When you’re running or leading a growing business, the people challenges often come thick and fast. From hiring your first employee to navigating sensitive staff issues, staying compliant, and building a strong workplace culture — there’s a lot to juggle. And it rarely happens at the “right” time. While larger companies may have the luxury of in-house HR teams, many SMEs simply don’t have the resources. In these moments,  independent people professionals step in — and make all the difference.

 

Understanding the SME Reality

Many small and medium-sized businesses are doing it all — handling HR issues alongside client work, operations, and strategy. But people management is more than just paperwork and policies.

According to a 2023 survey, 43% of SMEs have no in-house HR expertise. At the same time, UK businesses face an average unfair dismissal tribunal award of £13,749. Tribunal claims, grievances, and employment disputes are not only costly but time-

It’s not about getting everything perfect but being prepared, informed, and supported can help prevent avoidable problems.

This is especially important during periods of growth. As teams expand, so do the complexities — from setting up systems for performance management to ensuring equality and equity in promotions and pay. Without proper structures in place, the risk of inconsistency and confusion rises quickly.

 

Why Independence Matters

Independent people professionals aren’t tied to internal politics or one-size-fits-all approaches. They work flexibly, often embedded into your business when needed — offering a fresh, objective lens on what’s really going on.

They bring:

• A practical, real-world perspective
• Strategic insight without the corporate price tag
• Tailored advice that fits your size, structure, and sector

And crucially, they get to know your business — offering continuity, not just quick fixes.

Independent people professionals and consultants also help small businesses build confidence in people decisions. According to a Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) report, over 65% of SMEs report that navigating employment law is one of their top operational challenges.

They’re particularly valuable during times of change — whether that’s scaling up, navigating restructuring, or adapting to new ways of working. But even outside of transitional periods, having the right HR support in place helps SMEs make confident people decisions every day. An independent consultant brings fresh ideas grounded in real-world experience.

 

What SMEs Often Get Wrong About HR

A few myths still linger in the world of small business:

• “We’re too small to need HR” — If you’ve got people, you’ve got HR responsibilities.
• “HR is just hiring and firing” — HR is about culture, engagement, performance, and protection.
• “HR is too expensive” — Getting support early can save significant costs down the line.

Debunking these myths is key to building stronger, more resilient businesses.

 

The Strategic Value They Bring

Independent HR consultants aren’t just there for hiring and firing. They can:

• Set up contracts, policies, and onboarding the right way
• Help you navigate tough conversations and tricky exits
• Support restructures, TUPE processes, or mergers
• Build out your people strategy for growth
• Improve retention and engagement with meaningful practices

In fact, structured HR processes are linked to 22% greater productivity. Strong HR support can also reduce costly staff turnover, miscommunications, and disputes before they escalate.

They also help drive a proactive approach to culture and leadership — supporting managers to lead well, creating environments where people feel valued and enabling teams to work better together.

Another benefit? Continuity and consistency. Rather than relying on generic downloads or firefighting HR issues, you get support from someone who understands your goals and people.

 

How to Know You Need Support

Not sure whether it’s time to bring in expert help? Here are some signs:

• You’re unsure if your contracts or policies are up to date
• Employee issues are taking up more time than you’d like
• You’re growing, but your people systems aren’t keeping up
• You want to improve culture and retention but don’t know where to start

These are all indicators that some expert support could help you feel more in control — and give your team the structure they need.

 

Why Accreditation Adds Confidence

Accredited HRi Certified^® consultants are independent professionals who’ve been assessed against the HRi Professional Standards. That means:

• Proven capability across HR fundamentals
• Professional accountability
• Ongoing commitment to standards and development

They’re trusted experts who understand the nuance of UK employment law and the realities of running a small business.

They help and support SMEs:

• Avoid the overwhelm of compliance
• Tackle HR issues early
• Build scalable, people-first approaches to growth
• Develop people strategies aligned to business goals

And because they’re independent, they’re agile. They’re able to work with you when and how you need them, without the overhead of hiring in-house. You get high-quality HR expertise that flexes with your business.

 

Case Example

This fictional example illustrates the type of support independent consultants can offer:

Imagine a small tech that goes from four to twelve employees in a year. The founder initially handles HR informally. But as the team grows, inconsistencies start to surface. Roles are unclear, pay conversations become awkward, and performance reviews fall by the wayside.

An independent HRi Certified^® consultant is brought in to create tailored job descriptions, implement a clear review process, and support the leadership team in managing performance more confidently. Within six months, communication improves, team alignment strengthens, and the founder experiences less people-related stress.

It’s a realistic scenario and one that shows how practical, people-focused support from an HRi Certified consultant^® can help build better businesses.

That’s the value of working with someone who understands both people and business — support that fits your needs and helps your team grow with confidence.

 

The Bottom Line

HR support goes beyond compliance. It’s about culture, performance, retention, and growth. And when you partner with someone who understands your business, your team, and your goals, the impact is long-lasting.

You don’t need a full HR department. But you do need someone you can trust — someone who can guide you, challenge you, and give you peace of mind.

Explore the HRi Directory to find an accredited HRi Certified^® independent people professional who can support your business today.

 

Author: Mary Asante | HRi

 

References:

1. HR News (2023), Recruitment is Voted the Greatest Challenge Faced by HR Departments: https://hrnews.co.uk/recruitment-is-voted-the-greatest-challenge-faced-by-hr-departments/
2. UK Government Tribunal statistics quarterly: April to June 2024: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/tribunals-statistics-quarterly-april-to-june-2024
3. FSB Small Business Index Q1 2023: https://www.fsb.org.uk/resources-page/small-business-index-q1-2023.html