Jo Davies and her team at human resource specialists HR Alchemy have proved invaluable to many businesses since Covid lockdown changed our daily lives.
When the crisis hit, the Middlesbrough-based firm – which works with several companies on Aycliffe Business Park – faced a deluge of calls from clients needing guidance on how best to look after their staff.
“We had to become experts on Covid and the furlough scheme very quickly,” admits managing director Jo.
“Keeping my staff safe and happy was a priority for me. Luckily, the business was built on the team being able to work flexibly, so it was quite natural to establish a routine of working from home and communicating via Zoom.”
HR Alchemy has gained clients as more and more companies have realised the value of good HR support.
“I can’t put into words how amazing HR Alchemy have been,” says Wander Films’ creative director Chloe Clover.
“They updated us every day during Covid and we felt so lucky to have their support through some very scary months.”
Mabo managing director Lee Mableson has been equally impressed, saying: “I couldn’t rate them any higher.
“I see HR Alchemy as a massively valued extension to Mabo’s own personnel, which is very reassuring when you need to know what your options are and where you stand as an employer – and quick!
“Their response times are great and they’re always on hand to answer any of the many questions that can pop up – their experience is invaluable to us.”
Of course, it’s not just the bad times that HR Alchemy are there for.
“They are exceptional during the good times too,” says Chloe.
“They have helped us double our team and given us the strength and support to grow during such uncertainty – they are next level!”
Jo is humbled by the praise from her clients and is convinced that, as a region, we can emerge from what has been a devastating situation.
“HR Alchemy just needs to keep offering great customer service, support and value for money and hopefully we will bounce back and go from strength to strength,” she adds.
Find out more at hralchemy.co.uk.