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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
The Hidden Costs of Workplace Bullying and Harassment: Protect Your Business and Your Team
TL;DR Workplace bullying and harassment, even subtle, can quietly damage morale, productivity, and your reputation. Ignoring it leads to...
Sally Brandon
Sep 27, 20253 min read
The hidden cost of employee burnout: why your business needs to act now
TL;DR The hidden cost of employee burnout: why your business needs to act now Burnout is more than being tired, it’s mental and physical...
Sally Brandon
Sep 21, 20253 min read
Are your 'flexible' workers costing your business thousands?
Two people discuss finances; one holds a calculator, the other points at charts on a laptop. Papers, graphs on desk. Analytical mood. As an expert HR consultant in Lewisham, I’ll explain the legal and financial dangers of unclear working arrangements and how to protect your business. As your business grows and evolves, you naturally look for flexible ways to bring in the talent you need. You might rely on contractors, freelancers, or casual staff to handle specific projects o
Sally Brandon
Sep 12, 20255 min read
Why a Quick HR Health Check Could Save Your Business Thousands
As an experienced HR consultant in Lewisham, I know one simple truth: ignoring HR might feel easier in the moment, but it’s the fastest way to drain your profits (and your sanity). A quick HR health check isn’t just admin it’s a smart, money-saving move that can protect your business before things go south. Blue filing cabinets with open drawers and color-coded files on the left. On the right, a stethoscope and red heart shape on blue background. The Hidden Costs of Ignoring
Sally Brandon
Aug 30, 20253 min read
Three workplace situations that need thoughtful handling before they grow into bigger challenges
Understanding how to approach these common challenges with guidance from an HR consultant in Lewisham A giant pencil erases a path...
Sally Brandon
Aug 27, 20253 min read
KIT Days What Do Mums Really Want?
The Importance of KIT Days for a Smooth Transition Back to Work Picture this: You’re coming back from maternity leave and stepping into the office. Do you want a lukewarm coffee and a vague chat about how things have been ticking along? Or do you want a KIT day that actually makes you feel valued, clued-in, and ready to return? That’s why KIT (Keeping In Touch) days are worth more than just a diary note. When done with intention, they’re the secret sauce to making maternity l
Sally Brandon
Aug 17, 20253 min read
The 10-Minute Conversation That Can Reduce Sickness in Your Team
Person in robe with head down on table, surrounded by medication, tissues, lemon, and a mug. Glass of water nearby. Tired, unwell mood....
Sally Brandon
Aug 15, 20252 min read
Employment Law for Small Businesses. Why Getting the HR Basics Right Matter
Even with just one employee, you need contracts, holiday pay tracking, and clear policies from day one. Gavel held over a book titled...
Sally Brandon
Aug 3, 20252 min read
Transform Your Business with Expert HR Consulting Services
Navigating the complexities of human resources (HR) can be daunting for many businesses. With ever-evolving regulations, workforce...
Sally Brandon
Jul 28, 20254 min read
Enhance Compliance with Comprehensive HR Audit Services
In today’s fast-paced business environment, maintaining compliance with employment laws and internal policies is crucial. A human...
Sally Brandon
Jul 28, 20254 min read
6 Proven Ways to Boost Performance and Connection in Your Remote Team
TL;DR Struggling to manage your remote or hybrid team? Here are 6 proven ways to boost performance and connection: Set clear expectations – Define responsibilities, deadlines, and metrics. Talk regularly – Weekly check-ins prevent issues from festering. Track work consistently – Use simple tools for visibility, not micromanagement. Ensure inclusion – Give remote workers equal voice and visibility. Encourage cross-team work – Build real collaboration across locations. Rec
Sally Brandon
Jul 27, 20253 min read
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