A HUMAN resources specialist has left the corporate world to pursue her dream of setting up her own company.

Karen Pilkington, who worked for Bolton based firm Vernacare, has launched her new venture The HR Dept Bolton, which offers outsourced HR advice to local small and medium sized businesses.

After being on maternity leave, Karen decided to change her career and go it alone in the world of business.

And her first major client in her new role is her former employers, a manufacturer of medical products which aim to reduce the spread of infection.

Karen, who lives in Lostock, has bought the franchise to run The HR Dept under license from the Bristol-based company, which consists of a national network of more than 60 HR experts running independent businesses around the UK and Ireland.

She said: "I was keen to return to my career but I decided that I wanted more of a challenge, hopefully more flexibility, and I have always wanted to run my own business.

“I’ve been off work for nine months after the birth of our second child and during that time I reassessed my priorities and I want to be in charge of my own destiny.

“I was interested in The HR Dept about five years ago but I didn’t commit at that time. Having that support from a national company really appeals to me. And I feel that with a further five years’ experience behind me that now is the right time to do it.

“I’m a bit nervous on how it’s all going to pan out. But I’m a glass half full person so I’m going to give it a good shot. I’ve had a couple of sales appointments already and it’s great to have Vernacare on board — it gives me some stability and makes the whole prospect much less daunting.”

Gemma Tumelty, managing director of the HR Dept, said: “Congratulations to Karen for setting up her new business and it’s great to see that she has a client on board already.

“Bolton is a fertile ground for SMEs and we are sure that Karen’s business will be a great success."