Here's the reality, your people want to know how they're doing NOW, not in 6 months time. They want to grow, develop and be challenged. But most importantly? They want to be heard.

What's the most common HR emergency in your business?

Our bespoke People Planning Process - a structured approach that works for businesses of all sizes. This methodology takes each client through a carefully designed journey, starting with a deep understanding of their business and unique challenges before creating and implementing tailored solutions.

After four years of running his business solo, Phil Gregory faced the daunting task of hiring his first employee. With The People Consultancy's support, he completed the entire hiring process within a week, ensuring full compliance and confidence. "Emily has a gift of making the complicated and scary seem manageable," says Phil, who has since continued with business coaching, leading to improved processes and increased work capacity.

I see you, fellow business owners. I see you because I was you.

Building my consultancy was like riding a roller coaster – exhilarating and terrifying all at once. Growing the team, landing bigger clients, living what seemed like the entrepreneurial dream. But beneath the surface, something was crumbling.

The weight of responsibility became crushing.

With my 'business therapist' hat on, I see this pattern emerge time and time again. A business owner comes to me frustrated that their marketing isn't working, or their team member isn't performing, or they can't seem to delegate effectively.

"I just need you in that meeting with me."

Three weeks ago, Sarah* reached out about what seemed like a straightforward HR issue – ongoing performance challenges in her team. But as we sat down together, it became clear there was so much more beneath the surface.

Are you leaving performance to chance in your business? Are you just hoping to get the results you want without clarity?

I see this all the time - usually resulting in a stressed, frustrated business owner, taking it all on themselves.

There is another way.

In my 15+ years supporting business owners, one truth stands out. When your people are your biggest headache, your business becomes a burden rather than a joy.

Here's what I know …

You know exactly what I'm talking about - that employee who consistently underperforms, the one you've been meaning to address for weeks, months, maybe even years. Yet, here you are, once again picking up their slack, feeling the weight of unresolved issues on your shoulders.

About Emily … Throughout my career, I've learned that true business transformation comes from addressing both the strategic and human elements of an organisation. That's why I focus on developing comprehensive solutions that align your people strategy with your business objectives, while ensuring you're protected legally and ethically.

As a performance coach and HR consultant, I've seen countless small business owners really struggle with a common challenge - creating accountability among their employees.

The sleepless nights, stress, frustration and overwhelm that come as a result of this are no joke.

Here's why it happens...

I've seen it countless times. Clients reach out when they're paralysed, unable to move forward. The culprit? A business setback that's shattered their confidence and planted seeds of doubt.

These experiences can be crippling, making you second-guess every decision.

But here's the truth - they don't have to define you.

This client's journey is seriously impressive - organic growth over a decade to a team of 30, fuelled by a fantastic culture.

But like many growing businesses, they've hit a common hurdle. A lack of structure creating bottlenecks for the owners.

Ever had one of those days where you're staring at your computer screen, thinking, "Is this really worth it?"

I recently worked with a recruitment business owner, who was having way too many of those days. She was at her wit's end - stressed, overwhelmed, and seriously contemplating throwing in the towel on her business dreams.

I'm putting together a newsletter specifically for small businesses like yours. It's my way of keeping you in the loop about the big HR changes coming your way — without the legal jargon headache.

Think of it as your HR cheat sheet, your “go to”.

Are you leaving your teams performance to chance? Are you just hoping for results?

This was a conversation I had with a client yesterday.

My client, a successful business owner was becoming increasingly frustrated with his team. From his perspective they were spending too much time on their phones, not enough time speaking to clients and certainly not hitting sales targets.

Remember, accountability isn't about pointing fingers. It's about creating an environment where everyone takes ownership of their work and its outcomes.

As a leader, embracing accountability might feel uncomfortable at first, but it's a game-changer for your business and your team's growth.

The magic happens when these elements align:

• Clarity ensures everyone's moving in the same direction.
• Accountability keeps the momentum going.
• A performance-focused culture makes excellence the norm, not the exception.

Without talented high performing team members, that are happy and healthy your business won't thrive. Don't leave their success – and by extension, your business's success – to chance. Invest in a clear, actionable people strategy. Your future self will thank you.