Michael Dobson - Founder, Sapphire HR.
What were your career ambitions growing up?
Certainly, not to work in HR. It would have been something in sport if I’m honest – football (goalkeeper for Newcastle United), then cricketer. As I got slightly older/more realistic a Sport Psychologist or Sports Journalist. Eventually opting for the Sport Psychology Route at University (first time round).
Tell us about your current role?
I’m the Founder of Sapphire HR, a small but growing consultancy that supports SMEs with HR services. My role is a bit of everything-sales, finance, marketing, and of course, HR consulting. I still get involved in complex or unusual casework, which keeps things interesting. When you’re dealing with people, no two days are ever truly the same.
What is your proudest business achievement?
Surviving the pandemic was a huge milestone, especially as a young business. But more recently, doubling our revenue in the last 12 months has been a highlight.
How has your industry changed in the last decade?
It’s changed massively. The pandemic reshaped how businesses think about People Management, and now we’re on the brink of the biggest employment law changes since 1996. The pace of change has been relentless, but it’s also opened up opportunities to do things differently.
What are you currently working on?
We’re focused on scaling Sapphire HR to offer cost-effective solutions to SMEs across the UK. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes, but the goal is to grow sustainably while keeping our service personal and practical.
We’re also assisting businesses across the North East through the Better People Management Fund which offers eligible business in the North of Tyne Combined Authority Area up to 12 hours fully funded HR Support.
Tell us about the clients you work with.
We mainly support businesses with 1-250 employees. While we work nationwide, we’ve got a strong client base in the North East, which is where our roots are.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
Don’t overcomplicate things. We try to convey that in everything we do at Sapphire if we can explain a complicated process to someone using real-life examples or language then we’re doing something right.
What has been your biggest challenge?
I once completed a Marathon in under four hours, and completing exposure therapy for a specific phobia of snakes which were both mentally challenging.
Who are your heroes inside and outside of business?
Difficult one within business as try to do our own thing and not compare ourselves to other too much. Outside of it – it’ll be sport related and, in a year, where Newcastle won there first trophy for 70 years it’s probably hard to look past that.
How do you unwind outside of work?
Bit of an ongoing theme here with Sport but long-distance running etc, football, cricket and I’ve got my Season Ticket at Newcastle which fills most weekends.
Usually found at gigs during the Summer (we’ll always try and get to Glastonbury, tickets permitting). ‘Murphy’ our Sproodle who’s a lot more Springer than Poodle takes up the rest of our spare time.
Favourite Book and/or Boxset?
Me and my friends have always been huge fans of the Simpsons since we were kids to the point it’s a little bit sad. Non-Fiction wise I think The Chimp Paradox by Steve Peters is brilliant in explaining basics of Psychology and how the brain works. NonFiction I’d probably go with something I’ve not read in years but I’d love to re-read the Lord of the Rings books if I had the time.
www.sapphire-hr.co.uk