Value Added Partner Spotlight

Overcoming the challenge of growing a team. Meet Serena May, of The HR Dept.

Tell us about your business journey

In 2012 I was working as the HR Manager at a prestigious Independent School. I had been there for 12 years and had always yearned to be my own boss. I knew that if I didn’t make the break then, I never would. So, in October 2012 I handed in my notice and set up The HR Dept Eastbourne in January 2013.

The HR Dept is the UK’s largest HR Franchise, and we have a fantastic, friendly and collaborative network. So good, in fact, that in 2022, I joined forces with another franchisee, Sue Beeby, to become The HR Dept Sussex-by-the-Sea. We now cover the majority of East and West Sussex with a unique offering of being local and personal (we’re not a call centre!), no unreasonable contract tie–ins and advice backed up by tribunal indemnity insurance. A luxury often only afforded by larger corporates.

What has been your biggest business challenge to date?

Growing the team. The requirements and expectations of our clients are high. They come to us with diverse contractual terms, differing cultures and personalities, as well as industry-specific needs. We are so lucky to have employees who are approachable, knowledgeable, confident, and flexible in their approach. To find such individuals has been extremely challenging. Every day is different. Sometimes it may feel like you have experienced careers worth of HR challenges in just a week! It’s not for everyone and a world away from being the HR Adviser for one company.

What has been your greatest or proudest business achievement to date?

There have been many highlights over the years, but my most recent proudest achievement was winning the Professional Services Award at the Eastbourne Business Awards last year. The team worked so hard during Covid, really going the extra mile to keep our clients up to date with government changes and providing them with advice and guidance throughout. It was lovely to have recognition for all the hard work. I should add that the unsolicited thanks received by many clients during and post covid was quite humbling.

What type of clients do you currently work with and who are you looking to meet?

We work across all sectors and all sizes of businesses. From start-ups taking on their first employee to larger organisations with in-house HR teams that need extra support or a sounding board to check they are doing the right thing. If they have staff, we can help!

Tell us a story/fact about yourself that people might not know

I have a Black Tag in Tae Kwon Do. It’s the last belt before Black Belt, but I haven’t trained for some time now. Unfortunately, I snapped my cruciate ligament during a training session and never made it back to training for my Black Belt. It was a long recovery before I could train again and by that time, I had lost my enthusiasm and confidence for the sport. Now I think I’m too old for getting kicked around the head!

https://www.hrdept.co.uk/sussex-by-the-sea/