Case Study:
the benefit of outsourced HR for SMEs
Bridging the personnel gap for over 9 years for HWB Chartered Accountants
No longer the preserve of larger organisations, increasing numbers of small to medium sized enterprises are outsourcing their HR requirements, freeing managers to focus on core business activities without the expense of employing HR staff directly.
Southampton-based HWB Chartered Accountants is a classic example of a local SME that uses outsourcing. For nine years they have relied on FirstHR for valuable expertise, confident in their similar business values consolidated by a ten-year pedigree.
What triggered HWB into action?
By 2001, HWB had experienced a number of years of regular growth which had led to an increase in its staffing levels. This meant that some senior members of staff
were being pulled in two directions, juggling core activities with personnel pressures. If growth was to be sustained and high standards maintained, then the professionals needed an HR function that would allow them to concentrate their accountancy and taxation expertise on their client base.
Vanessa Van Daal, HR Consultant - FirstHR Ltd with Geoff Rhodes, Director - HWB Chartered Accountants
Taking the pressure off HWB – an enduring partnership
HWB initially contracted FirstHR to produce a Staff Handbook, formulate the Policies and Procedures with the firm, and prepare employment contracts. HWB Director, Geoff Rhodes’ decision to call in FirstHR was primarily based on a similarity in business values:
“We pride ourselves on working closely with our clients to become their trusted business adviser. As a result, most of our clients come to us through recommendation and stay with us for years. Both FirstHR and HWB aim to be an objective, specialist addition to a client’s team, adding value at all times.”
As HWB flourished, this four-year taster led to greater commitment and an enduring partnership. Since 2005, FirstHR has managed HWB’s entire HR function. Weekly visits to HWB ensure that all HR concerns are dealt with first hand, from managing all employment contractual requirements, absence and appraisals to training, coaching and development.
FirstHR outsourcing – how it works for HWB
Affordable: based on a daily rate, charges are calculated against an agreed work schedule – HWB controls the level of service provided.
Flexible: once all systems, records, documentation and procedures are made legally compliant and reflect current best practice, the number of contractual days can be tailored to individual business needs – HWB operates a bespoke, budget-friendly HR function.
HWB's offices in Chandlers Ford, Southampton
On-site visits: regular hands-on support by fully-qualified staff for any personnel issue – HWB focuses on core business activities.
Full range of services: delivered by fully qualified, experienced personnel – HWB accesses a wide pool of specialised resources.
Cost- and space-effective: no requirement to provide a company car, holiday pay, holiday, sickness and absence cover; zero to minimum office space required – HWB has the flexibility to control the level of spend on its HR function.
24-hour helpline: support and advice is always available by telephone or email as a stand-alone service or as an integral part of regular on-site support – HWB solves any HR issues swiftly and efficiently.
Full protection: indemnity insurance covers all costs involved in the preparation and representation at employment tribunal together with all awards; all advice is covered, whether given via the helpline or staff whilst dealing with HR matters on site – HWB gains complete peace of mind.
The successful partnership between HWB and FirstHR continues with both parties working together to maximise the benefits of outsourcing as Gayle Taylor, MD of FirstHR outlines:
“FirstHR provides HWB with a fresh approach to the fulfilment of the HR function on an affordable, flexible, in-house basis that has all the benefits of outsourcing, yet leaves HWB firmly in control.”
By relieving HWB’s key personnel of all HR issues, FirstHR has enabled this fifty-strong Chartered Accountants to sustain its commercial edge in delivering exceptional accountancy, taxation and business advisory services to its clients.
First HR can help your business fulfil all of its HR obligations, freeing up time & resources for you to drive the business forward.
Contact us today to learn more about our expert HR services & advice. We even provide a FREE HR Health Check so you can be sure your business is on the right track!
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