Blogs

15 October 2026

How Much Does Outsourced HR Support Cost in the UK?

Is Outsourcing Your HR Cost-Effective? If you’re running a small or growing business, chances are you have considered getting outside help with HR.

15 October 2026

Organisational design for SMEs

An organisational design for SMEs is an exciting challenge and is usually due to business growth, or is triggered by the need to improve service delivery or specific business processes.

When is the Right Time to Hire a Strategic Director for Your Engineering Business?

Growth shouldn't depend on one person. Discover when engineering SMEs need strategic leadership support rather than another full-time director.

Leadership & Management

HR Retainer or One-Off HR Advice: Which Is Right for Your Business?

Why an HR retainer gives better value, control and results than one off HR advice for UK businesses.

The Risks of Managing HR Without Support in Engineering SMEs

Small HR problems in engineering SMEs often grow into costly business risks.

How to Scale an Engineering Company Without Losing Control

Growth should create opportunities, not chaos. Here is how engineering SMEs can scale without losing control.

Why Small Businesses Struggle with HR and How to Fix It

Here are the five people problems that cost small businesses time, money and peace of mind and how the right HR support can make all the difference.

Return to Work Interviews: The Simple Step Small Businesses Miss That Leads to Ongoing Absence and Costs you Money

A simple conversation that reduces absence and protects your business from risk.

Process

What Business Owners Say About Outsourced HR Support

Wondering if outsourced HR is worth it? Hear directly from UK business owners about their real experiences with Dakota Blue Consulting.

The warning signs your managers are close to burnout, before they even realise

Burnout rarely happens overnight. Here is how to spot the signs early and step in before it escalates.

The First Three HR Documents Every Small Business Should Review This Year

Three HR documents quietly go out of date in small businesses. Reviewing them now can prevent costly problems later.

Compliance

How Much of Your Best Thinking Is Wasted Each Day as a Business Owner?

How Much of Your Best Thinking Is Wasted Each Day as a Business Owner?

The 7 Best HR Tools for Small Businesses in the UK

Here are 7 HR tools we recommend to UK small businesses that want to stay compliant, build a great team and free up time.

How to Get Managers Aligned Before Problems Escalate

Inconsistent managers create inconsistent results. Here is how to align early and reduce business risk.

Leadership & Management

The Leadership Questions Your Team Are Asking but Not Saying Out Loud

Your team forms opinions about your leadership every day. Here are five questions they may already be asking.

The Hidden Risks of Keeping Poor Behaviour Unchallenged

What you ignore today can become your biggest headache later, especially when poor behaviour is left unchecked.

Process

The One Management Habit That Causes Most Performance Issues in Small Businesses

Most performance problems start long before the formal process does. Here is the habit behind them.

Leadership & Management

The 8 Reasons You Can Refuse Flexible Working Requests and What to Watch Out For

We were speaking with a client recently who said they are seeing more and more flexible working requests coming through. They are not alone.

24 February 2026

Employment Tribunal Preparation for UK Businesses, What You Need in Place Before a Claim Ever Happens

Most tribunal claims are avoidable when the right people management basics are in place long before problems escalate.

Compliance

24 February 2026

Strong Culture Is Not an Accident, Why Growing Businesses Must Be Intentional

Most leaders agree that culture matters, but far fewer are clear on how it is actually created and sustained as a business grows. In the early stages, culture often feels obvious.

17 February 2026

The HR Starter Pack Every UK Small Business Needs

Employing staff means HR can't be ignored. An HR starter pack gives UK businesses clarity, confidence and protection from day one

Business Performance

17 February 2026

Interview With Jackie, Corporate HR Lessons That Help Small Businesses

This month we sat down with Jackie, founder of Dakota Blue Consulting, to talk about her journey from a long corporate HR career into supporting small and medium sized businesses.

10 February 2026

Five Costly People Problems in Small Businesses and How to Spot Them Early

People problems cost money long before they’re obvious. Learn the five issues quietly draining time, productivity and profit.

Process

10 February 2026

What Got You Here Will Not Get You There:Why Growing Businesses Need a Different Approach to People

There comes a point in many growing businesses where managing people starts to feel noticeably harder, not because leaders care less or managers are doing a poor job, but because the business itself has changed.

3 February 2026

Why Your Best Employee Might Be Thinking About Leaving This Quarter

Good people rarely leave suddenly, they leave quietly first and the signs often show months before a resignation.

Retain

3 February 2026

You Do Not Have an HR Problem,You Have a Growth Problem

When people issues start taking up more space in your day, many business owners assume they have an HR problem. Managers need reassurance, expectations feel unclear and situations that used to resolve themselves now seem to linger.

28 January 2026

How to Set People Goals That Actually Stick After January

Most people goals fail because they are too vague to manage. Learn how to turn intentions into simple systems that actually stick.

Perform

28 January 2026

The Hidden HR Work That Quietly Protects Your Business Every Day

When you are running a business, HR is rarely front of mind unless something has gone wrong. A grievance lands in your inbox, an employee raises a concern, or you realise too late that a process was not followed properly.

20 January 2026

2026 Statutory Sick Pay: is your business ready?

Statutory Sick Pay changes are coming in 2026. Here is why informal absence management will no longer be enough for SMEs.

Law

20 January 2026

Why January Is When Leadership Gaps Show Up First

January feels full of promise. New goals.

15 January 2026

What Small Business Owners Get Wrong About Employment Law Every January

Most employment law issues start with assumptions, not bad intent. January is where many small business owners slip up.

Law

15 January 2026

The January Reset Your Business Actually Needs

January usually starts with good intentions. Fresh targets.

13 January 2026

AI and Small Business: Using Kindness as Your Leadership Compass

Use kindness as your compass to balance technology and humanity in your small business.

13 January 2026

Why Every Business Needs a Strategic Leadership Director (Even If You Don’t Call Them That)

Most business leaders get stuck in day-to-day operations. A Strategic Leadership Director helps change that.

13 January 2026

How to Tell If Your Team Is Truly Performing

How to spot a high-performing team and what to do if yours isn’t quite there yet.

New Year New Strategy, Why Most Business Plans Fail by March

January is when many businesses reset.

The January People Audit Every Small Business Should Do but Rarely Does

January is the reset month but many businesses carry old people problems straight into the new year without realising.

Business Performance

22 December 2025

Building Trust in Leadership | The Marble Jar Theory Explained

Trust is built quietly, one small moment at a time. The Marble Jar Theory shows leaders how trust is really earned.

Leadership & Management

22 December 2025

How to Create a Positive January Mindset Before the Break

January can feel heavy for many teams, a long winter and a busy December can create anxiety before people step back through the door.

17 December 2025

Why Now Is the Best Time to Review Your Recruitment Strategy for Next Year

Why reviewing your recruitment strategy now helps you recruit better and avoid next year’s headaches.

Recruit

17 December 2025

The December Slowdown, How Smart Businesses Use It to Get Ahead

For many businesses we work with, every year the same moment arrives.

4 December 2025

The Year End HR Housekeeping Guide Every Small Business Needs

A simple year end HR checklist to help small businesses stay protected and ready for the new year.

Change Management

4 December 2025

How to improve productivity with simple and powerful changes

Most businesses want better productivity, but a common myth is that this requires big changes or complex tools.

25 November 2025

What 2025 Taught Us About the Future of Workplace Learning

How 2025 reshaped workplace learning and what your business can do to stay ahead in 2026.

Change Management

25 November 2025

Stop Chasing Prompts, Make AI Work with Purpose

Why writing clever AI prompts will not fix poor results and how to use context engineering instead. If you have ever spent far too long crafting a clever prompt only to receive something bland or oddly enthusiastic in return, you are definitely not the only one. Many business owners assume that better prompts will lead to better results. In reality, the prompt is rarely the problem.

18 November 2025

How One Leaver Can Expose Cracks in Your Business

One resignation can uncover deeper issues in your business. Learn how to spot the warning signs and strengthen your foundations.

Exit

18 November 2025

How to Spot the Warning Signs Before Things Get Serious#SafeguardingAdultsWeek

Safeguarding Adults Week takes place from (17th-21st November) and it is a useful reminder that safeguarding is not only a concern for health or care settings.

13 November 2025

Helping Managers Set the Right Boundaries When Banter Becomes Bullying

Practical advice for managers on spotting when banter becomes bullying and taking the right steps to address it.

Process

11 November 2025

Think the Real Living Wage Isn’t for You? Think Again

Living Wage Week (10–16 November) is the perfect time to revisit what the Real Living Wage really means for small and medium-sized businesses. Many business owners assume it’s only something big employers can afford.

3 November 2025

How Stress Affects Your Hiring Success

Workplace stress can put off great candidates. Here’s how to spot it and fix it.

Recruit

30 October 2025

From Tricks to Treats! How to Tackle HR Scares with Confidence

Turn your HR nightmares into sweet success with these practical solutions from Dakota Blue Academy.

Process

22 October 2025

Handling Performance Issues Without Being “That Manager”

How to handle performance issues fairly and confidently, without becoming “that manager.”

Perform

15 October 2025

What’s Your HR Readiness Score for 2026?

Check your HR readiness for 2026 and learn how to move from basic compliance to strategic success.

Leadership & Management

15 October 2025

It’s Boss’s Day: A Reminder of the Power of Strategic Leadership

If you’re a business owner or leader, Boss’s Day (16 October) is more than just a date on the calendar.

It’sWorld Employer Branding Day: How SMEs Can Stand Out to Top Talent

Attracting and keeping great people has never been more challenging for small and medium-sized businesses.

Why Work Life Balance is a Leadership Priority for SMEs

Work life balance is a leadership priority, not a perk. Here’s how SME leaders can set the tone and keep teams engaged.

Process

Setting SMART Objectives and Preparing for Year End Without the Stress

Make year-end stress-free with SMART objectives, payroll prep and simple steps for reviews and holidays.

Perform

This is Your Q4 Reset: How to Refocus and Finish the Year Strong

The last quarter of the year can feel like crunch time.

26 September 2025

Scaling Small Businesses with Dispersed Teams

Learn how to scale your small business with dispersed teams using clear strategies for hiring, culture and compliance.

Leadership & Management

24 September 2025

Top 3 Reasons Small Teams Struggle to Adopt AI (And How to Fix Them)

AI tools are no longer reserved for large corporations.

19 September 2025

Practical Ways to Mark National Inclusion Week Without Overthinking It

National Inclusion Week (16–20 September 2025) is not just a date in the diary, it’s an opportunity for small businesses to show employees they are valued.

18 September 2025

Equal Pay vs Gender Pay Gap: What Small Businesses Need to Know

Equal pay is a legal must, but gender pay gaps still exist. Here’s what small business leaders need to know.

Law

11 September 2025

HR Compliance Checklist for UK Employers: What You Must Have in Place

Struggling with HR compliance? Discover key UK essentials and get a free checklist for small business owners

Compliance

11 September 2025

Are Online HR Services Right for Your UK Small Business?

Online HR is booming but does it work for small UK firms? Discover how remote HR keeps you compliant, saves time and fuels growth.

Change Management

11 September 2025

Preparing Your Small Business HR for the Next UK Cost-of-Living Spike

If you’re running a small business in the UK right now, you’ve probably noticed how costs keep creeping up and it's not easy for anyone. In “Awful April” we saw water and energy bills shoot up hard, driving inflation back to around 3.5%.

You Don’t Need to Be an HR Expert… But You Do Need to Stop Googling ‘How to Fire Someone’

Spoiler: You can’t just ‘let them go’. Here's what UK small business owners really need to know about dismissal.

Exit

HR Policy Templates for Small Businesses in the UK (What You Really Need)

Forget a 50-page handbook. Here’s a simple guide to the HR policies every small UK business really needs.

Compliance

Can You Tell If You Have Fluffy HR or Commercially Focused HR

Let’s play a quick game.

Writing Job Ads That Don’t Sound Like a Buzzword Salad

Say goodbye to job ad buzzwords and hello to real, human-friendly job adverts that attract the right candidates.

Attract

What on Earth Is a Fractional People & Strategy Director

If you're running a growing business, chances are you've come across terms like HR consultant or outsourced HR.

HR Software for Startups: What You Actually Need (And What You Can Ignore for Now)

Choosing the right HR software for your startup can feel overwhelming.

Do You Google HR Questions at Midnight? There’s a Better Way!

Still Googling HR advice and second-guessing your decisions? Discover a smarter way with Dakota Blue Academy.

Business Performance

Someone’s Resigned. What Now?

A team member just resigned, stay on track with a clear exit plan, offboarding checklist and time-saving template.

Exit

Mid-Year Pulse Check: Is Your Team Thriving or Just Surviving?

It’s almost the end of July.

7 Signs Your Manager Needs Help

You hired a manager so you wouldn’t have to deal with every team issue.

Summer Staff Gaps? Here’s How to Keep Things Running Without Burning Out Your Team

Summer holidays can strain small teams. Here's how to handle absences without burning out your people.

Process

What If They Never Bounce Back?What Small Business Owners Should Know About Long Covid?

It’s been over five years since the first Covid-19 lockdown.

The Rise of ‘Quiet Cutting’ and Why It’s a Risky Move for Small Teams

‘Quiet cutting’ may seem smart, but it hurts morale. Here’s why being direct works better and how to do it right.

Exit

Essential HR Toolkit for UK Businesses with Under 50 Employees

Struggling with HR in your small UK business? Here's what your HR toolkit needs if you employ under 50 staff.

Business Performance

Job Ads Without Pay? That Won’t Work in 2025

EU pay transparency laws won’t hit the UK, but the ripple effects will. Here’s how small businesses can stay ahead in 2025.

Recruit

The Hidden Costs ofReactive‘Unlimited’HR Support

“You get what you pay for.” We’ve all heard it but when you’re running a business and watching the pennies, the idea of unlimited HR support at half the price can be very tempting. A potential client recently told me they loved what we are able to offer but they were currently paying half of what we charge and getting unlimited HR advice.

Ethics and Law in AI-Powered Hiring

AI in recruitment or absence tracking sounds smart, but UK small firms must stay ethical and legal under new rules.

Recruit

Are Zero-Hours Contracts Smart Staffing or Risky Business

On paper, zero-hours contracts sound like an ideal way to give flexibility to both you and your staff.

How to Talk About Sexual Harassment at Work—Without It Being Awkward, Scary, or a 'Cancel Me' Moment

Talking about sexual harassment at work doesn’t have to be awkward, here’s how to start the convo and why your team will thank you

Compliance

Dakota Blue Consulting News

We won HR Consultancy of the Year 2025!

Making Redundancies?Don’tGet It Wrong Legally or Ethically

Redundancy is tough for you and your team.

What Should Go in an Employment Contract? Here’s What Matters Most

Writing an employment contract is easier than you think. Here’s what to include and why it matters for your business.

Recruit

Maternity Leave in the UK: The Basics Every Employer Should Know

No idea where to start with maternity leave and pay? Here’s a simple breakdown of what UK employers need to know.

Compliance

Employment Tribunals Are on the Rise: Is Your Business Ready?

It’s Learning at Work Week, which makes it a great time to build skills and help your team grow.

Your First Probation Period: What You Need to Know (But No One Explains)

Learn why probation periods matter, what small businesses miss, and get your ready-to-use probation template from the Academy.

Onboard

Confident Disciplinary Procedures Start with Coaching: Here’s Why

During International Coaching Week (May 5-11), we’re reminded of the important role coaching plays in effective leadership.

Is resilience still a dirty word at work?

Why does "resilience" make people roll their eyes? Let’s rethink it, building strength without ignoring wellbeing.

Why Updating Your Employment Contracts Could SaveYou a Tribunal Headache Later

International Workers’ Day (1 May) is a great reminder of how much the world of work keeps changing.

When Data Leaks, What’s Your Next Move?

Data leaks happen. Are you ready? Here's what to do next and why a clear Data Breach Notification Policy is a must.

Compliance

Increase in StatutoryPayRightsthisApril2025: How toStay Compliant

What’s Changing this April 2025? New pay rules come into effect this month, and by now, you should be ready.

Unethical HR: What to Watch OutForBefore You Sign Anything

When you're running a small business, you don’t have time to study every contract with a magnifying glass.

Exit Interviews Won’t Save You: Try This Instead to Keep Your Best Employees

Exit interviews are too late. Use Stay interviews to find out what keeps your team happy, before they think of leaving.

Retain

How to Build Mental Resilience in Your Team

Running a small business can feel like a whirlwind, especially when things get tough.

The Small Business Owner’s HR Survival Kit

A simple guide to the must-have HR policies, contracts and legal bits every small business needs to stay safe and sorted.

Compliance

Hire Slow, Fire Fast: Smarter Recruitment Tips for Small Business Owners

Why it makes sense to “Hire Slow, Fire Fast” Running a small business means every hire matters.

How to manage annual leave requests around bank holidays

Juggling annual leave requests around bank holidays? Here’s how to keep it fair while ensuring your business stays running.

Compliance

How to Get Employees Excited About Training (Without Forcing Them)

Training shouldn't be a chore! Engage employees, boost enthusiasm & make learning a valuable part of your workplace culture.

Develop

What qualities make an HR Consultant a great HR business partner?

A great HR business partner is like a Border Collie, sharp, intuitive, and always a step ahead.

How to Set KPIs That Motivate (Not Micromanage) Your Team

Set KPIs that inspire, not restrict! Learn how to create goals that empower your team and boost motivation.

Perform

NewRight toNeonatalCareLeave, What You Need to Know?

Having a baby is an emotional rollercoaster.

Toxic or Thriving? How to Tell What Kind of Company Culture You Have

"Culture eats strategy for breakfast." Your workplace culture can make or break your business, do you know if yours is thriving?

Attract

Wage & National InsuranceCosts AreGoing Up - Are You Ready?

From April 1, 2025, the UK’s National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) will increase, alongside National Insurance (NI) contributions.

How to Hire the Right Candidate: Best Practices for Interviewing

A great hire brings fresh ideas and energy. Use these interview tips to find the right fit and avoid costly hiring mistakes.

Recruit

“She’s Too Bossy” vs. “He’s Assertive”: How Language Shapes Workplace Bias

March 8th is International Women’s Day, a time to celebrate women’s achievements and how far we have come in the workplace.

Why Investing in Management Development Will Help Your Business Thrive

Want to grow your business? Strong leaders boost morale, retain staff & drive success. Invest in management development!

Develop

20 February 2025

How Small Businesses Can Get Ready for AI in 2025

AI (Artificial Intelligence) might sound complicated, but it is already helping small businesses save time, improve customer service, and make smarter decisions.

19 February 2025

What is onboarding and how is it different from induction?

Onboarding vs. induction, what’s the difference? Here’s a simple breakdown to help new recruits feel at home in your company.

Onboard

19 February 2025

Why Development Plans Are a Must in 2025!

Keeping your employees happy and motivated is more important than ever, especially with ongoing shifts in the UK job market, from rising skills shortages to changing workplace expectations.

12 February 2025

What Future Trends in Workplace Culture Should Businesses Embrace?

The way we work is evolving fast. To stay competitive, businesses need to adapt by adapting to trends. Here are some tips.

Process

12 February 2025

Workplace Relationships & HR:Managing Love and Family in Small Businesses

Finding the right balance between love, family, and work can be tricky.

6 February 2025

2025 Employment Law Changes Small Businesses Can’t Ignore

Big employment law changes are coming in 2025—stay informed, compliant, and ready with key updates and expert HR support.

Law

4 February 2025

Why Hybrid Working is a Lifesaver When Bad Weather Strikes

Hybrid working became really popular during the pandemic.

28 January 2025

Recruitment 2.0: How to Attract the Right People in 2025

New UK employment laws make dismissals more complex. This blog helps businesses improve recruitment and avoid costly mistakes.

Recruit

28 January 2025

What Honeybees Can Teach You About Leadership: Empowering Teams in 2025

If you’ve ever watched a beehive in action, you’ve probably noticed how perfectly it works.

20 January 2025

How to Future-Proof Your Business for 2025

Prepare your small business for 2025 with tips on change, leadership, and resilience. Get ready for the future today!

Process

20 January 2025

8 Ways to Beat“TheBlue Monday”

Every third week of January, “Blue Monday” makes its way into headlines as the so-called “most depressing day of the year.” While it’s not backed by science, it does serve as a reminder of how tough the winter months can be.

14 January 2025

The Secret to Effective Performance Reviews

Performance reviews often get a bad reputation.

Start 2025 Strong: Simple Steps for Small Businesses to Plan Ahead

The New Year brings new opportunities, and 2025 is your chance to make things happen.

Setting Goals That Stick: How to Motivate Yourself and Your Team in 2025

Struggling with goal setting? Learn how to align your vision, strategy, and objectives, and keep track of progress in 2025.

Engage

23 December 2024

Workplace Management Tips: Christmas 2024 Edition

Tips on time-off, inclusivity, parties, and gifts to keep your team happy this festive season—answers to common HR questions!

18 December 2024

Should Holiday Bonuses Be Part of Your Year-End Plan?

As the year comes to an end, many business owners feel the pressure of how to show appreciation, especially with employees anticipating rewards.

11 December 2024

National Workplace Remembrance Day2024: A Call for Safer Workplaces

On National Workplace Remembrance Day, you might be wondering, “What’s this all about?” This day is a time to honor those who’ve lost their lives or been seriously affected by incidents at work, whether physical accidents or mental health struggles.

4 December 2024

Five Ways to Reduce and Manage Absenteeism in Your Small Business

Learn five practical ways to reduce absenteeism in your small business, from clear policies to a healthy workplace culture.

Engage

4 December 2024

How to Shine This Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday is a special day in December dedicated to celebrating and supporting small businesses across the UK.

19 November 2024

Tired of Constant Problem-Solving, Try Proactive HR for your Business

If your day often feels like a game of “putting out fires,” dealing with employee issues, or managing crises that disrupt your workflow, you’re not alone.

18 November 2024

8 Reasons to Say No to Flexible Working

Flexible working requests are common, but not all suit work needs. Here are 8 valid, compliant reasons to say no professionally.

Process

14 November 2024

Key Steps to Building a Bully-Free Workplace #AntiBullyingWeek

As Anti-Bullying Week rolls around, it’s the perfect time to think about what respect and kindness mean in the workplace.

6 November 2024

The Domino Effect ofMinimum Wage Increase&EmployerNICs#TalkMoneyWeek

The pressure is on!

23 October 2024

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of AI in the Workplace

If you ever watched the classic sci-fi films like Blade Runner, Terminator, The Matrix and I Robot, when they first came to our screens, you will probably remember how futuristic and far-off those AI-driven worlds felt at the time.

16 October 2024

How to Keep Your IT Secure When Employees Leave

When employees leave, your IT security can be at risk. Learn effective ways to protect your systems during offboarding process.

16 October 2024

How Great Bosses Shift from Manager to Mentor

As we celebrate Boss’s Day on 16thOctober, let’s take a moment to appreciate the great bosses who have also been our mentors. Being a boss isn’t just about giving direction and completing tasks, it’s about helping your team grow.

10 October 2024

Top 5 Ways Small Businesses Can Support Work-Life Balance on a Budget

This National Work Life Week (October 7-11, 2024), it' is the perfect time for small businesses to reflect on how they can support a healthy work-life balance for their teams.

The New Law on StaffTips:What Small Business Owners Need to Know

Last year, the Conservatives pledged to create new rules to ensure businesses don’t unfairly withhold tips from workers.

28 September 2024

How Part-Time Roles Can Boost Your Business

Attract skilled talent with part-time roles. Learn how flexibility and work-life balance can benefit your business and employees.

Recruit

24 September 2024

HR Lessons for Small Business Owners Without an HR Team #HRProfessionalDay

Running a growing business is exciting, but it comes with new challenges, especially if you don’t have an HR team.

17 September 2024

How to Conduct a Pay Audit: Step-by-Step Guide to Identifying and Closing Pay Gaps#InternationalEqualPayDay

#InternationalEqualPayDay is observed worldwide on 18thSeptember every year.

13 September 2024

Are Your Job Ads Missing the Mark? Ensuring Clarity and Impact in Your Recruitment Efforts

Explore tips for writing job ads that resonate with ideal candidates, streamline recruitment, and highlight your company’s culture

Recruit

11 September 2024

National Pension Awareness Week: Why Your Business Needs to Get Involved

Running a small or medium-sized business comes with many responsibilities, and employee pensions often get overlooked.

3 September 2024

HR Best Practices Every Small Business Should Know

Discover strategies to transform your business, from attracting top talent to nurturing and retaining the best employees.

Retain

2 September 2024

How to Handle Employees Who Refuse to Work Their Notice Period

Get clear, straightforward advice to understand reasons, explore compromises, and minimize business disruption effectively.

Exit

2 September 2024

How Do You Choose Between Two Strong Job Candidates?

Get simple tips to help you choose the best recruit for your business.

Recruit

2 September 2024

Ghosting at Work: Causes, Impact, and Prevention

Learn what causes it, how it affects your team, and easy ways to prevent it to save your business time and money.

Exit

2 September 2024

SmallBusinessChallenges:Building theRightTeam

One of the things we have learnt over the past 10 years of providing outsourced HR support to SME’s is that one of the biggest challenges is building the right team.

How to Handle Difficult Employees: Effective Strategies for Small Businesses

Handling difficult employees is a challenge that every small business owner faces at some point.

Dogs at Work: Making Your Office Pet-Friendly #InternationalDogDay

We love our furry friends, or “fur babies” as some affectionately call them.

Understanding theGCSE Grading System: What Employers Should Look for Beyond the Grade

With the GCSE dates due next week, many young students will be waiting in anticipation of the scores.

Affordable Employee Benefits That Boost Satisfaction & Retention

In today’s competitive job market, offering attractive employee benefits is important for retaining top talent and maintaining high morale.

Top 5 HR Challenges Small Business Owners Faceand How to Overcome Them

As a small business owner, we are sure you are familiar with a lot of challenges that come with managing your team.

Top five ways to hire the best staff for your small business

Recruiting the right staff is important for the success of any small business. Discover our top five tips.

Recruit

The Ripple Effect:How Business Owner Self-Care EnhancesBusinessPerformance#SelfCareDay

Running a small business is demanding.

The Hidden Costs of Poor HR Management: Why Small Businesses Can't Afford to Ignore HR

As a small business owner or manager, you’re thinking it might be practical to prioritise immediate business needs over HR management.

Part-Time Employment: A Blessing or aBurden?

In today’s dynamic business environment, part-time employment is becoming an increasingly popular working method for both employers and employees.

Flexible and voluntary benefits

As an HR professional, I have had numerous discussions with employers about ways to attract and retain talent.

Top 5 Tips for Responding to Counter Offers from Employees

With the ‘war for talent’ continuing to rage in the UK, it is becoming ever more frequent that employees are frequently moving jobs, which is frustrating to say the least when as a business owner or leader you had been thinking you have the perfect team and people on board.

2024 Mid-Year Management Mastery: Empowering Teams ThroughDelegation

As we move through the second half of 2024, it’s a key opportunity for business owners and managers to reflect on their team’s performance and identify areas for improvement.

The Strategic Edge of HR: Celebrating International Human Resources Day with a Commercial Focus

International Human Resources Day was on Monday 20th May this year.

Leading by Example: Prioritising Your Mental Health for Business Success

As small business owners, we often face an array of challenges and decisions that test our resolve every day.

Stepping into National Walking Month: Keeping Active in Remote and Hybrid Work

As National Walking Month steps into our calendars, it’s a good time to reevaluate our activity levels, even more so within remote and hybrid work settings now becoming ever more popular.

6 Tips on How to Build Resilience in Your Team

In the fast-paced and often unpredictable landscape of today's business world, resilience has become a crucial characteristic for teams striving to navigate uncertainties and rebound from setbacks effectively.

Embracing Technology in the Workplace: A Guide for Small Businesses

In the rapidly evolving digital world, the only constant is change.

Kickstarting Stress Awareness Month: Strategies for Managing Workplace Stress

Stress Awareness Month, observed every April, opens an essential dialogue about stress management, particularly in the workplace.

How to Conduct a Constructive Salary Review: A Guide for Businesses

As we approach the new financial year, many businesses are preparing for salary reviews—a crucial process that's often outlined in the employment contracts we help draft for our customers.

25 January 2024

Effective Strategies for Managing Remote Teams

Since the first Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020, the landscape of work has evolved dramatically, with technology and flexible working laws enabling a surge in remote work.

Revitalising Your Business In the New Year: Strategies for Sustainable Change and Growth

As the new year starts, it's not just personal resolutions that take centre stage.

8 November 2022

Do I really need to worry about menopause in my business?

Menopause in the workplace is a hot topic right now.

13 October 2022

What are the 5 key people management skills?

“You do not lead by hitting people over the head — that’s assault, not leadership.” Dwight Eisenhower If you think great people management skills is all about cracking the whip and getting people to do what you want, then you’re in for a rude awakening.

What is quiet quitting, and how can SMEs address this trend?

Quiet quitting is trending, and as a leader in a small to medium enterprise (SME), you should be concerned.

Useful HR advice for small businesses

Congratulations, you’ve set up a small business and you’re ready to take on the market and flourish!

What are HR consulting and support services?

What are HR consulting and support services?

Dakota Blue Consulting :: What happens online, stays online; why you need a social media policy.

Social media has rapidly become an ever-present part of our lives with roughly 68% of the population using some kind of social media platform.

Dakota Blue Consulting :: Managing Performance and Conduct While Working from Home

Drinking at work, dressing inappropriately, attendance problems and poor performance – we all know these are common causes for disciplinary action. Clients have been telling us recently that they’ve now had to discipline remote workers for exactly these reasons. But how can you make sure that your approach is fair?

Dakota Blue Consulting :: How to ensure staff career progression when they are working from home

It’s been a year since many of us suddenly found ourselves working at our kitchen tables juggling kids, pets, and partners also confined to the house with a laptop.

23 November 2020

Dakota Blue Consulting :: Recruiting during a pandemic

Shall we have a talk about recruitment?

17 November 2020

Dakota Blue Consulting :: 5 top tips on how to stay productive while working from home

Are you reading this blog because you’re procrastinating again?

29 September 2020

Dakota Blue Consulting :: How to keep your IT Secure when employees leave.

We think we can all safely say that 2020 has been an interesting year in terms of workplaces and employee IT access.

16 September 2020

Dakota Blue Consulting :: The impact of employee financial wellbeing

With unemployment hitting its highest level for almost two years, it is not surprising that many people are feeling the financial strain.

10 September 2020

Dakota Blue Consulting :: Furlough – the next steps

In less than two months the furlough scheme will come to an end.

Dakota Blue Consulting :: Employee Retention Scheme (furlough); the latest updates

Over recent weeks, the Government has announced a number of changes to their furlough scheme, designed at encouraging businesses to get their employees back to work. The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme was designed to help employers pay staff wages during lockdown and to potentially stop mass redundancies.

When is the right time to make redundancies?

In recent weeks the Prime Minister has been bracing business owners that there will likely be “many job losses” as the country fully begins to deal with the economic impact of Covid-19.

Business as usual?

The announcement by the Prime Minister that people who couldn’t work from home should return to work was met with a mixture of relief and worry by many business owners.

Are you prepared for the return of your team?

With news that New Zealand and France are beginning to ease their lock-downs and the UK government easing guidelines on certain businesses (such as DIY stores) opening, it’s now time for business owners to begin planning for the moment that they call their team back to work.

Information on how to keep your staff and yourself paid during the Covid-19 Lockdown

It’s been a crazy few weeks and we think we can all agree that it’s also been extremely confusing and difficult for employers, employees, and the self-employed.

Covid-19 – We are prepared, are you?

At Dakota Blue we have already made our own arrangements to ensure that we are able to operate and provide much needed support for you in the coming weeks and months, specifically taking the following actions: We are now holding all our meetings via telephone or Skype. As avid promoters of flexible working, we have always been set up to work remotely and securely from different locations and therefore will continue to work in this way ensuring our business continuity. We have extended our opening hours from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday to provide more flexible support when you most need it. If you need any support or advice on what you need to do to ensure continuity of your business going forward; what to do and how to support existing employees; what to do in the case of a complete shutdown due to Covid -19 or simply a friendly ear with whom to share your concerns and worries with (we know it can be lonely and stressful place being a business owner!) then don’t hesitate to contact us via j.brooker@dakotablueconsulting.com or call 01233 662651 In the meantime, keep washing those hands and stay safe!

The best ways to manage remote and flexible workers

The modern workplace is changing.

How do we career plan for jobs that haven’t been designed yet?

The life of a school careers advisor must be incredibly difficult these days.

20 February 2020

Coronavirus: An employer’s guide

Three weeks ago, the UK Chief Medical Officers raised the UK risk of a Covid-19, commonly known as Coronavirus from low to moderate.

20 January 2020

Professional Development Goals

It’s time to focus on your 20/20 vision For many managers it can be relatively simple to pinpoint where their team members need to improve.

16 January 2020

Dakota Blue's MD, Jackie Brooker, presents at HSBC about the five key skills of management

On Wednesday 17th July, our MD Jackie Brooker was invited to present to HSBC customers at their business networking event.

28 November 2019

Embracing a growth mindset will always yield results

There have been a number of occasions when I’ve watched professional sportspeople performing and thought “wow, that’s just awesome, if only I could do that.” Whether it’s running a marathon or performing some fantastic routine on the ice rink, we’re led to believe that the reason they can achieve these feats is that they have a pre-existing talent for athletics.

12 November 2019

How to overcome staff burnout

For many of us an invitation to go for works drinks on a ‘school night’ is the last thing that we want to do.

7 November 2019

"I didn't go into business to manage people"

For many of us starting out in our career, or starting our own businesses, we didn’t consider that at some point our role may grow or we would get promoted and that we may have to employ and manage a team of staff. Whether we started our own businesses as a one-person band, took on the responsibility of running the family business or find ourselves being promoted into a position of people management responsibility because we are technically capable, developing great management skills is the key to success and growth.

7 November 2019

Can I refuse a candidate on the basis of their visible tattoos?

We’re regularly asked this question, and, if you want a short answer, then “yes, you can refuse a candidate on the basis of their visible tattoos” however, what you should really be asking is “is it wise to refuse a candidate on the basis of their visible tattoos?” West Yorkshire Police made national headlines by backtracking on their visible tattoo policy.

7 November 2019

Why outsourcing your HR can benefit your business

With new employment laws coming into effect in April 2020 it’s now more important than ever to ensure that you are receiving the right HR advice.

Delivering bad news about holidays and how to communicate it to your staff

August is nearly upon us.

Why you should invest in management development

A business is only as good as its team and its managers.

Managing conflict in the workplace

Conflict in the workplace is inevitable and anyone in a leadership role knows that leadership and conflict go together.

Poor workplace training - the cost to your business

Despite workers citing that development opportunities are a decisive factor when choosing an employer, many businesses in the UK are struggling to produce a culture that prioritises learning and development.

Do you have an IT Security checklist as part of your employee exit process?

Employees retiring or leaving for new pastures is nothing new, however as companies and technology have grown, the amount of systems and data that employees have access to has increased.

12 December 2018

Eradicating human trafficking and modern slavery in the workplace.Is your organisation compliant?

Every year on the 10 December, Human Rights Day is observed, it is the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

19 November 2018

National Living Wage and Real Living Wage -

In April 2016 the government introduced a higher minimum wage rate for employed people over 25 years of age.

12 November 2018

Pay and reward

The challenging global climate has put a lot of pressure on pay budgets.

How to manage remote workers

Some employers have concern’s that remote and flexible working means that employees will be less engaged and not as loyal to the business.

Zero-hours contracts: employers back stable contract requests

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) the number of people on zero-hour contracts in the UK rose in 2017 by 100,000.

Is career development for women as big an issue as the gender pay gap?

One of the big issues being addressed in the public domain is the gender pay gap.

Older people facing discrimination and bias in the workplace

According to MPs on the Women and Equalities Committee, people aged over 50 are being locked out of the workplace.

Using recruitment agencies effectively

Recruitment agencies can play a key role in hiring the right people for your business, but if you don’t find the right one or build a good relationship with them it can be an inefficient and expensive burden on your business.

Can part-time roles benefit your business?

In an increasingly competitive market to attract the best talent businesses are having to adapt roles.

Probationary period

Probationary periods allow an employer (and the employee) to assess their suitability to the role.

Do job vacancies have to be advertised externally?

A common misconception is that an employer must advertise a role externally, in fact an employer is not legally obliged to do this.

GDPR - Privacy Notice for employees

Like me, over the last few weeks you have probably received a flurry of emails from companies you have engaged with in some way in the past, asking for permission to continue to send you emails.

Mental health and wellbeing in the workplace

In the public domain conversations are increasingly opening up around mental health.

Apprenticeships

In 2013 the government announced their ambitions plans to have 3 million apprenticeships by 2020.

Personal hygiene

Is there someone in your place of work who has personal hygiene issues?

Consultancy of the Year

We had a wonderful evening at the Kent CIPD Awards 2018 and are so incredibly proud and delighted to have won Consultancy of the Year.

27 February 2018

Tackling pregnancy and maternity discrimination

The Equality and Human Rights Commission have recently published new statistics that reveal some British employers are ‘living in the dark ages’ and have worrying attitudes towards unlawful behaviour when it comes to recruiting women.

5 February 2018

Modern Slavery Act 2015

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 is an Act of Parliament designed to tackle slavery in the UK and consolidates previous offences relating to trafficking and slavery.

29 January 2018

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

Are you preparing your business for the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)?

10 November 2015

It's Time to Rethink Your Appraisals

Despite suggestion that it’s time for appraisals to be scrapped in favour of more business-focused solutions, they still have a very important role to play. But it’s true that it may be time to update your approach, and consider how you can make your performance management systems really work for your business. Read on to find out more about the directions that you might want to take in the future.

18 February 2026

Immigration status

Overseas workers have long been used by employers in the UK and are a vital source of labour in many industries.

18 February 2026

Selecting a quality external training provider

Learning and development should be a high priority in every organisation as it drives engagement and productivity.

18 February 2026

New Data Protection bill

New legislation brought forward by the government this summer, will give people the right to force social media and other online traders to delete personal data about themselves.

18 February 2026

Whistleblowing

This year there has been an explosion of sexual harassment stories in the media, with more and more industries coming under scrutiny as a result of the rising number of claims.

18 February 2026

Bullying and harassment in the workplace

Workplace bullying headlines are not ones that any employer would like to see their company involved in.

18 February 2026

Can you dismiss an employee because of their controversial views?

You may have seen the headlines in July that a school dinner lady was suspended for attending a protest march organised by an ex-English Defence League (EDL) leader.

18 February 2026

Can I check social media profiles when recruiting?

More and more employers are searching through candidates’ social media accounts as part of the recruitment process.

18 February 2026

Workplace pension rule changes

In April 2018, the minimum contributions for the workplace pension will increase.

18 February 2026

What is onboarding?

Onboarding, is simply the term used to describe the activities and processes of integrating a new employee into an organisation, to familiarise them not only with the service or products, but also the team and company culture.

18 February 2026

When an employee lets you down

I’m a bit of a karate nut and I recently learnt from my Sensei, that whilst he has failed many competitions and won one very big one, he has only got to this point through failing.

18 February 2026

Harassment and bullying

Over recent weeks we have been bombarded with revelations and headlines of harassment and bullying, from Hollywood to British politics.

18 February 2026

When an employee unexpectedly resigns

You’ve been really focused on your business and your employees are engaged and productive.

18 February 2026

Avoid costly legal action against your business

When you’re an HR consultant, you often find yourself having in-depth conversations about how business owners can avoid legal action.

18 February 2026

Recruiting for less desirable roles

The first thing to remember is that a role that might not appeal to you, will appeal to someone else.

18 February 2026

UK employment tribunal fees – update for employers

At the end of July, the Supreme Court ruled that the government was acting unlawfully and unconstitutionally when it introduced fees in 2013 for those bringing employment tribunal claims.

18 February 2026

Dealing with hate in the workplace

Last week the BBC reported that police handling of hate crime is to be reviewed after a recent sharp rise in incidents being reported.

18 February 2026

Managing relationships in the workplace

It’s Valentine’s Day and romance is in the air.

18 February 2026

Five ways to streamline your HR practices and budget

At some point most businesses will face difficult times.

18 February 2026

Are you stamping out sexual harassment?

A recent report from TUC, in association with the Everyday Sexism Project, found that 52 per cent of women have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.

18 February 2026

Achieving work-life balance as a business leader

One of the key factors believed to help attract and retain talent is providing your employees with a good work-life balance.

18 February 2026

What does leaving the EU mean for your business?

Over the coming weeks, months and years we will inevitably see many changes to our businesses after the momentous decision to leave the EU.

18 February 2026

How to have a constructive conversation about pay

Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of management.

18 February 2026

Effective team building

We’re all pretty clued up these days when it comes to the importance of building teams that work together to drive a business forward.

18 February 2026

What does the triggering of article 50 mean for your business?

Tomorrow Theresa May will trigger article 50, the withdrawal notice to begin the process of the UK leaving the EU.

18 February 2026

How to effectively manage annual leave

You probably have some employees who plan well in advance and are already asking for Christmas 2017 off.

18 February 2026

What can go wrong in a performance review?

Performance reviews can cause a lot of anxiety for both the appraiser and appraisee.

18 February 2026

Managing politics in the workplace

Is it just me or has 2016 seen a seismic shift in the political landscape away from the centre ground?

18 February 2026

Discussing retirement

It is more than five years since the default retirement age of 65 years was removed (October 2011). The number of older people in the workplace is set to rise significantly over the next 20 years.

18 February 2026

Gender pay gap

The gender pay gap is a world wide issue, campaigns to raise awareness and make changes are increasing.

18 February 2026

Recruiting seasonal workers

Does your business experience an increase in demand during the Christmas period, perhaps there is an increase in demand for holiday and you need cover during this period?

18 February 2026

Performance management review

It’s that time of year for many companies for annual performance reviews.

18 February 2026

Employee performance – why you should document it

As an HR Director, it is not unusual for one of my first conversations with a new client to be about problems they are experiencing in managing the performance of an employee.

18 February 2026

Five mistakes made with employee handbooks

According to a recent study by XpertHR, 92 per cent of companies have created employee handbooks to share with their staff.

18 February 2026

People retention

Many business owners think that retention is based on compensation issues, including salary levels and other financial incentives.

18 February 2026

How To Welcome New Staff Into Existing Teams

Recruiting a new member of staff for your growing business can be a really exciting time, but it’s something that you should definitely consider carefully before you rush into taking action.

18 February 2026

Why Don't Your Employees Trust You?

Trust is a funny old issue.

18 February 2026

All The Answers To Your Christmas HR Questions

While most people begin to look forward to a little rest and recuperation over the Christmas period, it’s around about now that managers and business owners start to think about the nitty gritty, practical issues that they’ll have to contend with to keep their workforce engaged, motivated, and problem-free.

18 February 2026

Should you snoop on your employees?

With new ruling about private online messaging the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that employers can justify reading their workers’ online private messages.

18 February 2026

Five critical actions for managing an employee grievance

If a member of your staff brought up a grievance, would you know how to handle it?

18 February 2026

Would you ignore Richard Branson's Business Advice?

When you think of influential people from the world of business, Richard Branson is a name that's likely to feature pretty high up on your list.