Member Article

New offices for a growing team

The HR Dept Newcastle, has signalled its ambitious growth plans with a move to larger offices in South Tyneside and an expansion of its team.

Originally based in The Quadrus Centre, Boldon, company director, Jayne Hart, has purchased premises in Fowler Street, South Shields.

The move comes as the company welcomes senior HR advisor, Nicola Linkleter and business administrator, Hannah Parkin, to bolster its growing team of seven and has reported a 20% increase in turnover at the end of the financial year.

The HR Dept Newcastle was established in 2014 by Jayne Hart and is part of a national franchise of HR Depts across the UK, Ireland and Australia. Jayne and her team provide outsourced HR, employment law advice and health and safety support to small and medium sized businesses in the North East.

Jayne Hart, said: “Despite uncertainty within the economy, we have had a positive year, introduced new services such as health and safety support and moved to larger office space. We wanted to remain within South Tyneside with the office providing a hybrid working environment, going forward.

“As the business has grown, South Tyneside Council has very much supported us and remaining in the borough felt like the right thing for us to do. This is a long-term investment and we now have the space to accommodate up to 15 people.

“Like many other organisations, we have enjoyed home working but we also want flexibility, the opportunity to work remotely or from the office.

“When I first started working with our accountants, Blu Sky Tax, they asked me what was my business goal. I said that I wanted to have an office with its own entrance so I could have an office dog, my thinking being if I gained my own premises then the business must be doing ok! I am happy to announce that both have been achieved and as well as our new starters, Nicola and Hannah, my Newfoundland puppy, Daisy, will also be making office appearances.

“The appointment of Nicola as senior HR advisor demonstrates we are working on a range of complex HR projects and we needed added depth to the team. Nicola has previously held senior positions at Draeger Safety UK and Nissan.

“As business administrator, Hannah, will provide much needed support, particularly within recruitment, whilst also undergoing HR training. “When furlough was due to end last autumn and COVID flared up in December, we saw a surge in redundancies, but we are pleased to report that we are now being approached by many organisations that are thriving. Our focus for the year ahead is to continue to support businesses with in-house HR support and to attract retained clients looking to scale up. We very much look forward to the prospect of delivering face-to-face training and our new building is perfectly equipped for that.”

Cllr Tracey Dixon, leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “This company goes from strength-to-strength, and given the enormous challenges the last year has thrown at our business community, such a success story is particularly inspiring to hear.

“We’re delighted that Jayne and her team have chosen to remain in the borough, in a prime, central location, with great transport links, and we look forward to watching them and supporting them as they continue to grow.”

Assisting The HR Dept Newcastle with the move to its new office was Sweeney Miller Solicitors.

Surbhi Vedhara, partner at Sweeney Miller, said: “With so many businesses now recognising the importance of investment in people, there is a real need in the region for specialist HR services, which Jayne Hart is renowned for. Indeed, my own firm has greatly benefitted from HR advice from Jayne, particularly during the initial stages of the pandemic and it is exciting to be able to assist with her expansion plans.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The HR Dept .