From Corporate HR to Local Business: HR Dept Celebrates 10 Years of Supporting SMEs
Merton Chamber of Commerce spoke with Sandra Porter, Managing Director of the HR Dept.
Sandra shared with us her career journey at some of the most recognisable businesses in the UK to founding her own consultancy. She offers advice for other SMEs and tells us tells us about how engaging in local Chambers has made all the difference.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your business?
My name is Sandra Porter, and I am the MD of the HR Dept, an HR services provider specialising in supporting small and medium-sized businesses across Merton. I started the consultancy ten years ago (next week!) and now support over 250 businesses by ensuring compliance and helping them manage the employee issues all businesses face.
My earlier career was in corporate, starting in executive search working for Tim Craig, Daniel Craig’s (James Bond’s) Dad. I then progressed through the Bank of Scotland to the role of Senior HR Partner, was Head of HR for O2 and then Board Director for Starbucks Coffee Company.
Supporting SMEs is real HR. SMEs can’t buy their way out of trouble, so it is crucial that they have trusted, personal support to help them navigate the minefield of employment.
What do you enjoy most about running your business?
To be honest, I love every bit of it. I love working closely with business owners to help them thrive. I love working with my team, who are brilliant, dedicated and a lot of fun, and I love the intellectual challenge of growing a small business.
What challenges have you faced along the way?
Covid-19 was unsurprisingly the biggest challenge we have faced. While trying to homeschool my two children, our business went crazy. We worked through the night to understand the ever-changing situation and then advise our clients effectively. It was stressful, but we demonstrated the value of dedicated HR support and have since retained 95% of our clients at that time because of the relationships we built.
What is your advice for other SMEs?
Surround yourself with people smarter than you are and then let them play to their strengths. Whether it be your Accountant, HR Advisor, Head of Marketing or PA – find the best that you can afford and then challenge them to add as much value to your business as possible. Spend your time on things only the business owner should do.
What does the rest of 2026 have in store for HR Dept, and what are you looking forward to in 2027?
2026 has been very busy so far. With so many legislative changes and the steep rise in employment tribunal claims, we are set for another busy 2027. We have expanded our suite of management training courses, offer affordable hiring services and support businesses with engagement surveys, benchmarking, performance reviews and everything an internal HR team would – but at a fraction of the price. 2027 looks to be another busy one!
What do you like about being a member of the Chamber?
Being a Chamber member was fundamental to how I decided to grow my business ten years ago, and I haven’t looked back. Being an active member of the business community is not just about business growth, but also personal growth and connection. That sounds really cheesy, but the chamber friends that I have made have been so important through both the challenges and the celebrations.