Who we are - Gateway HR

Charlotte Batchelor
Graham Ravenscroft
Emma Wynne
James Blackmore-Wright
Lindsay Baker
Ashley Heeley
Shaun Purbrick
Gwyneth Hodgkinson
Maria Parsons
Clare Hargrave
Vicki Turner

Charlotte Batchelor

HR Adviser

charlotte@gatewayhr.com

“I previously worked for a UK wide hotel brand, where I spent almost 10 years in a variety of roles, Office Manager being the most recent. My role became redundant after a structure change and I saw that as a sign to get my teeth stuck into something which would give me the most opportunity to grow and develop in the world of HR. Another area of importance was ensuring I moved into a role that allowed me to work alongside people who I can trust and can also have fun with... because everybody needs to have some fun whilst at work too!

“From the get go I was made to feel extremely welcome and even came in on day one to flowers, a specially made Mug detailed with my drink of choice and a password dedicated to my 3 cats (Yes, 3!) Needless to say, it was one of my finest decisions to work for Gateway HR. The knowledge amongst the team is second to none and there is always a helping hand available should you need it. Their need and want for continuous improvement and to provide the best, most innovative service to customers is infectious and I love that I am now part of that.”

Charlotte joined Gateway HR as an HR Adviser in November 2017. She is currently holds ILM level 3 and CIPD level 3 qualifications.

Graham Ravenscroft

Lead Performance Coach

graham@gatewayhr.com

"My employment history includes 30 years’ service at Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, ending my career in 2017 as a Watch Manager. I lead a team of operational Fire Fighters in their day to day duties and at a wide variety of incidents. I have also held a number of coaching roles for the Great Britain Team at many World & European Championships. From October 2009 to March 2017 I worked as a consultant for England Athletics as a National Coach Mentor, with responsibility for developing the skills and expertise of our top coaches across the whole of the UK.

"I now use my coaching expertise to support the performance progress of local, national and international businesses, as well as working with a variety of public sector services and armed forces. A lot of my time is also spent writing and facilitating workshops for business leaders and managers, teaching them how to employ coaching skills, and make coaching a part of their everyday management style and embed it into the business culture.

"Having gained a Level 5 Diploma in Stress Management, I also deliver training on recognising the signs and symptoms of stress related illness, how to avoid it and how to manage the workplace, conditions and your people."

Graham joined Gateway HR as Lead Coach in November 2017. His qualifications include: IAAF Elite Coaching Diploma Level 5, CPCAB Level 5 Diploma – Stress Management, UKA Level 4 Performance Coach, IOSH – Health & Safety and ILM Level 3.

Emma Wynne

Managing Director , Chartered FCIPD, MA HRM

emma@gatewayhr.com

"I established and continue to grow Gateway HR from a firm belief that when people are managed and developed well it truly is the best thing that can happen for both individuals and the organisations they work in. Rightly or wrongly, most people spend more time at work than at home, so work needs to be a place where they feel happy and want to do their best. When a business delivers this feeling of engagement, the results in terms of profit, innovation and growth are endless.

"I wanted to be sure that this was the ethos in my own business. As we have grown as a team I like to think that the way our own people are managed, developed and engaged means that we deliver these results for both our business and therefore our clients' business.

"I want to see HR or People Management to be truly valued for what it can add to a business. We can only do this by living up to our strapline - 'Welcome to personable HR' - to win the trust of the business, its leaders and its employees so we can become a trusted partner, not simply an outsourced service."

Emma started Gateway HR in 2007. She has an MA in HRM, has lectured for the University of Northampton and the CIPD at Master’s Degree level, and often presents at conferences across the UK. She is Gateway HR’s Senior HR Consultant and Head of Training.

James Blackmore-Wright

Training Consultant

“I have spent the last 20 years working with high-performance teams – managing, training and learning from the most effective managers, salespeople and customer service specialists in a variety of industries.

“High-performance is not of the reach of any organisation. It requires a fresh approach, commitment and the acceptance that 'OK' doesn't work any more.

"I love to see teams change, develop and grow through training. Tailored, well-planned and effective training has the potential to make a major impact on any organisation.

"Working with Gateway HR is great fun and a real privilege. This is a business where everyone genuinely cares about its clients and helping them to get the results they need."

James is a Chartered Marketer, MBA and holds diplomas in Management, Sales and Marketing.

Lindsay Baker

Head of HR , Chartered MCIPD

lindsay@gatewayhr.com

"I previously worked for a manager where fairness was at the forefront of everything. Before that I worked in an employee owned organisation where everyone took ownership of what they were doing as it had an effect on all employees.

“When Emma spoke to me about coming to work for her it was a massive leap. I was a single mum keeping a house and everything else that goes with that. The guarantees around salary and a continuing job were less, but I believed in the company. What I saw was someone who was running a business based on doing things the right way. I didn’t move for the salary, I moved to work with Emma and do a job I love in a way where I don’t feel forced to do things I don’t agree with.

"In short, I enjoy working in an ethical and fair way for people who treat me in the same way."

Lindsay joined Gateway HR in 2012. As well as being an ACAS Certified Mediator, she has a diploma in HRM, certificates in HR Practice and HR Management, and is a chartered member of the CIPD.

Ashley Heeley

Senior HR Consultant , Chartered FCIPD

ashley@gatewayhr.com

"I had been made redundant from my last job, and being in my late 50s I was at an age when I had to decide what to do now. Did I really, deep down want to carry on working for somebody else doing stuff I was not altogether happy in doing, or was it time for something else?

"A friend had been asking for some time 'Why don’t you work for yourself?', but the security of a regular salary, nice car, BUPA etc. makes making that step more difficult; especially since I was the only earner in the family. I started looking at my options: a franchise; interim/contract work; or going it alone.

"After some thought I realised the 3rd option was my best, but I didn’t have a clue what to do. I spoke with someone at an exhibition who suggested talking with Emma at Gateway, which I did. Emma in her usual persuasive way suggested that it would be a good idea if I would be her “man in the North”.

"I loved Emma’s philosophy and could buy into the business quite easily. I liked the people, and felt it would really provide me with an opportunity to support businesses who need it and in turn I would be part of a business that would support me in my new adventure. I made the right decision!"

Ashley joined Gateway HR in 2014 as a Senior HR Consultant. In the past he’s held HR Manager and HR Director roles in a number of companies. He has a diploma in Personnel Management, is a qualified Talent Q Practitioner, and a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD.

Shaun Purbrick

HR Consultant , MA HRM, Chartered MCIPD

admin@gatewayhr.com

“Just over 10 years ago I was invited to join a small emerging company specialising in the provision of pharmaceutical services and people. This gave my first real insight into the practicalities and challenges of people management coupled with the need to meet or exceed client expectations in an increasingly competitive market. In this role it was critical to balance the needs of employees with those of the business and its clients. Working with an external HR consultant, I set up the company's first HR department and introduced all the necessary supporting policies, procedures and working practices. During this time I came to realise that I had finally found a career I wanted to follow and develop.

“I met Emma when I enrolled in the CIPD Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management. I think it’s fair to say we hit it off quite quickly, both sharing a pragmatic approach to HR and people management. Sometime later I invited Emma and Gateway to deliver people management training at the company where I was working. Gateway continues to be one of their preferred training providers to this day.

“I have always been aware of Emma's desire to grow her business and extend its geographic reach, so when I made the decision to leave my role and relocate to North Norfolk I approached Emma about becoming her 'man in the East'.

“Emma and her team really do care about what they do and how they do it. They have welcomed me with open arms and I am delighted to have joined such a nice group of friendly, professional, highly trained and experienced individuals who share my values and passion for HR.”

Shaun joined Gateway HR in 2017 as our 'man in the East'. He has an MA in HRM and is a Chartered member of the CIPD.

Gwyneth Hodgkinson

HR Development Consultant

gwyneth@gatewayhr.com

"I always admired the HR functions at the companies that I worked for - they always looked very co-ordinated, calm and collected (and with nice shoes!). They had an air of mystery about them that as a Health and Safety professional I aspired to achieve.

"When a situation at work resulted in a cry for help from the HR function I raised my hand and hoped for the best. What I found was a profession that inspired me. I relished the opportunity to absorb all the contents of the CIPD diploma like a sponge. I never looked back and still love to solve the conundrums that HR throws at me on a daily basis.

"My journey to join Gateway HR started long ago when I sat next to Emma at a CIPD annual meeting, sharing a pack of baby wipes to remove coffee spills. Emma and I regularly bumped into each other over the years, and at a chance meeting Emma explained that she was looking to expand the business, so I thrust my contact details into her hands. The company that I had been working for had a change in the board of directors and I found that the new vision for the business was not one I could relate to. Having tried to make things work I felt that I was no longer getting a sense of fulfilment from my role and I was no longer looking forward to arriving at work.

"Emma was someone I admired and who I felt I could work well with, so fortunately for me she was brave enough to give me an opportunity. It occurred to me that when I spoke of working with Gateway HR I was animated again. I saw how I might be able to make a contribution that could add value, with a bunch of inspiring individuals, and that excited me."

Gwyneth joined Gateway HR in 2017. She has a diploma in Personnel and Development and has been working in HR and training management since 1999.

Maria Parsons

Business Manager

maria@gatewayhr.com

"Emma and I have been friends since we were 4 and we had always said we were going to work together some day. As fortune should have it, not that long prior to me having my daughter, Emma had decided to set up on her own. It was over a cup of tea and with a baby over my shoulder that we got to talking. I needed a change from my full time position and Emma needed help. So, in December 2010 I set off - nervously - to start a completely different career.

"It took me a while to get to grips with what HR really meant - where I had worked, I hadn’t had much real involvement with HR, except from when I had joined companies or left to complete forms, I didn’t realise it could be so much more. It was only after talking to clients and gaining a real understanding that I saw this wasn’t just a financial thing for Emma. She had a genuine interest in these people. Also we were not just looking at the bottom line, there were ethical stances to be made; we wouldn’t work with people who were unfair or in the grey area of the law.

"Obviously my friendship with Emma does mean I have more of a personal interest in the business. I want to see my friend succeed. But now I have the added bonus that I get to work with not just one, but several of my friends, old and new, so I want to see us all succeed together.

"I love the fact I get to work with like-minded friends, who are all prepared to work hard and trust each other so that we can build a successful company and truly make a difference."

Maria joined Gateway HR in 2010 and has an Associate CIPD certificate in HRM.

Clare Hargrave

Marketing Manager

clare@gatewayhr.com

“I previously worked as Operations Manager at a marketing and business growth company, but while I was away on maternity leave the company was sold. The culture of the new business didn’t feel like a good fit for me so I decided not to go back.

“Emma and the team provided the HR at my old company as well as mentoring our clients, so they were familiar faces to me. When Emma spoke to me about joining Gateway I jumped at the chance - I already knew that this was a great team of people who really believe in what they’re doing.

“This is a company that practices what it preaches, so it’s really easy to do the marketing. I’m so happy to have found such honest, friendly and understanding colleagues!”

Clare joined Gateway HR in 2016 and has a degree in journalism.

Vicki Turner

Business & Marketing Support

vicki@gatewayhr.com

"After years of working in the Civil Service where there are lots of processes and protocols, I love working for a small business which is flexible and responsive - if one of us has a new idea for something, we can usually just get cracking and try it out, which I love about Gateway.

"I started at Gateway in June 2014 after 3 and a half years of being away from work, looking after my boys. While I did enjoy being a full time mum, I was very focused on my boys and our home - so much so that I'd lost my perspective on things a bit. With hindsight I think I'd also lost a lot of confidence. Starting work again has given me all of that back. It has helped me to gain more perspective and to be able to laugh at myself again. I'm not sure I would have got all that from a different job or different working environment.

"I feel that the Gateway culture of being honest and non-judgemental applies to our relationships with our clients, but also to how we are as colleagues and friends. I love the fact that I can come into work and be totally honest about any aspect of my life (work or personal) and I won't be judged, I'll just get honest advice and support from a lovely bunch of people."

Vicki joined Gateway HR in 2014. She previously worked as a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service.

What our clients think

We started working with Gateway HR earlier this year and never fail to be impressed by their friendly, efficient service and support. Their help over the last few months has been invaluable

Krissen Jessiman, Hingerose Ltd - Monthly peace of mind subscription client

One of the directors of our company, Rob Buxton, suggested that we may benefit from an HR audit from a BNI member, Gateway HR. At first we were sceptical about this. Firstly, nothing in life is free – ‘there’s no such thing as a free lunch’ and all that. Secondly, we’re a firm of accountants, dealing with businesses, staffing matters and so on all the time – what could Gateway possibly do for us? Firstly we can confirm that the HR audit was totally free. We were visited by one of their consultants, Lindsay Gibson, who was with us for about an hour. During this time we ran through the procedures and systems that we have in place for dealing with our staff. Shortly after the meeting we received a health check from Lindsay that clearly showed the areas in which we were good, and the areas where improvements were needed. It became apparent from the report that we didn’t know as much as we thought we did.

Lindsay suggested that we should adopt a new staff manual. We agreed with this, and the first version arrived shortly afterwards. Various amendments were needed and Gateway were happy to assist us with making as many alterations as necessary. We have found Gateway to be thoroughly professional in all of our dealings with them, and would recommend their services to any business.

Mark Stockwell, BKS Accountants - client with a Starter Pack Plus

“James Gray initially engaged Gateway HR for some advice around the departure of a senior, long-serving staff member. The advice we got was clear and concise and the team were always on hand to support decisions that were being made around contractual obligations.

Following this initial engagement, we took advantage of the RDLC offer of the HR audit and starter pack to review all our existing forms and contracts. This is great value as it gave us a new suite of compliant documents that are all consistent and tailored to us. We have also committed to a longer-term arrangement with the Peace of Mind service offering which ensures Gateway are always on hand for any guidance. We have been very happy with the support to date and look forward to continuing the relationship.”

Richard Samuels, MD, James Gray Recruitment

Their hands-on, down to earth approach to ‘all things HR’ is what makes Gateway stand out from the crowd. Their offering of quality, professional HR advice at an affordable price is what makes the Gateway solution a very good one. Having known and worked with Emma and her team for a number of years, I know that they deliver appropriate advice in any given situation … and not just legally compliant advice but advice that makes commercial sense too, which is essential in the running of a successful business

David Addison, Knights of Old Limited - Training client

Our business is growing fast (we’ve doubled in staff in the last year) and that means dealing with a lot of employment hassles. We’re glad to have Gateway HR on our side. Not only do Emma and her team ensure we do everything correctly and legally, but they are always there when we find ourselves in a new situation. It gives us great peace of mind to know we can pick up the phone or send an email, and an expert is there to talk us through our options. Gateway HR is such a trusted adviser, that we now even recommend them to our clients. And there are very few companies we trust that much

Paul Green, Growth UK - Monthly peace of mind subscription client