TEDCO caught up with Stephen Richardson, founder of Phoenix HR Consulting, to find out more about his experience as a new business owner. Having attended a number of workshops delivered by TEDCO Business Support – we also asked Stephen what appealed to him about attended the fully-funded start-up programme, and how he thinks it will help his business reach new heights.
With 25 years of experience in HR under his belt, Stephen Richardson took the plunge at the start of 2024 and put his wealth of expertise to good use as the face of his own HR business.
Stephen says,
“I’ve worked with CEOs and MDs of small businesses and big brands both in the UK and internationally. After reaching that 25-year mark, I decided I had more than enough experience to go it alone.
“It allows me to work in a different way, choosing who I want to work with, and working hand in glove with small businesses to provide the support they need.”
The desire to start his own business largely came about as a result of Stephen’s return to the North East, after years of living and working away.
“I want to support businesses in this area, as I’m from the North East. Rather than helping organisations elsewhere, I want to work with local people, and give them the support they need.”
HR is something all businesses need, and Stephen offers bespoke services to suit organisations across all sizes, sectors and specialities.
“If you employ people, you need somebody to keep you on the right track, helping you stay compliant and safe from risk. I provide easy access to expert HR advice. I solve people problems fast, saving time and money in the long run.
“Phoenix HR offers ad-hoc support, regular client support, or project-specific support, including helping employers make their business more attractive to potential staff.”
Raising Phoenix HR up with TEDCO
Despite his years of experience in his field, starting a business wasn’t a simple task for Stephen. There were plenty of factors to consider, from insurance to protections to marketing and social media. This is where TEDCO came in.
“I found TEDCO’s courses through Eventbrite, then went on their website to do more research. I met Jeff Thompson, who has been a great source of help and support, and through Jeff, I met Alan Dodsworth, who ran the marketing course I joined.
“It’s been tremendously helpful. The biggest surprise of all, as a small business owner, is that those courses were completely free.”
As a South Tyneside-based business, Stephen gained access not only to informative training sessions but also events designed to build connections and provide networking opportunities:
“The content was great, but there’s nothing better than being in a room full of other people. I made a lot of useful connections and contacts. Alan [Dodsworth], who was running the course, introduced me to some graduates of Northumbria University who were working on HR software solutions for small businesses. That was a wonderful way for me to pay it forward, and down the line, when they’ve found success, they might remember me.”
TEDCO Business Advisor, Jeff Thompson, adds,
“Our South Tyneside courses are there for business owners like Stephen to help them find their feet and access the support they need. It’s great to see that the information he learnt while on the course has been useful in helping his business hit the ground running.
“I’m delighted to hear that the networking element has been particularly useful to Stephen, and I can’t wait to see how his evolves in the coming months.”
To find out more about Phoenix HR Consulting, visit the website here. To access support for your start up business, get in touch using our Initial Enquiry Form.