HR support services are central to business success. No matter the industry or size, it’s the people behind the business who drive results. Being people-focused is not just about ticking boxes, and effective HR doesn’t need to be expensive. We explore how to incorporate HR expertise into your business, with insights from our HR partner Helen Colechin, of HR Dept South London.
Why People Matter
People.
Whether you are a small, medium or large business, your long-term success and ability to remain competitive relies on attracting and retaining talent. A skilled and healthy workforce can boost productivity, motivation and engagement1.
It can be easy to be swept up in a business’s daily tasks and operations—as a growing business ourselves, we get it. Research shows that organisations supporting a culture of health, safety and wellbeing outperform competitors2.
That’s why it’s important to put the human into HR.
Being people-focused is not a box-ticking exercise, and effective HR support services are robust when aligned with your business needs.
Business Without Barriers
There are 5.5 million small businesses in the UK—1.4 million with employees3. No matter how small the team, businesses must stay compliant with employment law.
But HR support services are about more than compliance. They are about hiring the right people for the right positions and creating a positive workplace culture. The resources and support needed depend on the type, size and sector of your business.
Helen Colechin, Managing Director of the leading HR Dept South London, explains:
“Great HR support is both proactive and responsive. It understands business needs and adapts advice and HR initiatives accordingly. Building a positive work culture, ensuring employees are in suitable roles, managing expectations, and addressing conflicts promptly are key elements of HR. These actions positively affect employee morale and retention, ultimately contributing to business success.”
You might not need a dedicated HR department, but you do need a trusted partner who delivers practical and cost-effective HR support services that remove barriers.
Helen explained that many small businesses don’t realise how affordable professional HR support services are. Often, firms try to handle HR in-house, risking errors due to lack of knowledge and understanding. Helen pointed to a key example: employers’ legal obligation to verify an applicant’s right to work in the UK4 before hiring them. She noted, “Failure to correctly check and retain sufficient evidence can result in hefty fines and, in some cases, a criminal record.”
Without HR support services, SMEs may lack support in the following areas:
Legal compliance and financial risks
Wasted resources, increased employee turnover and subsequent recruitment and retraining costs. Wrong decisions can lead to financial penalties and legal costs.
Decreased productivity
Disengaged employees can be less productive, resulting in missed deadlines and lower business performance. Prioritising wellbeing can increase productivity5.
Increased staff turnover
Championing Positive Change
When it comes down to it, quality partnerships make all the difference.
“As a small business ourselves, we understand that we are part of a much larger ecosystem. Positive collaborations are essential to achieving our goals. It’s critical for all businesses to consider their strategies and build a strong network of partners who bring complementary expertise and resources, as well as aligning to your values.
We actively seek out and nurture partnerships that benefit all parties involved. Partners, such as the HR Dept, provide impartial advice that makes achieving your goals simple.
Looking outwards, to our clients, we take great pride in ensuring their requirements are met to the best of our ability.”
Tomorrow’s World: Staying Ahead of Change
Legislation and regulations constantly evolve. While it’s important to be knowledgeable, having expert HR support services ensures you don’t overlook anything.
We are seeing significant changes that will impact all businesses. The Employment Rights Bill is currently working its way through parliament. Once it comes into force, it is expected to include7:
- Changes to zero hours contracts: Introducing guaranteed contract hours.
- Day one rights to claim unfair dismissal and the establishment of a new statutory probation period.
- Parental and bereavement leave from day one.
- Enhanced protection for pregnant workers and new mothers.
- An end to ‘fire and rehire’ practices in all but exceptional circumstances.
- Strengthened collective redundancy rights and statutory sick pay.
- Flexible working as a default option, unless refused on specific grounds.
While we don’t have a confirmed date, employers should start preparations now.
In April this year, the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 came into effect. Eligible parents with a baby receiving neonatal care are entitled to take up to 12 weeks’ statutory paid leave within 16 months of birth, in one-week increments.
The Worker Protection Act 2024 came into effect on 26 October. Businesses must now be more proactive in preventing sexual harassment in the workplace, rather than simply reacting to complaints.
Businesses are also seeing an increase in Subject Access Requests (SARs). Helen Barge highlighted the rise in SARs—where individuals have the right to access and receive a copy of their personal data—and emphasised the importance of maintaining and organising information on people.
“The right to access covers various data storage forms, including email, paper records and even platforms like CCTV and MS Teams. Understanding how to handle these requests efficiently is crucial for compliance and maintaining trust.”
Helen Colechin added, “People are becoming more aware of their right to ask for access to their information. We are seeing more requests, and sometimes conflict, as people routinely ask for their data. Businesses need to keep their data neat, tidy and correct.”
Take the Fear Out of the Unknown
Having the confidence to deal with challenges is essential for your business’s future. Recognising when you need a helping hand is just as important.
At Risk Evolves, the very nature of our business is to help organisations.
You can access our library of business articles, guides, webinars and much more.
We also launched a series of regular bite-sized support sessions—virtual 45-minute sessions with a senior consultant to help you understand risk management, data protection, business continuity, SARs and more.
Trusted partners are required to deliver outstanding results, which is why we partner with a select group of highly respected agencies. Our partners at the HR Dept provide expert and cost-effective HR support services. Contact them by email (info@hrdept.co.uk) or call 0345 208 1120.
Our expert team helps organisations like yours implement effective systems that protect both your business and employees.
Expert Help, Just a Call Away
If keeping up with changing regulations, digital technology, and security feels overwhelming, you’re not alone. Our expert team delivers tailored advice for businesses of all sizes and budgets—leaving you to focus on what you do best.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation service.
Contact Us01926 800710[1,2] Business benefits of boosting employee health and well-being | World Economic Forum
[3] FSB Business Data
[4] Checking a job applicant’s right to work – GOV.UK
[5] Wellbeing in small business by Federation of Small Businesses – Issuu
[6] All my employees are leaving! How to spot it and stop it – HR Dept Glasgow North
[7] Employment Rights Bill overview | Department for Business and Trade/a>
