After years of working in HR across a variety of industries Carol Ann Guilford recognised that a business doesn’t always require a permanent HR function, just as long as it has access to expert employment support when it needs it.
With this in mind Carol left her full-time role in Formula One in July 2001 to establish HR Solutions as a sole trader, whereupon she discovered an instant demand for her employment law services. Contract followed contract, but it was a project with ITV that firmly established HR Solutions as a go-to name in outsourced HR consultancy and led to an influx of new clients. HR Solutions (Consultancy) Limited was incorporated in 2004 and has since enjoyed steady growth over the years.
In January 2008 Carol hired a new Operations Director, her son Greg Guilford, who was himself an experienced HR practitioner. In September of the same year, HR Solutions moved into its first office at Brooklands Court, Kettering in Northamptonshire.
2010
Employment Protection Cover
Over the following years HR Solutions expanded and refined its services. They launched third party EPDR (employment, performance and development review) and EAP (employee assistance programme) packages, and in 2010 added employment protection cover to their Retained HR Services package, meaning that their clients could operate with complete peace of mind.
2013
Expansion to New Premises
As HR Solutions’ reputation grew so too did the company. Under Carol and Greg’s supervision the team expanded to include more HR consultants, support staff, a payroll manager and a sales team, and in 2013 the business moved once again to new premises in Kettering.
In 2014 Carol took a step back to a Director of HR Consultancy position and handed the role of Managing Director to Greg. With a focus on systems and webinars Greg has transformed the running of HR Solutions, and created a streamlined HR service provider that’s ready for business in the modern world.
2017
Acquisition of HR Services UK
HR Solutions expanded with the the acquisition of HR Services (UK) Limited of Milton Keynes. As part of the merger which was completed on 1st December 2017, the owner of HR Services (UK) Limited moved over to HR Solutions to take on the role of Senior HR Consultant. HR Services clients also made the move to HR Solutions.
2019
HR Solutions and Wilson Browne
In March 2019 HR Solutions fostered a strategic business partnership with Wilson Browne Solicitors, commercial law experts, to offer a complete solution for businesses providing legal expertise, transparent costs and great client service. This strategic partnership enables HR Solutions to provide additional HR support to Wilson Browne’s clients to support their employment law services.
2019
HR Solutions and Workplace Law
In August 2019 International Workplace Limited (IWL) reached an agreement to transfer work delivered under their Workplace Law brand to Business HR Solutions (Consultancy) Limited (HR Solutions), with effect from 1 September 2019. As part of the this agreement, HR Solutions also engaged Terry Hayward as a HR Consultant who will continue to manage the IWL clients that transferred to HR Solutions.
2020
HR Solutions and Crispin Rhodes
In August 2020 Crispin Rhodes, a Milton Keynes based HR firm, entered into a new strategic partnership with HR Solutions. Angela Rhodes, HR Client Services Director, and her team joined HR Solutions. They continue to be familiar contacts for their clients who now have the option of additional services and the support of the HR Solutions consultants and advisors.
2020
HSE Solutions – Health and Safety
HR Solutions launched a new Health, Safety and Environment division, called HSE Solutions in August 2020. Dominic Greenwood was appointed as Senior Health, Safety and Environmental Management Consultant to conduct risk assessments for clients, including Covid-19, fire, health and safety; as well as provide an outsourced competent person service; and deliver training courses.
