The Kea HR Journey

Supporting Small Businesses Since 2006

This article about the Kea HR journey was originally published in January 2024 to celebrate Kea HR’s 18th anniversary. Whilst some dates and figures reflect the position at the time of publication, the principles and values described remain at the heart of how we support SMEs today.

How Kea HR Began

I had worked in manufacturing, health care and financial services before joining an accountancy practice as their HR Manager. Initially I was appointed as the practices in-house HR Manager but began providing HR advice to some of the larger clients. I had always had an ambition to help small businesses and after a couple of years I left the accountants and set-up-as a sole trader. Then I quickly had to think about a company name, logo and business cards. The website, how I would charge and accounts came next.

The First Five Years

Some of the clients I had worked with at the accountancy practice continued to use me so I had a handful of clients right from the start. I also started to attend a few local networking events.

For the first couple of years, I worked as an interim HR Manager to keep some regular money rolling in, so the bank manager was happy. Some of the roles were long-term but part-time and others were short-term but full-time. I commenced my last interim role in January 2010, working 2 days per week, and completed that role in May 2010. So, from June 2010 I have concentrated 5 days per week on Kea HR clients.

Key Learning Points From Those Early Years

I learnt very early on that no one can be a Jack of All Trades! My favourite saying to potential clients is ‘an hour of my time can save many hours of your time!’. So, I began to practice what I preach and outsourced what I wasn’t good at or simply didn’t have the time to think about!

I also found that certain ‘friends’ were very negative and were constantly trying to knock me down. So, I learnt quickly to ditch the negative people and surround myself with people who support and encourage me.

What Has Changed Over the 18 Years

Not much to be honest. I formed a clear idea of the services I wanted to provide while I worked for the accountancy practice. I have always been a firm believer that one size does not fit all and the initial services I offered were based on that approach and I have never deviated from it. There has been some tweaking along the way but fundamentally the services I offer today are the same ones I offered back in 2006 and they are all customisable and flexible so I always make sure that what I offer a client really is designed specifically for them. I would never try to sell anyone a Ferrari when a Corsa would do the job.

I was also keen right from the beginning that clients would always talk to me, so they weren’t repeating themselves every time they rang about a particular employee. That is still the case now. I have back of house support but they are not client facing.

What Makes Kea HR Different?

Over the years, many clients have asked what makes Kea HR different from other HR providers. The answer is actually quite simple. My approach has remained largely unchanged since I started the business in 2006.

You Always Speak To The Same Person

When clients contact Kea HR, they speak directly to me. They are not passed between different advisers or required to explain the history of an issue every time they call. This allows me to build a detailed understanding of each client’s business, people and challenges so that advice is practical, relevant and consistent.

Support Is Tailored To Your Business

I have never believed that one size fits all. A business with five employees does not need the same level of HR support as a business with fifty employees. My aim has always been to provide the right level of support for the size, complexity and budget of each client.

Practical Advice Rather Than HR Jargon

Employment law can be complex, but HR advice should not be. I focus on providing practical, commercially sensible guidance that helps business owners make informed decisions whilst remaining legally compliant.

Long-Term Relationships Matter

Many of my clients have worked with me for five, ten, fifteen years or more. Some have been with me almost since the business began. I am proud that most new clients come through recommendations and referrals from existing clients.

Building Confidence, Not Dependency

My goal is not to create dependency. I want clients to gain the confidence to manage their people effectively whilst knowing that expert support is available whenever they need it. The greatest compliment I receive is when a client tells me they successfully handled a difficult situation using the knowledge and guidance I have provided.

Kea HR Clients

Some of those original accountancy clients are still with me today and those who aren’t were either bought out by larger businesses or ceased trading for one reason or another. I send a small gift to each client who reaches a five-year anniversary with me (5, 10, 15, 20 years as a client) and in 2024 I will be sending 6 – 15 year gifts, 15 – 10 year gifts and 21 – 5 year gifts. Today most of my new clients are referrals from existing clients with the remaining few finding me through Google or Yell and I do very little in the way of marketing.

What Makes Me Proud?

In 18 years I have only had one client that has received a tribunal claim and that was a spurious claim which was eventually withdrawn.

This will sound a bit daft, but I love it when a client gains the confidence to deal with difficult HR matters. It’s a bit like watching your kids go to University, you don’t stop thinking about them and they know you’re there if they need you, they just don’t need you as much!

I see it that as they first jump on the conveyer belt, they need a lot of support to keep their balance but once they get their balance, they drop off the end of the conveyer belt but can always jump back on either at the start or in the middle if they lose their balance again.

Looking Ahead

The world of work has changed significantly since I started Kea HR in 2006. Employment legislation continues to evolve, technology is transforming the workplace and employers face new challenges that would barely have been imagined twenty years ago.

Despite these changes, the fundamentals remain the same. Businesses need practical HR support, clear documentation and the confidence to manage their people fairly, consistently and legally.

As Kea HR moves into its next chapter, my focus remains unchanged: providing straightforward, commercially focused HR advice that helps SMEs navigate employment challenges and build successful workplaces.

I will continue to invest in new services, resources and technology where they add genuine value to clients, whilst maintaining the personal approach that has always been at the heart of the business.

Most importantly, I remain committed to helping business owners gain the confidence to manage their people effectively, knowing that expert support is available whenever they need it.

To everyone who has been part of the journey so far – clients, suppliers, networking contacts and supporters – thank you. Your trust, loyalty and recommendations have helped shape Kea HR into the business it is today, and I look forward to supporting SMEs for many years to come.

Supporting UK SMEs with practical HR advice since 2006.

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