One of Wales’ longest-established business support organisations has launched a new service designed to help businesses with their human resource needs.

The service has been launched by the Centre for Business after it saw an increased demand for these resources, particularly during a record last quarter which saw it help more than 200 start-ups.

It is available to businesses of all sizes and will help assist with all aspects of HR, from template policies, procedures and contracts, to a complete HR review and implementation, including performance monitoring, recruitment, psychometric testing and assessment centres. It also offers guidance through disciplinary and grievance procedures, as well as resource for independent investigations.

The service will be headed up by Sarah Whittle, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development with more than 20 years’ experience in HR. During that time, Mrs Whittle has worked for a number of business support organisations, while also spending 12 years as a consultant advising businesses from a range of difference sectors. Last year she became Head of Human Resources for the Centre for Business and South Wales Chamber of Commerce, and she will continue this role while overseeing the new service.

Mrs Whittle said: “Whether a business employs one or 1,000, they will have a requirement for HR activity. We have seen a marked increase in demand from businesses that can’t afford the investment of a belt and braces HR department.

“We have found that the requirements vary depending on the stage of development the business is in. Start-ups need to put policies in place, while companies a little further down the line tend to need to look at profitability and performance. Then are those that are growing, so the owner doesn’t have time to devote to looking at how to resource increased demand for their product or service.

“Whatever stage a business is at, we can offer all of them a portable and cost-effective HR solution that gives them the peace of mind to know their procedures are compliant and effective, allowing them to focus on other areas of business development.”

One business that has already seen the benefits of the service is Newport-based revitabeauty. The luxurious salon in Charles Street opened in July this year, offering everything from OPI nails, manicures and pedicures to massages and Oxygen Skin Calm facials.

Owner, Annamaria Hunter, said: “Professionalism and standards are key to our success internally and externally. Having structured people policies, contracts of employment, code of conduct, disciplinary and grievance policies in place within an overall Human Resources framework has been crucial to allow me to manage effectively and to a high standard from the outset.

“I could not have set up such a best practice approach to people and staffing without the help and guidance of Centre for Business Human Resources. I also know that if I have any difficult issues to tackle, my HR toolkit will be a wonderful assistance equipping me to take appropriate and legally compliant action. This, coupled with a friendly ear, has been so worthwhile.

“I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Centre for Business Human Resources service to other business start-ups and existing businesses too. I have found the support to be excellent and I feel confident it will contribute to the overall success of revitabeauty.”