Notts HR firm opens Derby office

A human resources company which has recently been named one of the top 100 small businesses in the UK is opening a new office in Derby, creating four new jobs.

Next Steps HR is the brainchild of businesswoman Neena Sharma who has worked as a human resources director for leading brands including John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, PKF Cooper Parry, Lloyds Banking Group and Siemens.

She had responsibility for companies with more than 3,000 staff and a role which saw her travel all over Europe, the US and the Middle East.

Now she is using her skills and experience to offer HR, recruitment, training and mediation services to support small to medium businesses who don’t have the need for a dedicated HR department, but still require vital HR support.

The company has been based in offices in Strelley Hall, in Nottinghamshire, and this month opens a second branch at Oberoi Business Hub, in Pride Park.

Sharma said: “Next Steps HR enables me to use the experience, versatility and knowledge I’ve gained in my career to benefit a range of businesses – large and small – from all sectors.

“Our clients are not tied into a contract with us; they can use us as and when they require. We’re not a call centre, we meet people face to face, and companies’ have their own dedicated point of contact so they don’t have to explain themselves again and again.”

“In HR, the challenges are often the same regardless of the size of the company. Every organisation needs people and getting the best from them is vital whether you are running Apple or running an applecart.

“In small companies, the challenges are actually bigger – in a company of three if one person calls in sick regularly you have lost a third of your workforce, which would normally be unheard of in a larger organisation.

“We work with companies in developing their people, simplifying employment legislation and keeping them up to date and compliant, which in turn enables them to get on and take care of business.”

“Success relies on people; they are the single largest cost for any employer, but ensuring they remain your single largest asset can be a challenge. You can have the best product, the best idea, the best service but unless you develop, grow and look after your people your business will inevitably fail.”