how we help…

Established SMEs

Developing your structures and systems

SMEs have grown beyond the needs of new start-ups but are not yet carrying the weight of hundreds of employees. They can be agile, responsive and growing; ready to adapt to changes. However, success can create unique problems, and we can help you to plot a course for your business that promotes your company values and keeps your staff motivated and happy.

You might need help with…

Unmanageably fast growth

If your business needed to scale quickly to handle demand, or acquired or merged with another organisation, you may not have had the time and resources to set up the systems and procedures necessary for the smooth running of your operations and effective relationships with staff. We can ensure you have the structures in place to optimise performance and productivity, and to keep your staff focused and motivated, while still being able to expand.

Lack of legal compliance

Similarly, as businesses grow and employ more staff, they may not realise the measures they need to take to remain within the law. Compliance can be a cause of great anxiety among management, and is sometimes swept under the carpet rather than dealt with. We can guide you through the labyrinth of employment legislation to ensure you are doing the right thing by the authorities and your staff.

Outdated management structures

Your business’s management hierarchy, decision-making processes and staff relationship policies (if any) may be a legacy of family ownership, or an extension of how one or two original founders handled the running of the firm. This could be putting stress on the whole business. If your company has outgrown its original structure, we can help you put appropriate systems and policies in place, while maintaining your original ethos.

Complex mergers

Two companies coming together can be a joyous union of mutually-compatible organisations, with much to look forward to ahead. Equally, it can be a time of uncertainty and confusion when staff may wonder if your previous corporate values and goals still stand, or even if their future is secure. We can make sure you have systems, communication and guidance in place to make your staff feel involved, invested and motivated.

A need to scale back

Sometimes, growing too quickly was not the best thing to do for your business. You may find that your infrastructure and associated costs outweigh your revenue and you need rationalise your operation. We can show you how to scale back, and to do it compliantly, so that your reputation remains intact and your workforce remains motivated in your streamlined new business.

Engagement, Motivation and Performance

These are the cornerstones of a successful company. When your staff feel personally invested in your business’s well-being, service and ongoing success, and share your vision and goals, it leads to greater productivity and service. If you treat your staff well, they’ll treat your customers in the same way.

We work with you on:

Job design and Onboarding

A new staff member’s excitement at joining the company can quickly be dashed when the reality of the job does not match with the expectations. They feel a disconnect, and quickly become disenchanted. We can ensure that jobs are designed effectively, descriptions match reality and that new recruits are made to feel at home and familiar with the role and the company vision.

HR Coaching and mentoring

You may have an HR Manager or team, but they might not have the breadth of experience you need for the issues your organisation is currently facing. We can build on their core HR knowledge, with our insights, resources and expertise from working at a senior level in a raft of complex organisations; and support and mentor them in transforming your internal people management systems to fit your changing business needs. We will add value as an additional external resource, supporting your team with capacity and building your capability.

International expansion

As your business develops more trade connections across international borders, you may need to create new companies, or start branches overseas. Laws covering business and employment can obviously vary from country to country, and our knowledge may be particularly relevant in an ever changing political and economic climate. Our expertise and understanding of local legislation and business cultures in other jurisdictions can help you to set up offices, or engage people across the world.

TUPE transfers

Transferring employees to a new company, perhaps after a merger, acquisition or expansion, can be a delicate operation. Staff may be uneasy and concerned about changes to their terms of employment, as well as a shift in the company ethos. As well as helping you to handle the technical aspects effectively, we can take steps to ensure staff engagement and loyalty.

Conflict and dismissals

Nobody wants to talk about it, but a staff member who has breached their contract or undermined your codes of conduct is one of the biggest challenges you can face as an employer, and can be toxic to your company. When you need us to be tough with an employee, we will be tough. There are ways to manage disciplinary situations while still being compliant and respectful.

Effective HR software

Heptagon HR is an official partner of breatheHR, a comprehensive software package designed to bring all your HR requirements into one place in an intuitive and easy-to-use platform. Bringing order to chaos, breatheHR, is a cloud solution that ensures you’re on top of employee progress, performance, appraisals, contracts, holidays, expenses, sickness days and more, in one streamlined system. Clients have loved it!

This is not an exhaustive list. For full advice on how we can help your business to thrive, call us today for a no-obligation chat.

{

“Colbea has used Heptagon HR’s services at all levels. As an incoming CEO, Jo’s advice and guidance on implementing an updated HR system, procedures and methods has been invaluable. Managing change can be a challenging time for any leader or business owner and Jo has been the consummate professional and delivered her advice and guidance with compassion and integrity. Additionally, Jo has worked with both my team and board on our future organisational strategy and has been instrumental in helping us shape the future of our agency.” 

Ashleigh Seymour-Rutherford
Chief Executive, Colchester Business Enterprise Agency

“As a busy SME we have found the services of Heptagon HR to be invaluable. From updating employment contracts and creating a staff handbook, insightful advice on people management challenges, to supplying us with time-saving HR software, Jo has made sure that we are compliant, organised and efficient. We can get on with what we do best, safe in the knowledge that Heptagon HR is doing the same for us.”

Kate Everett
Managing Partner, TWI

“Heptagon HR have risen to the challenge of taking on our global team during a growth phase in our business. Jo's support and her knowledge of other legal jurisdictions has been excellent, and I would recommend her to any organisation!”

Chris Napthine
Director, Clipper Retail/Sekura Global

“Always available, is thorough in providing a clear outline of all potential options. Provided concise updates for our staff contracts while ensuring our company’s ethos was maintained. Brings a wealth of experience and knowledge at excellent value.”

Piers Baker
Owner, Baker Hospitality Group