A major expansion over the next four years is on the cards for outsourced human resources specialist The HR Dept Bristol and North Somerset, which works with small and medium-sized firms.
It is aiming to expand its retained client base from 225 to 1,000 between now and the end of summer 2023, triggering an increase in its workforce from five HR advisers to 11.
The firm targets small and medium-sized businesses in Bristol, Bath and North Somerset with between 11 and 30 employees, offering a range of HR advice and support on a personal and local level.
It is a franchise of Bristol-based The HR Dept, an international company with a network of 75 franchisees providing services in 112 territories in the UK, Ireland and Australia.
Founded in 2002 by Sue Tumelty, The HR Dept begun franchising in 2005. Today it is run by Sue’s daughter Gemma as managing director.
Sue remains managing director of The HR Dept Bristol and North Somerset, by far the largest franchise in the network.
Her team includes financial director and husband Mike Stevenson, with HR directors Helen Thomas and Stacey Mead, as well as a team of advisers led by HR manager Rosalyn McLeod.
They offer a range of services encompassing the full suite of HR requirements in a variety of packages, from retained services to pay-as-you-go options.
Sue Tumelty said: “It’s an exciting time for us. We have just taken on another HR adviser and a graduate and are looking to fill our office space with a further six advisers over the next few years.
“We have seen great success in expanding the franchising side of The HR Dept over the past decade and we have great belief in the services we provide throughout our network.
In Bristol, Bath and North Somerset we recognise that there is a great pool of potential clients here and we are keen to expand our client base.
“Our work is split into the reactive – helping business owners with unexpected employment issues – and the strategic, to help companies plan their future people programmes and to put them in place.
“As legislation changes, as the world of work develops and with SMEs facing new challenges all the time, our business is becoming increasingly in demand.
“So we know there is potential for growth. And with data and evidence to back up our plans, there is no reason why we shouldn’t achieve our targets.
“It’s just a matter of continuing to tell the business community about what we do, communicating what makes us unique, and putting the infrastructure in place to cater for a growing client base.”
Non-executive director Keith Sadler is helping the team implement the expansion plans, starting at its new financial year at the beginning of August.
Mr Sadler, who has a background in finance and sectors including media and broadcasting, said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to play my part in the further growth of such an established business, albeit one which has considerable growth potential.
“The HR Dept is a recognised and respected brand in the Bristol and North Somerset area, so with proper systems and processes in place to support its growth, I am confident we can achieve something special together.”
Pictured, from left: Rosalyn McLeod, Sue Tumelty, Keith Sadler, Helen Thomas and Stacey Lynn of The HR Dept Bristol and North Somerset
