Nina Phipps: Guardian HR

Read how Nina Phipps achieved a work-life balance by starting her own business….

My name is Nina Phipps, I’m a chartered member of the CIPD, I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management and I have over 10 years of HR experience. I previously worked in both the public and private sector, from high street retailers to global technology corporations. This has enabled me to gather a broad range of knowledge, skills and experience in all areas of human resources management and specialise in employment law.

The big step

I wanted a bit more work/life balance to be able to be there for my son more. I wanted to be able to offer my consultancy services to all types of business and not just in house to my former employer, so that more people could benefit.

I decided to get in touch with the Women’s Business Development Agency because I felt an organisation supporting women was going to be the best support I could receive.

I have had one-to-one meetings with an advisor, Carolyn Reily, who helped me to clarify where I am going and how to get there. It was useful to have someone to check you are heading in the right direction and confirm you are doing ok as being independent you can sometimes loose perspective.

I still do encounter challenges! Everyday is a learning curve for me. I am very good at what I do as a career but I do not claim to be the master of marketing, accounting, selling etc and I have quickly realised that you need to be the best you can in all of these areas too! So I have learnt a lot in the recent months about these areas. I also had a barrier to the initial cash generation for my business as I had an internal client base with my former employer and so I have to build my new client base from scratch. Hence fast becoming proficient in the areas of marketing and selling!

It was great to have WBDA there because they gave me reassurance and that was a big help! I felt I was on track and that I was able to succeed.

About Guardian HR

My business is dedicated to providing clients with a high level of commitment, personal service and confidentiality. I offer employment law advice and support to companies of all sizes, across all industries in the UK.

You may be a start up company looking for HR advice, a business owner with little or no HR or a HR Manager/Director, looking for additional support for a specialist project. Whatever your requirements, I can tailor my services to suit your needs.

Top tip to other women thinking about starting a business:

Never underestimate how challenging it will be. Remember there’s always a positive to come from every action that you take and opportunities come from the strangest of places. Allow yourself plenty of time to be able to set up and start making money. This doesn’t happen overnight! Be willing to take advice from others and if you work alone, definitely ensure you have a strong support network.

For more information about Guardian HR services please contact Nina on 07866 666250, email ninaphipps@guardianhr.org or check out her website www.guardianhr.org