Kinsella HR, a Carlisle consultancy firm, marks its first year in trading this week.

Established by Cumbrian human resource professional, Mel Kinsella, the company began in January 2023 to support small and medium-sized businesses in Cumbria.

In her one-year reflection, Mel Kinsella said: “My first twelve months as a business owner has felt very encouraging.

“I’ve been really encouraged by the amazing support I’ve received from clients, friends and all those I’ve met at networking events.”

Since its inception, Mel has engaged in various projects for businesses in Cumbria.

These span HR strategy, recruitment and retention, performance management, compliance and change management programmes.

She said: "I’ve been working with a wide variety of clients, including those in the IT sector, local authorities, charities, finance and creative arts sector.

"I’ve also had some one-to-one clients where I’m helping them on an individual basis," said Ms Kinsella.

"A year later, the lights are still on, which can only be a good thing!"

The businesswoman's leap from working in a company to operating her own has been positive.

She said: "If I was to describe the experience in a few words, I would say: busy, interesting, lots of laughter and lots of networking!"

She wholeheartedly thanked her enablers and supporters, from her husband to her logo and branding helper, Dan McAulay.

Ms Kinsella also expressed her gratitude to Natalie Barker of M&M Business Support and Laura Cadman, who have both supported her throughout the year.

Regarding her company's future, she said: "2024 will be more of the same, working with fabulous clients that are in need of HR support.

"I’m always here for a conversation to help figure out what they want to do, whether that’s reviewing their contracts, reviewing policies and procedures, or something larger-scale."

With more than 25 years of experience in people management, Mel is lauded by clients for her 'exceptional knowledge' and ability to simplify complex issues.

Her career has taken her from West Bromwich to Cumbria, via the United States and Edinburgh.

Now based in Carlisle, Mel is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, and she offers support to businesses across the North West, North East and southern Scotland.

For more details on Kinsella HR, visit: www.kinsellahr.co.uk.