Background
Location: UK and US | Industry: Publishing and Events | Engagement: 2014 – Present
Vero HR was first retained in 2014 to provide light-touch HR support under its “Bronze” package (equivalent to today’s Vero Partner model).
Challenge
At the time of engagement, our client had no dedicated HR function, but often required expert advice and support for their UK and US-based managers. They had no in-house HR capability at all, making it difficult for them to carry out many crucial HR related tasks.
Following a successful funding round, the business grew significantly and began to establish an in-house HR function with the appointment of an Interim Head of HR to define its HR strategy and organisational structure.
As a rapidly growing business, the client faced multiple challenges: the need to free up their Head of HR from day-to-day operations to focus on strategy, scaling HR infrastructure across multiple locations, managing a disrupted training programme due to Covid-19, and requiring a flexible partnership that could adapt without rigid package constraints.
Solution
Vero HR evolved its service offering to meet the client’s changing needs throughout the partnership:
- 2014-2018: Provided ongoing employee relations support and expert HR advisory services through their retained partnership model.
- 2018: Implemented Cezanne HR management system to streamline HR administration and introduce self-service capabilities.
- 2019: Introduced Vero Pay for integrated payroll processing, including P11d document handling and eliminating in-house payroll activity.
- 2020: Delivered Learning & Development training programmes for senior management in London and New York, then flexed resources to support Covid-19 furlough legislation compliance.
- 2020: Mobilised Vero Recruit to source their permanent Head of HR.
- Ongoing: Provides flexible Time-Bank support for ad-hoc administrative needs, allowing the client to access services without upgrading to higher-tier packages.
“The team are always available and flexible to meet our needs – and always with a smile!”
HR Director | Publishing and Events
Results
The partnership has delivered significant value over 10+ years:
- Scalable partnership: Successfully adapted service delivery to match the client’s evolution from start-up to established business with sophisticated in-house capabilities.
- Operational efficiency: Integrated HR technology and payroll systems that eliminated in-house processing while improving accuracy and streamlining administration.
- Strategic enablement: Freed up the Head of HR to focus on culture, strategy, and transformation during critical growth phases.
- Business continuity: Demonstrated flexibility by reallocating resources to address urgent Covid-19 compliance needs.
- Cost-effective flexibility: The Time Bank model allows access to additional support without unnecessary package upgrades and maximising value.
