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Stay up to date with the latest HR News
Welcome to the Minerva HR Blog, your go-to space for HR insights, hot topics, and practical guides designed especially for creative small businesses in South East London and beyond.
We break down the complex world of HR compliance, people management, and workplace culture into simple, actionable advice you can actually use. No jargon. No fluff. Just the straight-talking HR know-how you need to keep your business thriving.
Whether you’re tackling tricky employee issues, planning for growth, or just trying to stay on top of the latest HR trends, you’ll find it here with clear, relevant, and made for the creative mind.
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UK Autumn Budget 2025 and What It Means for SMEs and Their People
TL;DR – UK Autumn Budget 2025 & SMEs The 2025 UK Autumn Budget introduces several changes that will affect SMEs’ payroll, taxes, and HR planning: National Living Wage rises to £12.71/hr from April 2026, increasing wage bills. Income tax and NI thresholds frozen until 2030–31, reducing real take-home pay despite wage increases. Business rates reform benefits retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses; larger sites may see higher costs. Corporation tax allowances tighten f
Sally Brandon
Dec 7, 20256 min read
Are Your Freelancers Actually Employees? The Hidden Risks for Your Business
TL;DR: Misclassifying freelancers as self-employed can create serious risks for your business, from HMRC fines to employment tribunal claims. Aa an expert HR consultant in South East London I can help you clarify working relationships, ensure compliance, and protect your business from costly mistakes. Are Your Freelancers Actually Employees? The Hidden Risks for Your Business As an expert HR consultant in South East London, I’ll explain why it’s not just your contract that ma
Sally Brandon
Nov 24, 20253 min read
The Hidden Gold in Exit Interviews: How to Turn Tough Feedback into Business Growth
TL;DR: Exit interviews aren’t just formalities, they reveal insights that can improve retention, boost culture, and prevent recurring issues. By listening carefully and acting on feedback, businesses in South East London can turn departures into growth opportunities. The Hidden Gold in Exit Interviews: How to Turn Tough Feedback into Business Growth As an HR consultant in South East London, I’ll show you how to transform honest exit conversations into actionable insights tha
Sally Brandon
Nov 18, 20253 min read
Tis the Season to Be Jolly: HR Dos and Don’ts for Your Holiday Party
TL;DR Christmas is around the corner! Your office holiday party is a great chance for your team to relax, but remember, company policies still apply. This blog outlines key DOs and DON’Ts for employers and employees, ensuring fun while avoiding HR issues such as harassment, violence, or misconduct. Introduction Christmas is just around the corner, and I’m sure you are already thinking about the annual office holiday party. As an HR consultant in South East London, I want to h
Sally Brandon
Nov 2, 20252 min read
The Hidden Interview Questions That Could Land Your Business in Hot Water
TL;DR Some interview questions can seem harmless but they could expose your business to legal risks and discrimination claims. Learn which questions to avoid, how to train your hiring managers, and how an HR consultant in South East London can protect your recruitment process (and your reputation). The Hidden Interview Questions That Could Land Your Business in Hot Water Hiring new talent should be exciting. A chance to bring in fresh ideas and energy that drive your business
Sally Brandon
Oct 31, 20253 min read
Your 'Right `To Work' checks might be costing you more than you think
TL;DR Even well-meaning employers can make costly mistakes with right to work checks. Errors can lead to fines up to £60,000, reputational damage, and wasted time. A proactive HR consultant in South East London ensures your hiring processes are compliant As an HR consultant in South East London, I help businesses understand why even well-intentioned employers can fall foul of right to work regulations. Compliance isn’t just paperwork it’s about safeguarding your profits, repu
Sally Brandon
Oct 19, 20253 min read
The hidden HR risks threatening your growing business and how to fix them
TL;DR As your business grows, hidden HR risks like outdated contracts, missing policies, weak hiring, and untrained managers can quietly jeopardise your profits, compliance, and peace of mind. Minerva HR Consulting helps you spot and fix these risks, saving time, money, and stress while creating a thriving, scalable workplace. As an HR consultant in South East London, I help business owners spot and resolve the most common HR and legal pitfalls that emerge as teams expand. Gr
Sally Brandon
Oct 13, 20254 min read
6 Ways Preventative HR Can Save You Time, Money and Hassle
Running a creative business is fast-paced and unpredictable. Between managing projects, talent, and clients, HR challenges often get...
Sally Brandon
Oct 5, 20253 min read
Managing Tricky Employee Exits with Clarity and Confidence
I’ll never forget the first time a client rang me in a panic about an employee exit. They were a brilliant small business in Lewisham,...
Sally Brandon
Sep 27, 20253 min read
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