Oculus HR have recently celebrated 10 years in business with Founder and Managing Director Louise Kennedy at the helm. As the multi awardwinning company looks to the future with further growth and expansion on the horizon we take a closer look at the team behind Oculus HR.
Based in Sunderland the team which has grown to a dynamic five includes HR specialists and operations support. The experienced team provide innovative and flexible HR solutions to SMEs regionally and nationally through their dedicated and holistic approach. Building an extensive client list along the way which includes the Foundation of Light, Queensway Orthodontics, Tyne Coast College, Midas Cladding and Glendale Transport.
The team of five are committed to creating value to businesses, in particular SMEs to invest and develop their HR strategy. Offering outsourced HR and consultancy to SMEs across the region, covering all aspects of employment, including employment contracts, policies and procedures, performance reviews, disciplinary and grievance meetings. With recent trends showing that HR is becoming ever more needed with the wide variety of legislative changes in addition to variations in working practices it has proven instrumental for Louise to build a strong and versatile team.
Louise Kennedy, Managing Director at Oculus HR said: “Building and maintaining a strong team is key. The team have a wealth of experience across an array of sectors and our clients have benefited from tailored support. A number of our clients have been with us since inception, and this is a real testament to the team. Even though we are an outsourced provider we pride ourselves on becoming a vital extension and in turn part of the business, this really is our USP, and this format has helped escalate our growth substantially.”
The HR agency which takes a ‘refreshing view’ on HR continues to see year-on-year growth, a key part of the expansion plan is the further investment in staffing resources to service their growing and diverse range of client needs. Led by Louise, who was awarded Best Small Business at the Women Inspiring North East (WIN) Awards 2022, and Highly Commended Best Independent Business at the Sunderland Echo Business Excellence Awards 2022, Louise’s track record is second to none.
Louise has particular experience in providing guidance on building HR strategies for future business growth and change, and is supported by Claire Dodds, Hayley Ramm, Deborah Ebdy and Eddie Kennedy as operational support.
It was recently announced that experienced HR professional and CIPD member Claire Dodds had joined the team on a full-time basis. Claire has been working in HR for over 20 years with specific industry experience in Retail, Software Technology and the Automotive industry.
Claire said: “Building relationships is key to success in any role but definitely in HR, you also need to be pragmatic and not just quote procedure and process, alongside being approachable and listening and observing conversations.”
HR Support Specialist, Hayley Ramm is CIPD qualified, with over 20 years’ experience in HR across manufacturing, automotive and call centre environments. Completing a host of necessary HR tasks behind the scenes for the team of HR Consultants, Hayley says:
“No one week is the same, different clients, different SME’s, different cases, all with new puzzles or projects to solve every week.”
Deborah Ebdy has worked with the company for over five years, firstly as a consultant and more recently as an employee. Deborah has over 15 years’ experience in the Education sector as a HR Manager. With extensive experience in managing mergers, site relocation and trade union disputes. Deborah was attracted to HR because of her interest to work with lots of different people.
Deborah said: “Working with new clients can bring so much job satisfaction as you can sense their relief when you are able to help and support them with issues which have been concerning for them.”
Louise added: “We’ve hit 2023 running. From new clients, our successful podcast series to numerous award shortlists and wins, combined with a number of exciting developments in the pipeline. The future is looking very bright indeed, and I’m excited to be on the journey with such a dedicated and experienced team around me.”
With a number of awards under their wing including news just landing that Oculus HR are a Finalist for the 2023 Great British Entrepreneur Awards & Community – Service Industries Entrepreneur of the Year category, this is one business journey we look forward to continuing to shine the light on in the years to come.
To find out more about the support packages available for businesses contact the team at Oculus HR: louise@oculus-hr.co.uk