Knutsford-based company, PRIDE in People, has put together a selection of tailored packages for local businesses seeking HR support during the current crisis.
Established in 2010 by Fiona Carter, PRIDE in People is an HR consultancy with a difference. The company offers honest HR advice and specialist help with recruitment, performance and talent management, employment law and staff contracts, as well as handbooks, policies and procedures and TUPE transfers.
“Taking a unique and genuinely no-nonsense approach to HR, I see myself as an extra pair of hands, supporting businesses when and where they need me most, and COVID has certainly presented a number of fresh challenges,” explains Fiona. “Whether you’re a business that’s had to furlough staff and are now looking at possible redundancies, or a company that has thrived during lockdown and has taken on a whole new workforce, I’m here to help.”
She adds: “Most people didn’t know the meaning of furlough this time last year, but since the pandemic hit, it’s become a sad reality. Although the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended until the end of November, and the Job Support Scheme delayed until December, the situation is still very unpredictable and seems to be changing on almost a daily basis. Employers will soon have to contribute further towards the salaries of furloughed employees and as such, a rise in redundancies seems almost inevitable. And this is where I come in; offering advice and managing the entire process empathetically from start to finish, with minimum fuss and maximum efficiency.”
Although the company has some big-name clients such as Wagamama, Nando’s, Wahaca and Bill’s, it also works with SMEs across Cheshire including Preferred Spaces and Worksmart, providing bespoke solutions where off-the-shelf HR programmes have failed to deliver.
“Right now, I’m speaking to company owners whose business needs have changed dramatically since COVID hit. Many are simply overwhelmed with HR administration and want to pass it on so that they can concentrate on doing what they do best and keeping the business afloat. There are also a lot of organisations that now have employees working from home and need help managing this remote workforce, while also maintaining company values and office culture from afar. There’s a big emphasis on wellbeing; reducing stress, boosting morale and tackling loneliness are all high on the agenda. It’s something I’m passionate about and an area where I feel I can genuinely add value.”
And what’s more, PRIDE in People’s services are completely flexible: “I’m happy to cover sick leave, work on an ad hoc basis or take on long-term projects and there are no costly retainers, which I think is crucial in the current economic climate. All my clients know the costs upfront and pay as they go, which means that they can budget accordingly – a big advantage,” says Fiona.
Having lived in Knutsford all her life, Fiona is an active member of the town’s thriving business community. She is also the architect and organiser of Knutsford Women’s Network, a female-only networking and support group that has been running since 2018. With nearly 100 local members, the group has expanded rapidly since its inception.
“It’s a fantastic group, drawing together women with expertise across many different sectors. Pre-COVID we were meeting on a monthly basis, but unfortunately, we’ve not been able to get together as a group for some time now. And with the latest round of regulations restricting social interaction even further, it may be several months before we can meet again. However, we are all active on social media and try to support each other’s businesses and offer help, advice and a friendly ear whenever it’s needed.”
To join the group or to find out more about PRIDE in People’s new support packages, contact fiona@prideinpeople.co.uk.