Aycliffe Business catches up for a chat with HR2Day founder Nicky Jolley…
AB: Tell us about HR2day
NJ: Based at Yarm industrial estate, Darlington, we are an outsourced HR provider for SMEs who employ between 10 and 250 people in Teesside and across the UK.
We are very lucky to work with great clients from a range of sectors including not-for-profit, technology and IT, beauty and personal care, farming and manufacturing and engineering.
The team is seven strong and have gained CIPD qualifications. They manage their own accounts, supporting in house HR professionals and businesses who don’t have their own HR function. We work as a team to ensure continuity and cover all year round.
Our service includes onboarding, writing, reviewing, and implementing HR policies and procedures including sickness, disciplinaries and tribunals, promotions and exit interviews.
We also provide mediation, bespoke training and development and leadership and management programmes.
AB: What are the benefits of outsourcing the HR function?
NJ: The benefits are endless. We essentially aim to solve HR problems and create and implement HR policies and procedures that align with our clients’ values and more importantly, ensuring that they are legally compliant.
We are all aware of the recruitment and retention crisis.
Commitment to continuous training and development are key for any business to attract and retain top talent. Our bespoke training and development programmes, and leadership coaching, supports our clients’ employee career pathways.
Many business owners are embracing mental health support programmes for their employees. We aim to help clients cultivate a positive work culture and offer wellbeing support, focussing on mental health strategies in the workplace.
Employee satisfaction is key to the success of every business! It is not rocket science, and whilst most business owners have good intentions and want to support their employees, they don’t have the time to. My team can step in and ensure HR related matters are addressed promptly and professionally.
We can save the client a lot of time, freeing them up to develop and implement growth strategies. The costs they save by outsourcing their HR function can be reinvested in their business – it’s a win, win situation.
AB: Why did you decide to set up you own company?
NJ: I’ve always wanted to be my own boss. I took the leap and launched the business in 2010 after leaving an HR management role in the oil and gas sector.
It has certainly been a journey, and I have learned a lot over the last 13 years. It’s the best career decision I have made and I have no regrets.
I get a lot of satisfaction when I hear clients talking about my team and the positive impact their problem solving has on their business.
AB: What ‘s next for HR2day
NJ: We are currently recruiting both administration and HR account managers roles and have aspirations to expand the team further.
We are working with a local provider to develop our own bespoke software, which will not only streamline our own processes, but give our clients greater access to their own HR records.
I am passionate about giving back to the community. HR2day has its own charity committee and we have hosted two charity balls, raising more than £30,000 each for local charities, with a third ball planned for the autumn in support of St Teresa’s Darlington Hospice.
I enjoy taking part in hiking challenges to support charities including Macmillan Cancer raising over £1,000 each year.
I have recently signed up to support the Power of Women campaign and I’m looking forward to working with them. I am really keen to do what I can to help young girls reach their goals.
Visit hr2day.co.uk
