BoltonHR is an independent HR provider supporting businesses that don’t have an internal HR function as well as businesses that do but need additional HR resources.
Founder Emma Bolton has gained a wealth of HR knowledge and experience working mainly with large organisations but also with SMEs. Her most recent role (for 15 years) was HR business partner at Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service where she lead on many complex change cases and also implemented their Talent Management Strategy and promotional pathways to embed their journey of culture change for the service.
Emma left the role in 2023 with a dream of having her own business and knew there were many businesses out there she could help that would benefit from her experience. Here, she shares her business inspirations, discusses the Boost support she received, and why Lancashire is a great place to do business.
I contacted Boost through a recommendation from another business owner who had been supported through one of their programmes. I had already started my business and was in the very early stages when I enrolled onto the Flying Start Programme and was floundering a bit. I am an expert in HR but I soon realised I am not an expert in running a business…yet!
I received one-to-one support through the business advisers as and when I needed it. It became clear in the first one – I had missed a few planning steps out and so they got be back on track. I have accessed a lot of their workshops too. It has helped me focus on my offer and with social media and the check-ins really help when I need to refocus or just to get encouragement as its quite lonely being a sole trader.
Know your worth and don’t undersell yourself – I am an expert in HR. I keep repeating this mantra as its quite easy to let the self-doubt creep in.
My family – I want more than anything to show our children (Freddie and Harriet) to be brave, take a risk and grab opportunities- as you never know where the path will lead.
I know I can really help and add value – I am well-equipped to support businesses with or without an HR function and help them with their tricky people challenges and put good proactive processes in place to save them time and money.
I work in a business partner capacity with business owners to support with employment law advice and their people and culture challenges. My aim is to save them time and money by taking the problem off their hands, dealing with it in a fair and equitable way, and putting in place proactive people solutions to avoid the problem happening again.
I know I can share my knowledge and experience to help the businesses improve their people and culture throughout the employee life cycle. I would love the business to grow to a point where I can employ another HR consultant and an IT role during the next three years.
I walk with my Labrador Luna, but if I am feeling really energetic maybe a run!
We are in the heart of the North West and Lancashire has heart. It’s friendly, innovative and there is a history of great British businesses founded within Lancashire already which contributes massively towards the local economy. There is also a lot of regeneration projects ongoing that will support local businesses and make it a destination of choice.
It’s a no brainer – it’s an amazing resource. The support is invaluable – from business advice, mentoring, access to workshops for development, networking to peer groups and one-to-ones and its all fully funded.
The journey will be up and down so remembering self-care is really important. Rome wasn’t built in a day and so breathe and enjoy the journey – I need this as my mantra too.
If you’re looking to grow, scale or start your business, use Boost; Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub. We offer a range of funded business support services. Call our Business Support Helpdesk on 0800 488 0057 to find out more or complete our enquiry form.
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