“Our story began with a leap of faith and we hope it continues to inspire others to take theirs”
When Deirdre Kelly and Christine Swail decided to make a “leap of faith” to go out on their own over 25 years ago, they could never have imagined they would found one of NI’s longest-established HR consultancies.
Started in a spare room a quarter of a century ago, Deridre and Christine hope their business’s story inspires others dreaming of starting their own to take the risk and follow their ambitions.
People Management Solutions, with locations in Belfast and Dungannon, began with a “simple but powerful belief” that SMEs deserved better, more personal and more commercially minded HR support.
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Reflecting on 25 years in business, Deirdre said: “Looking back to those early days, we questioned our sanity more than once.
“We walked away from secure senior HR roles on a Friday with no confirmed work for the Monday. But we had belief, drive and a clear vision: to offer SMEs the HR expertise they needed, delivered by specialists who truly understood their business.”
From Christine’s spare room in Belfast, the consultancy quickly grew, expanding beyond greater Belfast and into Co Tyrone. The company responded to the needs of organisations with 10 to 200 employees who lacked in-house HR but needed expert guidance.
Today, People Management Solutions is a trusted partner across manufacturing, IT, food, hospitality, professional services and the public sector, known for its “hands-on approach, deep expertise and unwavering commitment to doing things the right way”.
The company works with some of the biggest names in Northern Ireland, including Danske Bank, LIDL and Translink, but also a number of thriving small businesses such as Loud Mouth media, Go Pig or Go Home and Millbrook Lodge.
Christine credits the company’s longevity to the complementary strengths of Deirdre and herself.
She explained: “One of us is cautious and meticulous, the other a natural networker and optimist.
“These strengths coupled with determination, honesty and a commitment to doing the work ourselves has been the foundation of our success.
“Our personal approach has been our unique selling point and remains at the heart of our business today.”
From starting from square one on a Monday morning to being awarded CIPD HR Consultancy of the Year, Deirdre and Christine are incredibly proud to mark 25 years of supporting employers, strengthening workplaces and helping organisations thrive.
“Twenty-five years on, we still love what we do,” Deirdre added.
“We took the risk; we adapted when we needed to and we never looked back. Our story began with a leap of faith and we hope it continues to inspire others to take theirs.”
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