This month, Gemma enjoyed speaking with Nick Bryant on his Brilliant Businesses Podcast.
Gemma shares her journey with Nick from aspiring police officer to becoming a trusted HR expert, recounting how her career began and then pivoted after maternity leave leading her to establish GFHR Consulting.
What started as a solo venture driven by a need for flexibility has grown over the last 15 years into a respected consultancy known for its people-first, values-driven approach.
The conversation covered a wide range of topics, some of the highlights are:
- 15 Years of Growth: Gemma reflects on growing her business organically while balancing motherhood, and how consistency, passion, and authenticity have been central to her long-term success.
- Covid as a Catalyst: While the pandemic brought challenges, it also created opportunities. With businesses suddenly needing robust HR support, we became a go-to partner for navigating furlough schemes, remote work, and employee wellbeing.
- New Branding & Direction: Gemma explains that we have recently rebranded to better reflect our ethos—approachable, proactive, and grounded in fairness. This has also led to a newly unveiled website to showcase the support that we can offer. The focus is clear: helping businesses who truly value their people and want to grow sustainably.
- Comprehensive Services: From recruitment, onboarding, and performance management to grievances, restructures, and exit interviews, we offer a full employee lifecycle service. Our bespoke HR packages ensure flexibility to suit the unique needs of each client allowing them to create a stack of the services they need which can be changed with business need.
- Webinars & Education: We run quarterly webinars for clients covering topics like absence management and mental health. These sessions are part of our commitment to proactive, value-added HR support.
- Client-Centric Approach: What sets us apart? Gemma and the team’s down-to-earth, jargon-free communication style. As one client put it: “You talk my language, you’re down to earth, and you tell me straight.”
- A Values-Driven Client Base: While we work across sectors—from IT and law to hospitality and trades—the common thread among our clients is a shared belief that we are doing right by their people.
Final Thoughts:
As part of his Brilliant Businesses podcast series, Nick speaks with a number of local businesses. We are very proud to have been involved and feel that this episode isn’t just a celebration of business longevity—it’s a testament to how authenticity, people skills, and a strong sense of purpose can create a thriving consultancy. Gemma’s story is a powerful reminder that HR isn’t just about policies—it’s about people.
Catch the full podcast here Brilliant Businesses.