Bristol employment specialist The HR Dept has expanded into new premises as a result of business growth. The company which specialises in delivering employment advice to SMEs has opened a further five offices since September taking its number of UK offices to 35. Now, with a growing team involved in recruiting, appointing and working with the experienced HR professionals who run the offices, the HR Dept has taken over additional premises next to its Winterbourne head office to house its licensee operation.
The company has also revealed further ambitious plans for growth in 2010 with a target of 50 offices by the end of the year. Having opened its first office in Wales in 2009, The HR Dept is now also keen to expand its presence into both Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Despite the recession, The HR Dept nationwide reports that its client base has grown by 10 per cent in the last 12 months and in the South West, the Bristol office is consistently seeing at least eight clients a month coming on board.
“Whether times are good or bad, small and medium sized businesses know they need good employment advice.” explains Managing Director Sue Tumelty, who opened the first HR Dept office in Bristol in October 2003. “Surviving a recession brings added pressures because many employers are having to reduce staff or hours or manage complex restructuring and need help to ensure they manage the processes properly and avoid repercussions and tribunals.
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“The situation is the same across the UK hence the growth of our licensee programme, which really is taking on a life of its own!
“We are growing successfully by careful recruitment of our team, building a reputation for down-to-earth practical advice and support and being recommended by happy clients. As a result, we intend that 2010 will be as, if not more successful, than 2009.”
