In a move that underscores her commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Diane MacTavish - owner of HR Dept Newcastle North, North Tyneside and Northumberland - is expanding her footprint to include HR Dept Durham and Newcastle South.
The newly unified territory will operate under the banner of HR Dept Newcastle, Durham and Northumberland North and will offer even more businesses access to Diane’s tailored, practical and personal HR expertise.
For years, Diane has been a trusted partner to SMEs across the North East, delivering the kind of hands-on HR support typically reserved for large corporations with inhouse teams. Her approach is personal, rooted in a deep understanding of the local business landscape and the unique challenges faced by employers in the region.
“Expanding into Durham and Newcastle South is a natural progression, and I am looking forward to meeting and working with our new clients and looking to build on our growing client base by welcoming more new clients,” Diane explains. “It means more business owners can benefit from proactive, affordable HR support that helps them manage risk, navigate complex legislation and build stronger, more resilient teams.”
The expansion comes at a time when many SMEs are grappling with economic uncertainty, the incoming Employment Rights Bill and the increasing difficulties of attracting and retaining talent. Diane’s services are designed to alleviate these pressures, offering everything from dayto-day HR advice to strategic guidance in a cost-effective way.
What sets Diane apart is her commitment to local, bespoke support. Rather than offering generic solutions, she and her team take the time to understand each client’s business, culture and goals. Whether it’s a family-run shop in Northumberland or a fast-growing tech firm in Newcastle, Diane ensures that every HR solution is tailored to fit.
Her clients span a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and retail to healthcare and not-for-profit organisations. This diversity has equipped Diane with a broad perspective and the ability to respond to the evolving needs of different sectors. She’s known not just for her expertise, but for her accessibility and genuine care for the businesses she supports.
“Most SMEs don’t need a full-time HR department,” Diane notes. “But they do need someone they can trust to help them handle sensitive issues, stay compliant and create a positive working environment. That’s where we come in.”
The newly expanded HR Dept Newcastle, Durham and Northumberland North will continue to offer core services such as:
HR advice line for day-to-day queries
Employment contracts and handbooks
Recruitment and onboarding support
Absence and performance management
Disciplinary and grievance procedures
Redundancy and restructuring guidance
Management Training and coaching
HR audits and information systems
HR strategy and initiatives
Diane’s growth also reflects the strength of the HR Dept network – a nationwide organisation providing outsourced HR services to SMEs across the UK. As part of this network, Diane combines local insight with national resources, ensuring her clients benefit from best-in-class support.
Her expansion is more than a business milestone; it’s a celebration of the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. By extending her services to Durham and Newcastle South, Diane is helping more businesses thrive, one tailored HR solution at a time.
For more information, you can get in touch with Diane on 0191 283 8732 or email diane.mactavish@hrdept.co.uk