Why Small Businesses in the UK Shouldn't Be Afraid of Seeking HR Advice

Human resources (HR) is a vital function for any business, regardless of its size or industry. However, many small businesses in the UK may feel reluctant or intimidated to seek HR advice, either because they think it's too expensive, too complicated, or not relevant to their needs. This is a mistake that can cost them dearly in the long run, as HR issues can have serious consequences for their productivity, reputation, and legal compliance.

In this blog post, we'll explain why small businesses in the UK shouldn't be afraid of seeking HR advice, and how they can benefit from it in various ways.

The Benefits of Seeking HR Advice

There are many benefits to seeking external HR advice:

Avoiding potential problems: By seeking guidance, you can avoid potential issues before they arise. For example, you can ensure that your contracts, policies, and procedures are up to date and compliant with the latest employment laws and regulations. You can also prevent disputes and grievances from escalating into costly and time-consuming litigation.

Getting expert advice: When you seek human resources guidance, you're getting expert help from someone who is qualified and experienced in dealing with HR issues. They can provide you with practical and tailored solutions that suit your specific business needs and goals. They can also help you to implement best practices and standards that can improve your performance and competitiveness.

Peace of mind: By seeking guidance, you can have peace of mind knowing that you're doing everything you can to protect your business and your employees. You can also focus on your core activities and priorities, without having to worry about HR matters that may distract you or take up your valuable time.

How to Seek HR Advice

If you're a small business owner in the UK who wants to seek HR advice, you have several options to choose from:

-Online resources: There are many online resources that can provide you with basic information and guidance on HR topics. For example, you can visit the [GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/browse/employing-people) website for official advice on employing people, or the [ACAS](https://www.acas.org.uk/) website for free and impartial advice on workplace relations and employment law. However, online resources may not be enough to address your specific questions or concerns, or to provide you with personalised and in-depth support.

-HR helplines: Some small businesses sign up for remote HR helplines on expensive long-term contracts or use proformas not tailored to individual circumstances or specific to their business⁴. These services may offer you quick and convenient access to HR experts over the phone or email, but they may not be able to provide you with on-site support or follow-up assistance. They may also lack the local knowledge and understanding of your business context and culture.

-HR consultants: A more effective and flexible option is to hire an external HR consultant who can provide you with on-site support whenever you need it. An HR consultant can work with you on a project basis or on a regular basis, depending on your requirements and budget. They can also offer you a range of services, such as conducting audits, drafting documents, delivering training, managing recruitment, handling disputes, and more.

Conclusion

As a small business owner in the UK, you shouldn't be afraid of seeking HR advice. In fact, you should see it as an opportunity to improve your business and protect your interests. By seeking external HR advice, you can avoid potential problems, get expert advice, and have peace of mind.

If you're looking for a reliable and professional HR consultant who can help you with your HR needs, contact us today. We have a team of experienced and qualified HR specialists who can provide you with on-site support tailored to your business. We also work alongside employment solicitors who can ensure that all our services are in line with statutory legal requirements³.

Don't let HR issues hold you back from achieving your business goals. Let us take care of them for you.

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