Choosing the right HR support isn’t just a smart decision — it’s a strategic investment in your business’s success.
Whether you’re hiring your first employee or scaling a growing team, the HR support you choose can either empower your business to thrive — or expose it to avoidable risk, legal pitfalls, and cultural issues that damage morale and performance.
At HR Results Ltd, we understand the unique pressures that UK SMEs face. This guide will help you understand what kind of HR support is right for your business and how to find a provider that aligns with your goals — legally, operationally and strategically.
Why HR support is critical for your business
Effective HR support improves performance, prevents problems, and frees up your time to focus on growth. But it needs to be the right support — not just off-the-shelf advice or tick-box templates.
Too often, small businesses rely on basic admin support or reactive fixes. That may keep you afloat in the short term, but it won’t build a resilient business or a high-performing team.
Let’s break down the different levels of HR and how each one supports your organisation.
The three levels of HR support
HR isn’t just about compliance. It’s about creating the conditions for your business and people to thrive. That means understanding the different roles HR plays — and what level of support your business needs.
1. Operational HR – the compliance foundation
This is your essential day-to-day HR. It keeps you legal, consistent and protected.
Typical responsibilities:
➡️ Employment contracts, staff handbooks, HR policies
➡️ Absence and holiday management
➡️ Disciplinary and grievance procedures
➡️ Health and safety basics
This is the minimum every business must get right to avoid costly mistakes and legal risk.
2. Tactical HR – the people management engine
Tactical HR helps you run your team effectively and improve employee performance.
Typical responsibilities:
✅ Recruitment and onboarding
✅ Employee relations
✅ Performance reviews and feedback
✅ Line manager coaching and support
✅ Training and development
This level improves team capability and helps prevent problems before they arise.
3. Strategic HR – the growth driver
Strategic HR directly links people to performance. It’s what turns HR into a business enabler.
Typical responsibilities:
➡️ Organisational design and workforce planning
➡️ Leadership development and succession planning
➡️ Culture and engagement strategies
➡️ Change and transformation programmes
➡️ Employer branding and retention
This is the level where HR creates measurable business value.
At HR Results Ltd, we specialise in providing support across all three levels — tailored to your current needs and future plans.
Four ways to access HR support (and what they cost)
There are four main ways to get HR support — each with its pros, cons and costs.
Option 1: train an existing employee
✅ Cheapest upfront
✅ Risk of inexperience, limited legal knowledge
✅ Not suitable beyond basic admin
✅ Training and support still required, and mistakes can be costly
Option 2: hire an in-house HR manager
➡️ Dedicated presence on-site
➡️ Expensive salary, recruitment and benefits
➡️ May not be justifiable for smaller teams
➡️ Typical salary: £45,000–£60,000+ per year
Option 3: use a large HR provider
✅ 24/7 support and fixed-fee options
✅ Generic, call-centre advice
✅ Risk-averse, often lacks business insight
✅ From £200/month, rising with complexity
Option 4: work with an independent HR consultant
➡️ Tailored, expert support from someone who knows your business
➡️ Flexible, responsive and cost-effective
➡️ Strategic insight and practical implementation
➡️ Typical 2025–2026 rates:
Hourly: £90–£170
Daily: £700–£1,300
Call us, if you would like to know our rates.
Why choose an independent HR consultant?
As an SME, you need flexible, expert HR support that delivers real value — not off-the-shelf advice or bloated costs. That’s where an independent consultant like HR Results Ltd makes a difference.
1. Personalised support
We get to know your business, your people and your culture. No call centres. No scripts. Just trusted, one-to-one advice when you need it.
2. Flexible packages
From ad hoc support to ongoing partnerships, you only pay for what you need. Our services grow with your business — not against it.
3. Deep expertise
With years of experience supporting SMEs across multiple sectors, we know how to deliver practical HR that works in the real world — not just on paper.
4. Strategic thinking
We don’t just fix problems — we help you build strong foundations for growth, improve performance and retain your top talent.
5. Exceptional value
Get senior-level HR input for a fraction of the cost of hiring in-house — and avoid the risks of getting it wrong.
There's no one-size fits all approach to HR. The right solution depends on: The size of your team, your growth ambitions, the complexity of your people challenges, your bugdget and internal resources HR Results Ltd can help you find the right balance of operational, tactical and strategic HR, delivered in a way that works for your business, not just a corporate textbook. If you want HR support that's practical, personal and proactive not just legalese and paperwork, please do reach out 📱 0781 3084152 or email 📧 daxa@hrresultsltd.co.uk Taking your HR from 'to do' to 'done'
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