A THRIVING HR consultancy has expanded and opened a northern division based in Kendal.

Meraki HR Solutions North Ltd has opened an office in the Kendal Business Hub at South Lakeland House.

Founder and managing director Emma Browning said: "My biggest concern moving to the Lake District was that I'm a southerner and whether I would be accepted but everybody I have met within the local business community has been incredibly supportive and welcoming and I am really excited about the future.

"My husband Mike and I have loved coming to the Lake District for more than 25 years. We are keen fellwalkers and it has been our dream to live and work in this area."

The Westmorland Gazette: Emma Browning, Founder and Managing Director of Meraki HR Solutions Ltd, enjoying a day out on the Lakeland fells.Emma Browning, Founder and Managing Director of Meraki HR Solutions Ltd, enjoying a day out on the Lakeland fells. (Image: Submitted)

Emma explained that Meraki HR Solutions North offered many years of HR experience and expertise to help business owners and leaders successfully manage, motivate and lead their teams.

Emma said that some of the firm's work was to resolve any people problems or challenges which might arise but around 70 per cent involved working proactively with its clients, which ultimately minimised employee issues.

For example, Meraki HR could help local companies to overcome the challenging recruitment market by ensuring their employer branding was first rate.

And once people were taken on, Meraki HR could advise on providing great induction processes to ensure new employees were fully engaged with the company as their new employer, which would aid retention, she said.

"Too often an induction process can involve a manager talking at a new employee for several hours, which can lead to information overload,” said Emma.

"Instead, they should ensure new employees are given a warm welcome and that there is a plan for at least the first four weeks which helps new staff understand, in bite-sized chunks, the nature of the business, where their role fits into the business and how to do each and every part of their job well, which sets them up for success."

Emma added: "Meraki is a word, often used by modern Greeks, to describe doing something with soul, creativity or an absolute passion — when you put something of yourself into what you’re doing. Meraki is who we are and what we believe in."

A free workshop on ‘How to recruit superstars into your business’ will take place at Kendal Business Hub on Friday, January 27, from 9.30am-11.30am. Email hello@merakihr.com or ring 01539 482709.