham Fractional People Directors put robust frameworks in place to support compliance, consistency and efficiency. That means fewer distractions for leaders, and more time to focus on commercial priorities.
Strategic HR
Our Nottingham-based Fractional People Directors work at board level to connect people with purpose, shaping leadership, culture and structure around your commercial goals. The result? Clearer priorities, stronger teams, future-proof structures and measurable ROI.
Leadership Development & Executive Coaching
Technical expertise alone won’t carry a business forward. We work with senior and middle managers to sharpen the skills that matter, from communication and decision-making to motivating teams. By building rounded leaders, we help create succession strength and unlock long-term growth.
Organisational Structure
When roles aren’t clear, performance stalls. Our Nottingham People Directors specialise in putting the right people in the right roles, building scalable frameworks, clear reporting lines and leadership capacity. This frees founders from everyday issues, and gives managers the confidence to drive performance.
Talent Management & Retention
Looking to attract post graduate talent and retain the best people? Our Nottingham Strategic HR Consultants help you compete beyond salary, shaping an employer value proposition built on progression, culture and purpose. We’ll support you in retaining top talent, while making your business a destination for new recruits.
Culture Development
Family businesses and fast-growth firms in Nottingham often struggle to define culture as they scale. We work alongside your leaders to embed shared values, behaviours and ways of working that build accountability and trust. The result is a motivated workforce and a culture people want to stay part of.
Business Strategy
Every ambitious plan rests on people. Our Nottingham-based People Directors embed into your leadership team to align talent, teams and structure with your growth strategy. We don’t just advise – we implement – helping you turn strategy into results, quickly and sustainably.
Why choose our strategic outsourced HR consultants in Nottingham?
Nottingham’s business community is full of ambition – but it also faces tough realities. Leaders often spend too much time heading off day-to-day issues, growth plans stall without the right people in place, and skilled talent is easily tempted away to bigger cities with higher salaries. Add in gaps in leadership capability and structures stretched by rapid change, and the risks to long-term growth are clear.
This is where People Puzzles adds real value. Our Nottingham-based Fractional People Directors bring senior-level experience to help you address those challenges head-on. They’ll support you to design robust structures, develop confident leaders, and build an engaging culture that makes people want to stay.
Why People Puzzles?
- Tangible impact from day one
- Skills matched to Nottingham’s business landscape, from family-run firms to high-growth corporates
- Trusted by over 1,000 business leaders nationwide
- A fully flexible model with no minimum commitment period
And you’re never hiring just one person. People Puzzles is the UK’s largest and longest-established fractional HR provider, with 90+ People Directors, Regional Directors and a central resourcing team. That means if you’re facing a challenge, one of our People Directors has already solved it – so you’ll benefit from local Nottingham expertise backed by the knowledge and strength of a nationwide network.
“As we grew, we knew that we needed a dedicated resource to manage our HR, and Ben supported that recruitment process and created a great foundation for the new head of HR, leaving the business in great shape.”
Stephen Fern, Managing Director, 200 Degrees Coffee (Nottingham)
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Fractional HR gives you access to senior HR expertise on a flexible, part-time basis, without the overhead of a full-time hire. Our Nottingham People Directors embed at board level, getting to know your goals, people and challenges, then shaping strategies that flex as you grow. With their calibre and leadership experience, they deliver measurable impact quickly – so you see results sooner than you might expect.
Operational HR handles the day-to-day: compliance, policies and basic processes. Strategic HR goes further, aligning people with business goals, building leadership capacity and creating the conditions for long-term growth. That’s the focus of our Nottingham People Directors: working hands-on with leadership teams to design future-ready organisations.
Absolutely. Many Nottingham businesses – from family-run firms and professional services to logistics and tech scale-ups – hit this challenge. Our Strategic HR Consultants step in to design clear structures, define accountability and free up senior leaders from firefighting, so the business can grow with clarity and confidence.
Pay matters, but it’s not the only factor. Career development, culture and purpose are often the real differentiators. Our Nottingham People Directors help you craft a strong employee value proposition, build progression pathways and embed a positive culture – making your business a place people want to join and stay, even with competition from Birmingham and London.
In Nottingham’s manufacturing, finance and professional services sectors, it’s common for managers to rise on technical expertise alone. We provide coaching and mentoring to strengthen leadership behaviours – from communication and decision-making to motivating teams – so they become confident, rounded leaders who drive performance.
With two major universities on the doorstep, Nottingham has a rich pool of graduate talent. But without clear progression routes or a compelling culture, many move elsewhere. Our Fractional People Directors help you stand out by shaping graduate pathways, embedding strong onboarding and development programmes, and creating a culture where early-career professionals can see a future, keeping talent local and loyal.
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 Nottingham Today
Let’s move your Nottingham business forward – together
Whether you’re growing fast, reshaping your structure or developing your leadership team, our Nottingham-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.