Bringing someone new into your business is an exciting moment, but it’s also one of the most influential stages in the employee experience. In small businesses especially, onboarding often happens informally: a quick introduction, a few forms, and straight into the job. Yet those first few days shape how someone feels about your business, their confidence, and how long they stay. Legal requirements are pivotal for any business when a new employee joins. Right to work checks,

Great managers aren’t defined by job titles or years of experience; they stand out because of how they lead. In small and micro‑businesses, where every person plays a vital role, the impact of a great manager is even more visible. They shape the culture, set the tone, and create the conditions where people can do their best work. So what does that look like day to day? They Prioritise Real Communication - They don’t wait for annual reviews. They check in regularly, creating

Work experience was certainly on the agenda this week! A lot of small business owners want to leave it to the larger organisations which is understandable because of lack of time and resources, but I really do believe that small local businesses are some of the very best places for young people to learn. The exposure is priceless. With clear instruction and expectation set out for the student, it builds confidence and helps them discover strengths they didn’t know they had. I

Someone asked me that recently. When I launched Coast to Country HR, I knew I wanted to work with local businesses but over time and the businesses that I am already working with, it became clear that my heart lied with micro and small businesses. The kind where the owner wears every hat: HR, finance, marketing, operations and still finds time to serve customers, keep the lights on, and care deeply about their team. These are the businesses that form the backbone of our commu

Recently, my dad was recognised by his local cricket club for his leadership, commitment, and drive with the pavilion named after him, something that had never been done before. It was a beautiful, sunny evening and an incredibly humbling moment for our family, especially for me and my sister who grew up with the familiar phrase: “Where’s Dad? …....At the Cricket Club again!” What struck me most was the number of people who came to celebrate. Dad had been CEO of Somerset Cric

At a recent networking event for small businesses, many owners shared a familiar challenge: they now have four generations working side by side. Each brings their own way of working, thinking, communicating, and defining success and while that diversity can be a real strength, it can also create friction if not understood. When those differences aren’t recognised, things start to break down. Misunderstandings grow, collaboration stalls, and opportunities to learn from one ano

Culture certainly isn’t a poster on the wall or a list of values tucked away on your website. It’s the lived, day-to-day experience of your team, the small, often unnoticed moments that quietly define “how things are really done around here.” You see it in how people communicate when deadlines are tight and pressure is high. Do conversations stay respectful and focused, or do they become reactive and tense? You see it in how mistakes are handled, whether they’re owned openly