Dakota Blue Consulting Blog - Page 2

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%.

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

Let’s play a quick game.

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.

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

It’s almost the end of July.

How Much Does HR Consultancy Cost in 2025?

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.

7 Signs Your Manager Needs Help

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

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 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.

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.

Making Redundancies?Don’tGet It Wrong Legally or Ethically

Redundancy is tough for you and your team.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How to Build Mental Resilience in Your Team

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

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.

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.

NewRight toNeonatalCareLeave, What You Need to Know?

Having a baby is an emotional rollercoaster.

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.

“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.

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

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.