HR firm set for growth with £100,000 loan

A Hull-based HR consultancy is set to expand operations after securing funding.

The HR Guru, founded in 2023 by Alison Lambert and Alan Turner, has received a £100,000 NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance loan to develop its innovative employee handbook tool, Hey Guru. 

The platform will bring a company’s policies and procedures into one accessible digital space, streamlining inductions and helping staff navigate workplace rules more efficiently.

Hey Guru will automatically update policies in line with changing legislation and include an AI-powered chat feature for employees to check relevant guidance.

Bosses say the funding will also support the expansion of The HR Guru’s consultancy business, which currently serves more than 60 organisations. 

They add that two new roles will be created as the company scales its operations and embraces a technology-driven approach to HR management.

Alan Turner, operations manager of the HR Guru, said: “An employee handbook enables businesses to set out the policies, procedures and standards of behaviour they expect, to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings. 

“However, keeping handbooks up to date is costly and time consuming. 

“We spotted a gap in the market for a tool that could streamline the process and make it easier for staff and senior management to find the information they require. 

“We’ve already had strong interest and look forward to the launch early next year.”

Rebecca Pickering, investment manager at Mercia Debt, added: “With the complexity of employment law and the focus on wellbeing and diversity, demand for HR advice has increased. 

“Specialists like the HR Guru play a key role in supporting smaller firms that lack in-house expertise. 

“The funding will enable Alison and Alan to build their consultancy business with two new team members and target a wider market with the launch of this innovative HR tool.”

Craig Ingram, from Three Crowns Finance, provided fundraising advice to the HR Guru.

The £660 million Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) fund, operated by British Business Bank, provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million to help small and medium-sized businesses.

Lizzy Upton, senior investment manager at British Business Bank, added: “The HR Guru is a great example of a business innovating to modernise traditional processes and drive improved efficiencies for its clients. 

“NPIF II was established to support ambitious Northern businesses like this, helping with job creation and boosting our regional economy.

“It’s been great to be part of the business’s growth journey, and I look forward to seeing what’s next for them.”

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