Inspired to set up the right Link

A Stratford-based businesswoman, has decided to put her HR experience to the test and launch her own business, following redundancy.

Helen Gascoyne-Davies was inspired to set up The HR Link after the law firm she was working at closed.

The HR Link has been set up to provide specialist human resource consultancy and outsourcing services to small and medium-sized businesses across the region.

The 42-year-old was able to establish the business, which she runs from her home in Stratford-upon-Avon, after she received support from the Stratford District Council Business Start Up programme delivered by Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.

She was introduced to the programme during a local networking event held at the Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre, where a business mentor from the Chamber of Commerce spoke about the benefits of support available to new business enterprises.

Helen has over 20 years' experience working within human resource management and as a mum with two young children she was eager to find a career that also offered the flexibility to fit around her childcare commitments.

Helen said: “I started out at a junior level before moving into more senior positions.  I have built up a wealth of experience as a human resource manager working in a variety of sectors including law, marketing, manufacturing, hospitality and insurance & risk services.

“When faced with redundancy, and as a mum of two, I couldn't afford to be out of work for long and I was keen to maintain the level of seniority I had secured whilst in employment.

“The job market has changed considerably over the last few years and I found there were few opportunities that offered the flexibility to fit around childcare commitments."

She added: “It has always been an ambition of mine to launch my own business and the support provided by the Chamber has given me the push that I need to take those first steps and drive the business forward.

“My business mentor, Margaret Bull, has been extremely supportive and has offered professional, relevant and helpful advice to allow me to begin to establish the business.

“She is currently helping to draw up both cash flow and marketing plans and I am also hoping to attend the training sessions provided by the Chamber to help business owners improve their skills and knowledge.

“I secured my first client early on and have since added three additional businesses to the client portfolio – offering a range of advice and guidance on HR policies and procedures, contracts of employment, recruitment and selection and career coaching services.

“It is tough starting out in business and you have to be resilient and motivated to achieve success but I am really looking forward to building up a client base and I am eager to pass on my knowledge and experience to businesses that may not have the structure in place to take on a HR professional in-house."

Margaret Bull, business advisor at the Chamber, said: “Helen was very motivated to set up her own business and both her knowledge and experience in the sector has meant that The HR Link has got off to a flying start.

“It can be very daunting to lose your job, particularly if you have young children, but starting your own business can be a positive step forward.

“Helen has a good business idea and with the support provided by the Chamber through the Stratford District Council Start Up programme she has been able to develop her business plan and start marketing the services."

Dave Webb, Head of Enterprise Housing & Revenues Stratford District Council, said: “We are delighted that Helen has received the support and help that she needed to establish her new business. We wish her every success in her new venture and look forward to seeing more new business start-ups in the District that will help our economy grow."

The Chamber's start-up programme provides a range of business support to help people take those first steps towards running their own business with advice on finance, marketing and business planning.

For more information please contact Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on 02476 654321.