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January 2026 HR Newsletter
Get your HR ready for 2026 There's a lot happening in the world of employment law and HR this year... That's why I've created a simple 5-point checklist to help business owners to see where they stand: ✅ Legal foundations: Are your contracts and policies actually up to date and applied fairly? ✅ Smart systems: Still using spreadsheets for holidays or sickness? It’s time to automate that. ✅ People performance: Do you know why your best people stay, or what might make them leav
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4 hours ago4 min read


How to handle whistleblowing the right way to protect your business
How an HR consultant in Ipswich can help you handle whistleblowing confidently and fairly When an employee raises a serious concern about wrongdoing, it can feel daunting. These aren’t everyday complaints — they can affect your reputation, your finances, and even your legal standing. But with a clear process, you can handle whistleblowing confidently and protect both your people and your business. As an HR consultant in Ipswich, I’ve supported many small business owners throu
va9423
3 days ago2 min read


Handling client complaints about your team
Why speaking to an HR consultant in Ipswich can make complaint handling easier When a client raises a complaint about one of your team, it can feel uncomfortable and stressful. But with the right process in place, you can protect your relationships, your team’s morale, and your business reputation. As an HR consultant in Ipswich, I’ve worked with many business owners who’ve faced this challenge. The key is staying calm, acting fairly, and following a clear structure that keep
va9423
Nov 302 min read


Are your 'freelancers' truly self-employed? The hidden risks for your business
As an expert HR consultant in Ipswich, I’ll explain why relying solely on a contract isn’t enough, and how to protect your business from costly misclassification. Many small business owners turn to freelancers for flexibility and specialist skills. It seems straightforward: you need a task done, they do it, and everyone's happy. But what if the reality of that relationship is far more complex than the contract you signed? For businesses across the UK, misclassifying someone y
va9423
Nov 234 min read


December 2025 HR Newsletter
What happens when key people leave Every small business has those key people you rely on. When they leave after years in the role, they take with them knowledge about suppliers, processes and client relationships that nobody else has. It’s a familiar story. But it’s also completely preventable through succession planning. "Succession planning" sounds corporate, but it simply means knowing who could step into key roles and getting them ready before you need them. Without it, k
va9423
Nov 174 min read


Unlock growth: how honest exit interviews can transform your business
As an expert HR consultant in Ipswich, I'll show you how to turn feedback from departing employees into powerful insights for improving your team and business. You’ve probably felt that sting when a good employee leaves. Beyond the immediate gap, there’s often a nagging question: why? And more importantly, what could you have done differently? If you're looking for expert HR consultancy services in Ipswich, understanding this is crucial. For many SME owners, exit interviews f
va9423
Nov 164 min read


Supporting a grieving employee: compassionate care that protects your business
As an expert HR consultant in Ipswich, I'll guide you through supporting your team with empathy while ensuring your business stays on track. When an employee faces the profound loss of a loved one, it's not just a personal tragedy; it often brings unexpected challenges into your workplace. As a business owner, you want to offer genuine support, but you might also feel unsure about your legal obligations and how to manage the impact on your operations. This is where expert HR
va9423
Nov 93 min read


Suspect employee theft? Protect your business, profits, and peace of mind
As an HR consultant in Ipswich, I guide UK SME owners through the crucial steps to address suspected employee theft fairly and legally. It ’s a gut-wrenching feeling no business owner wants to experience: the suspicion that an employee might be stealing from your business. Whether it's missing stock, unexplained cash discrepancies, or even the misuse of company time and resources, this isn't just about the immediate loss. It's about a breach of trust, a blow to team morale, a
va9423
Nov 24 min read


Growing your business: protect your profits from hidden HR risks
As an expert HR consultant in Ipswich, I'll walk you through the essential HR and legal foundations you need to secure your business's...
va9423
Oct 263 min read


Protect your business: building a respectful workplace culture
As an independent HR consultant in Ipswich, I'll share practical steps to prevent bullying and harassment, safeguarding your team and...
va9423
Oct 194 min read


If you're hiring someone new, you must check that they have the legal right to work in the UK before they start
That applies to every role and every nationality. Skip it and you risk fines of up to £60,000, plus serious damage to your business and reputation. Here's 3 ways to check right to work: 1. Manual check: see the original passport, visa or other approved document (in person or live video while you hold the originals), check it matches the person and keep a dated copy for the duration of employment plus 2 years. 2. Digital Verification Service (DVS): only for British or Irish
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Oct 144 min read


Even if you think you're compliant, right to work checks could cost you £60,000
As an HR consultant in Ipswich, I'll explain the crucial details of right to work checks and how to protect your business from costly...
va9423
Oct 123 min read


Avoid these common interview questions to protect your business
As an experienced HR consultant in Ipswich, I'll walk you through the subtle interview questions that could land your business in hot...
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Oct 54 min read


Are you accidentally wellbeing washing your team?
What is wellbeing washing? Wellbeing washing is when a company means well and tries to improve employee wellbeing by offering perks or...
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Sep 282 min read


Understanding where you stand with your people practices
How an expert HR consultant based in Ipswich can help you to review, refine and strengthen your HR practices Running a business means...
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Sep 212 min read


October 2025 HR Newsletter
7 employment law mistakes that could cost you thousands Most business owners we speak to don’t know they’re breaking the law. They think...
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Sep 174 min read


Building stronger foundations for your working relationships
Practical advice from an outsourced HR consultant in Ipswich: How to make your working relationships clear, fair and future-proof When...
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Sep 142 min read


Managing employee departures with confidence and professionalism
As an experienced HR consultant in Ipswich, I can give you the advice you need to exit employees if that’s the right thing to do Most...
va9423
Sep 73 min read


September 2025 HR Newsletter
How to handle underperformance in your business Your best team member has started letting you down. • They used to be reliable, now...
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Sep 54 min read


How an HR consultant in Ipswich can help you stop burnout before it damages productivity and morale
How to protect your employees from burnout before it impacts your business Burnout isn’t just an employee wellbeing issue. It’s a...
va9423
Aug 313 min read
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