Swindon and Wiltshire’s small and medium-sized firms are employing more staff while making fewer redundancies, according to figures gathered by regional accountancy firm Monahans.
The firm, which has a string of offices including in Swindon and Chippenham, is one of only a handful of its size offering specialist HR consultancy services to SMEs.
Over the past year it has provided support to more than 115 businesses – with an increase of 72% in recruitment projects and a reduction of 45% in those centred on redundancies.
There has also been an increase in the number of companies considering employing apprentices and looking to boost the number of younger staff.
Monahans HR director Peta Fry said: “The outlook for our region is looking positive.
“It’s true we are still suffering from technical skills gaps, particularly in the manufacturing and engineering sectors. However, we have seen a number of businesses look at new initiatives to overcome the issues and grow their own workforce.
“Mentoring and buddying older employees with younger ones to share their skills is just one way we’re helping our clients make sure they’re as resilient as possible to be able to cope with future demand.”
Monahans has recently appointed Emma Davis as HR consultant. She brings specialist knowledge of many HR areas including change management, TUPE, recruitment and policy.
Peta added: “Emma’s knowledge and experience is a great boost to the overall offering and she will be able to provide regional businesses with invaluable advice and guidance.
“Over the past 12 months, the HR service has grown by almost a third and we’ve also introduced a health and safety service. Our clients were increasingly asking for health and safety advice and so adding the new service was a natural expansion.
“Now small businesses can benefit from the knowledge and procedures that normally only large companies would be able to access through specialist staff.”
Monahans, which has 12 partners and 120 staff, also has offices in Bath, Glastonbury and Trowbridge.
Pictured: Monahans’ HR and health and safety team. From left: Debbie Anstis, Peta Fry and Emma Davis
