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Holges Consulting

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Holges Consulting

I help small businesses crack the necessities of being an Employer and Employment Law

15/06/2026

Choosing HR support isn’t just about policies - it’s about trust, experience and having someone who understands how small businesses really operate.

At Holges Consulting, I offer practical, straightforward HR support tailored to your business - not off-the-shelf solutions.

✔️ 30+ years’ experience in people management and HR
✔️ Local support across Kent - I understand the challenges small businesses face day to day
✔️ Practical, no-nonsense advice you can actually use
✔️ Proportionate solutions that fit your business, not overwhelm it
✔️ Support with everything from performance issues to policies and people challenges

I work with you to keep things simple, compliant and manageable, so you can focus on running your business with confidence.

If you’re looking for HR support that’s experienced, approachable and genuinely understands small businesses, let’s have a conversation.

11/06/2026

A recurring theme in conversations with business owners recently:

“It’s not the process we struggle with… it’s staying calm when situations become personal.”

That’s particularly true in smaller businesses where teams work closely together and tensions can escalate quickly.

One of the most valuable things employers can do during investigations or difficult conversations is simply slow the process down:

✔ prepare properly
✔ gather facts first
✔ avoid assumptions
✔ separate investigation from outcome

Good HR processes are often less about paperwork and more about creating space for better decisions.

Read more here- https://www.holgesconsulting.co.uk/uncategorised/2160/summer-staffing-workplace-investigations-and-what-employers-should-be-watching/

09/06/2026

One issue we’ve supported several small businesses with recently is workplace investigations.

The common problem?

Managers going into difficult meetings already frustrated and wanting immediate answers.

Completely understandable - but investigations work best when they focus on:
✔ fact-finding
✔ listening
✔ structure
✔ professionalism
✔ separating emotion from process

A calm investigation process often protects the business far more effectively than a rushed disciplinary reaction.
This month’s HR in Action includes a case study on keeping investigations fair, organised and professional.

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05/06/2026

Return-to-work meetings are not about “catching people out”.

Done properly, they help:
✔ check employees are well enough to return
✔ identify support needs
✔ spot patterns early
✔ ensure absence records are accurate
✔ reinforce consistency across the team

In many small businesses, a 10-minute conversation can prevent much larger problems developing later.

Sometimes the simplest management habits are still the most valuable.

Read more here - https://www.holgesconsulting.co.uk/uncategorised/2160/summer-staffing-workplace-investigations-and-what-employers-should-be-watching/

04/06/2026

148.8 million working days were lost to sickness absence in the UK during 2025.
The latest ONS figures also showed:

📌 average of 4.4 sick days per worker
📌 minor illness remained the biggest cause
📌 musculoskeletal and mental health issues continue to rise

With SSP now applying from Day One, many small businesses are paying much closer attention to absence management.

One of the simplest tools still remains one of the most effective:
Return-to-work meetings.
Not confrontational.
Not overly formal.
Just consistent conversations.

02/06/2026

🎂 Holges Consulting turns 15 today!

We're celebrating 15 years of supporting businesses, building lasting relationships, and delivering trusted expertise.

Thank you to all our clients who have been part of this amazing journey.

Here's to the next chapter!

🎉 Happy 15th Birthday, Holges Consulting!

29/05/2026

Right to work checks are one of those HR tasks many businesses think they’ve “always done correctly”…

…until they discover:

❌ records were never retained properly
❌ follow-up checks were missed
❌ managers don’t fully understand digital checks
❌ older processes no longer match current guidance

Even one incorrect check can create serious financial and reputational risks.
With growing focus on digital verification and immigration compliance, now is a good time for businesses to review their onboarding process.

27/05/2026

The recent King’s Speech included several areas small employers should keep an eye on over the coming months.

Three key themes stood out:
🔹 apprenticeships and workforce skills
🔹 immigration and right to work compliance
🔹 increasing use of digital ID and verification systems

Most changes won’t happen overnight - but it’s another reminder that employment processes are becoming increasingly compliance-focused.

For many small businesses, the biggest risk is not deliberately getting things wrong… it’s simply falling behind as processes gradually change.

25/05/2026

FREE DOWNLOAD: Summer Leave Planning Guide for Managers ☀️

Practical guidance to help small businesses:
✔ manage holiday requests fairly
✔ avoid staffing gaps
✔ plan ahead for busy periods
✔ reduce misunderstandings around leave approvals

A useful resource for managers heading into the busy summer months.
Comment DOWNLOAD to have a copy sent to you.

22/05/2026

One of the biggest causes of workplace tension during summer?

Employees assuming leave has been approved after an informal conversation.

“We spoke about it last week…”
“I thought that meant it was agreed…”
“But they already booked theirs…”

Small misunderstandings can quickly become frustrations when several people want the same time off.

Clear processes and consistent communication make a huge difference - especially in smaller teams.

Do you use:
🔹 formal holiday request systems
🔹 shared calendars
🔹 first come, first served
🔹 manager discretion

Or a mixture of all four?

Address

Broadstairs

Opening Hours

Monday	10am - 4pm
Tuesday	9:30am - 5pm
Wednesday	9:30am - 5pm
Thursday	9:30am - 5pm

Website

http://holgesconsulting.co.uk/

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