HR101

Business Background

HR101 is an HR consultancy and support for SMEs. They take clients on a retainer basis, with different levels of subscription giving a variety of HR support services. The business was formed in autumn 2013 by a merger between the businesses of two owners, specialising in business psychology and human resources, respectively. The business is based in the Birmingham Research Park, Edgbaston, and is operated by the two owners with support from freelancers as and when required.

Introduction to The TRANSFORMATION Project

The business is positive, but wary, towards using business support - although they have previously obtained grants, mentoring support and attended seminars, events and networks to develop their skills and provide business referrals.

Engagement with The TRANSFORMATION Project followed the business attending a networking event. The business was attracted by the one-on-one assistance offered: 'it was not just a workshop, but very bespoke – there would be time invested in us'. They were looking for signposting and suggestions – 'not a plan, but a confirmation that we were going in the right direction, and ideas for how to achieve that' – as well as more specific advice on marketing.

Activity within the Project

The Receptivity for Change Toolset was praised as effective at clarifying issues and raising questions which had not occurred to them.

The workshops on marketing and strategies were also valuable in helping them to understand their core competencies and refocus their business niche; the chance to network and discuss issues with other owners in a similar position was also seen as effective.

Discussions with the Business Engagement Manager helped them 'tweak' and clarify their initial ideas about targeting, and gave them new directions to potentially pursue (which they have not had time to do yet). This support helped them to understand what markets and areas to target or investigate further, and which could be discounted as too specialised.

Impacts