How to find the right HR support for your business

 

Choosing the right kind of HR support is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your business.

Get it right and you'll have a happier team, smoother operations, stronger performance, and more space to focus on growing your business.

Get it wrong and you could run into expensive errors, compliance headaches, and cultural issues that impact your results.

 

This guide is designed to help you make a confident, informed choice.

Whether you’re bringing on your first team member, expanding your team, or facing complex staffing challenges, it’s crucial to understand the type of support you need and how best to get it.

 

1. Types of HR Support

HR isn’t just about documents and data. There are three key levels, each offering distinct advantages.

 

Level One: Day-to-day Essentials

This is your operational base,  your foundations upon which you build.

It's the routine work that keeps your business compliant and functioning without disruption.

Typical activities:

1. Creating and updating contracts, staff handbooks and rules
2. Managing time off and absences
3. Handling disciplinary and grievances
4. Health and safety

 

Level Two: Practical People Solutions

Helping you manage people better and create effective processes.

Typical activities:

1. Hiring and onboarding new team members
2. Employee Relations
3. Overseeing performance and productivity
4. Learning and development
5. Helping managers lead effectively

Level Three: Big-picture Strategy

At this level, people support aligns directly with your growth plans. It shapes how you lead, grow and retain your team.

Typical activities:

1. Shaping structure and planning future resource needs
2. Identifying and growing future leaders
3. Creating a strong team culture and boosting engagement
4. Leading change initiatives
5. Enhancing your reputation as a great place to work

 

As a business leader, it’s important to think about what level of support you really need. Many only focus on the basics and miss the real impact people-focused expertise can have.

That’s why we recommend working with someone who can support you across all three.

 
2. Ways to get help with HR (and what you might spend)

Here are your main choices:

Option 1: Upskill someone already on your team

1. Least expensive upfront
2. Often lacks specialist knowledge
3. May miss risks or overlook important steps
4. Still requires training costs

Option 2: Hire an in-house specialist

1. On-hand support within the business
2. Higher costs in terms of salary and benefits
3. Not always viable for smaller organisations
4. Typical salary range: £45,000–£60,000+

Option 3: Sign up with a big-name provider

1. Set-price plans, often with round-the-clock help
2. Advice may be generic and scripted
3. Limited flexibility, rarely proactive
4. Starting from ~£250/month – costs rise with complexity
5. 3-5 year contract tie-in

Option 4: Partner with an independent professional

1. Tailored guidance from someone who knows your business
2. Adaptable, efficient and focused on outcomes
3. Combines practical delivery with strategic advice
4. Common 2025–2026 rates:
   • Hourly: £85–£150
   • Daily: £500–£1,000

Our rates are from:
• Hourly:  £90
• Daily: £630

 
Why work with an independent HR consultant?

Working with an independent adviser gives you flexibility, insight and personal attention—without the overheads of building an internal team or the limitations of a generic helpline.

Here’s why many businesses choose to work this way:

1. Personalised approach
You’ll speak to someone who understands your business—not a faceless adviser on a helpline.

2. Flexible support
Whether you need a quick answer, help with a project, or ongoing input—we fit around you.

3. Practical experience
We’ve handled all kinds of people challenges across different sectors. That means we know what works—and what to avoid.

4. Strategic thinking
We help you create an environment where your team can thrive, your risks are reduced, and your business is stronger.

5. Cost-effective value
You gain access to experienced, senior-level support without the commitment or cost of hiring someone full time.

 
What to do next

If you'd like to explore how we can support your team, let’s arrange a free, confidential discovery call. No pressure, just a chance to chat and see if we're the right fit.