A HORWICH-based HR company specialising in helping companies “grow” their own staff is celebrating a year of growth itself.

The People Shed in Lee Lane was set up a year ago by Rachael Franklin and Rachel Saunders. They had both been working in senior roles for a number of large retail and franchise businesses.

“We were involved with about 100 franchisees and learned a lot about their problems and how to help them,” explained Rachael Franklin, who lives in Westhoughton.

They felt that SME’s generally needed HR support to ensure they had the foundations in place to grow. They chose the name The People Shed “because we wanted to provide the tools for companies to grow through their own people,” stated Rachael.

“We don’t just offer HR advice,” she added. “We look at ways to improve company development. Often, if there is an HR problem, there’s more involved and it’s something we can help improve.”

She stressed the importance of good practice right from the outset: “Even if companies only start with one employee, it’s really important to have a HR structure in place. Then if the business grows, it’s there ready for future employees.”

The People Shed itself has thrived over the last 12 months, moving – after franchisees asked for this service – into recruitment and were joined by Nicola Knight as Client Manager. She has also spent many years in HR but specialises in recruitment. “She not only makes the most out of popular job boards,” said Rachael, “but also uses traditional methods to shortlist only the best candidates.”

“We are quite traditional in recruitment but work closely with businesses to ensure they get exactly the right person in the right role, at the right time.”

As well as becoming members of local networking groups like Business For Breakfast and marketing support organisation thebestofbolton, The People Shed is also actively involved in supporting local charities Children Today and Hope for the Homeless..

Stated Rachael: “Now, we’re looking forward to the next 12 months and hope that we enjoy the same sort of success we’ve had in our first year.”

Caption: CELEBRATION – From left, Rachael Franklin, Nicola Knight and Rachel Saunders celebrate the first anniversary of HR company The People Shed