Join the Good Growth Programme Today.

Receive four days of HR and people growth expertise from the leading people consultancy in the North.

Limited Spaces Available: Don't Miss Out - Register Now
Visit The Good Growth Programme Website for More Info

Join the Good Growth Programme Today.

Receive four days of HR and people growth expertise from the leading people consultancy in the North.

Limited Spaces Available: Don't Miss Out - Register Now
Visit The Good Growth Programme Website for More Info

The leading people consultancy across legal, safety and growth.

We’re proud to be delivering the People and Skills Masterclass as part of the West Yorkshire Good Growth Programme, led by Oxford Innovation Advice in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Now offering four days of dedicated HR expertise, this impactful and practical support is designed to help SMEs across the region strengthen their workforce, enhance leadership, and drive sustainable business growth. Our team of HR growth advisers will be at your service to provide a host of proactive services such as training, value setting, recruitment and onboarding, conflict management, leadership development – anything related to HR. Our expertise, personal approach, and dedication to supporting SMEs, business owners and HR departments since 2003 has led us here.

When you sign up to the Good Growth Programme, you’ll gain access to five expert-led masterclass sessions covering key areas of business growth. Alongside these, you’ll benefit from bespoke one-to-one coaching, and a comprehensive GROWTHmapper® diagnostic to uncover your business’s strengths and weaknesses — helping you explore your full growth potential.

 

To find out more about each of the subject masterclass sessions, visit the Good Growth Programme website: https://www.wygoodgrowth.co.uk/

For the HR segment, you will receive:

The leading people consultancy across legal, safety and growth.

We’re proud to be delivering the People and Skills Masterclass as part of the West Yorkshire Good Growth Programme, led by Oxford Innovation Advice in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Now offering four days of dedicated HR expertise, this impactful and practical support is designed to help SMEs across the region strengthen their workforce, enhance leadership, and drive sustainable business growth. Our team of HR growth advisers will be at your service to provide a host of proactive services such as training, value setting, recruitment and onboarding, conflict management, leadership development – anything related to HR. Our expertise, personal approach, and dedication to supporting SMEs, business owners and HR departments since 2003 has led us here.

When you sign up to the Good Growth Programme, you’ll gain access to five expert-led masterclass sessions covering key areas of business growth. Alongside these, you’ll benefit from bespoke one-to-one coaching, and a comprehensive GROWTHmapper® diagnostic to uncover your business’s strengths and weaknesses — helping you explore your full growth potential.

To find out more about each of the subject masterclass sessions, visit the Good Growth Programme website: https://www.wygoodgrowth.co.uk/

For the HR segment, you will receive:

Four Days of HR Expertise

Onboarding and Recruitment Support

Employee Engagement and Value Setting

Leadership and Management Training & Development

1-to-1 or Team Coaching

On-site and Remote Support

People & Skills Masterclass - delivered face-to-face by HR and Employment Law experts

All of this, and more for just £550

Book onto the Good Growth Programme Today
Abra & Co Case Study
Abra & Co
Case Study

The approach.

SME Opticians based in Heckmondwike, with 10 employees, Abra & Co. needed help and support with their approach to HR and developing their people.

HR Growth Adviser, Jill Pollard led the program, creating a robust action plan across:

  • Recruitment, Succession Planning & Retention
  • Induction & Probationary Periods
  • Training & Development
  • Inclusion & Wellbeing
  • Communications and Engagement and
  • Reward & Recognition
HPicture Smiths. Howarths. Shot by Claire Wood on 9th MArch 22.

The deliverables.

Jill developed a full people strategy to support with career progression and growth, a full training plan and matrix for continued development and designed and wrote training materials for induction, probationary periods and management training.

As a result, all recruitment is considered strategically, with a long-term plan for future anticipated vacancies.

Created in a nutshell…

People Strategy
Induction Plan and Probationary Period Structure and Flowchart
Documents and Templates
Management Training Material
Management Development Sessions
Career Paths Per Role
Succession Planning Linking to Growth and Vacancies
Job Descriptions Per Role
HR Recommendations Report – Talent Discussion and Management Plan

 

The results.

With the strategy, framework, templates and processes now in place, Abra & Co. have a path carved out for continued growth and success.

The team at Abra & Co. has formed a strong, long-term relationship with Jill and the team at Howarths.

Long may this mutual success continue.

"Jill has been nothing short of exceptional for the team at Abra & Co. The strategic planning and HR framework that is now in place as a result of her expertise, understanding and work has set a foundation for our continued growth. We simply couldn't have achieved this without Jill, and the support of the Good Growth Programme."
Abra Arshad
Principal Optometrist, Head of Clinical and Director
Meet our HR Growth Advisers
Meet our HR Growth Advisers

Katie
Fletcher

Senior HR Growth Partner

Cath
Crane

HR Growth Partner

Sophie
Metcalf

HR Growth Partner

Claire
Hargreaves

HR Growth Partner

Jill
Pollard

HR Growth Adviser

Sally
Mason

HR Growth Adviser

Katie Fletcher

Senior HR Growth Partner

Cath Crane

HR Growth Partner

Sophie Metcalf

HR Growth Partner

Claire Hargreaves

HR Growth Partner

Jill Pollard

HR Growth Adviser

Sally Mason

HR Growth Adviser

What our clients say

View all reviews
Jackie G
11:03 02 Jan 25
A great team with excellent knowledge. I've had the pleasure of working with Howarth's for some years now. Always helpful, friendly, and professional. Highly recommended.
Sarah Daniels
14:21 18 Dec 24
I have used Howarth’s for a number of years and the team are always friendly, supportive and extremely knowledgeable. Jonothan in particular has been a great support and is always on hand to answer queries, however complex they may be.
I would highly recommend using Howarths for your Employment Law needs!
Ruth Shillito
17:01 16 Dec 24
Our organisation has worked closely with Howarth's for some time, however its only in the last few months I have liaised directly with Sarah and Charlotte. Both have been incredibly helpful, offering advice sometimes further than asked, for a more rounded approach. Their responses are swift which is often needed given the work we're involved with, and if they aren't available, I have found their colleagues Jonothan, Katie, and Anna to be equally as helpful and responsive even when they're having to get up to speed quickly! All are so friendly too which goes such a long way, I'd certainly recommend Howarth's.
Andrea Tait
16:49 16 Dec 24
The team at Howarths are amazing. I have worked closely with Charlotte and Sarah for several years and highly recommend Howarths to anyone seeking support on all HR matters (including immigration). They are professional, knowledgeable, responsive and most of all friendly in their approach. I have complete confidence in the advice provided. A family firm they truly are.
Lisa Nicholson
17:04 12 Dec 24
We appointed Jonothan at Howarths to complete our employment contracts, his advice, guidance, professionalism & knowledge was astounding.

Jonothan was an absolute pleasure to work with & I would have no hesitation in recommending Jonothan & the team at Howarths to our contacts & clients.
Freya Sapcote
14:35 12 Dec 24
Fantastic company to work with and a massive thank you to Claire for all her support 😀
Helen Fairburn
09:51 11 Dec 24
We have partnered with Howarths for over five years to support our HR processes, and their expertise has been invaluable. The team is approachable, knowledgeable, and always available to provide expert advice and guidance. We have benefited greatly from their bespoke training courses and HR company audit, both of which have significantly improved our business practices.
Dain Hill
11:05 10 Dec 24
A brilliant company to have on your side, superb customer service with excellent help and advise throughout any issue(s), with a special mention to Jonothan a top, top guy.
Gillian Hassall
11:59 09 Dec 24
I have used Howarth's HR services on several occasions over the past 12 months. I have always found them to be very knowledgeable, and professional as well as being really nice people to work with.
Gill
Laura Shearer
12:56 06 Dec 24
Howarths is a great support to us. Jonothan is knowledgeable, professional, and always reliable. The advice is always clear, straightforward, and has really helped our business. Highly recommend their services.
Annabel Carington
10:42 06 Dec 24
They say that not all heroes wear capes. However, I was so impressed by what can only be described as "heroic lawyering" by Howarths' fabulous Jonothan Scollen, that I actually bought him a superhero cape as a thank you. For clarity: I did pay the (really very reasonable!) invoice as well!

I was acutely aware that I needed Jonothan's help urgently. The result was a speedy resolution that left me feeling incredibly impressed by the level of responsiveness and efficiency, whilst remaining confident that everything had been completed thoroughly, diligently and to an exceptional standard. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Jonothan at Howarths and look forward to working with him again in the future.
Holly Spence
16:33 05 Dec 24
It sounds very cheesy, but my experience with Tracey from Howarths has genuinely been life-changing. As a professional coach, Tracey took the time to understand me as a person to help me progress not only professionally, but in my personal life too. She's enabled me to completely shift my mindset and build my confidence. If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. Thank you Tracey!
Jonathan Kattenberg
15:51 05 Dec 24
Jonathan Scollen and the whole team at Howarths are true professionals with amazing ethics. They don't waiting for things to happen before acting! With a proactive approach, they keep you updated through their expert up to date knowledge allowing you to make those proactive decisions with everyone's best interest is at heart. Great work!
Sharon Crookes
14:28 05 Dec 24
We have been working with Howarths for over a year first in H&S and recently in HR, the team are a pleasure to work with, professional, knowledgeable and the support from Rachel, Cath & Charlotte is fantastic! A caring, family run business.
Joseph Carr
13:56 05 Dec 24
HowarthsHR has been an amazing partner for Carrs Pasties for over two years. Their expertise has greatly improved our company culture. Highly recommended!
Joe Shipman
13:22 05 Dec 24
Absolutely brilliant support! The guidance and advice we've received have been a game-changer for our team. The tips and tricks we've put into practice have worked wonders. It's amazing how what felt like impossible challenges turned into positive outcomes—for both the business and our employees.

Whenever they’re onsite, there's a noticeable boost in confidence and clarity. In the day to day of the business, there is an enhanced feeling of being prepared to handle whatever comes up, and if we need extra support there is always someone available to help guide us to make the right decisions.

The training sessions have been extremely helpful and practical.
whether that onsite, or held at Howarth's! The remote training was just as good—practical, relatable, and something we could immediately apply to our own experiences. Highly recommend!
sabrina scotson
13:09 14 May 24
I have worked with Tracey at Howarths for some time on a 121 coaching and management training. Both Tracey and the team provide unparalleled advice, help and support. I would highly recommend them.
Simon Lewis
09:03 16 Apr 24
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Howarth's to anyone facing an employment issue. They were professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive throughout.

Here's what stood out:

Expertise: Their knowledge of employment law was exceptional. They clearly explained my options and the potential outcomes, putting everything in terms I could understand.
Communication: They kept me informed every step of the way. I never felt like I was in the dark about what was happening.
Support: This was a stressful time for me, and they were incredibly patient and understanding. They were always available to answer my questions and address my concerns.
In the end, Jonothan at Howarth's helped me enormously, I can not thank them enough for their hard work and dedication.

If you're looking for top-notch employment solicitors, look no further than Howarth's!
Andrew Firth
18:08 15 Apr 24
I've worked with Jon Scollen for over 12months, he's incredibly knowledgeable and a great person to have in my network, highly recommend!!
Scott Lowther
17:21 15 Apr 24
Excellent service, and value, Jonathon is a pleasure to deal with and ensure compliance across everything people related within the business.
Portland Nurseries
07:55 11 Apr 24
Fantastic Employment Law support and HR training for our managers.
Sara Carr
13:31 28 Mar 24
After one year of working alongside the team at Howarths, I have found the support and service to be extremely fantastic. Everyone is down to earth, family run business, what you see is what you get. Dediciated, professional and helpful. I am excited to be working alongside Howarths for another year.
Paul Johnson
15:03 15 Mar 24
Great week of informative training. Very well delivered and very well put together! Thanks all.
Jo de Tute
17:17 30 Nov 22
I recently took part in a Management Development training programme with a couple of other colleagues. The content that Katie & Cath delivered was very insightful and gave us all a really clear direction going forwards. There is always a positive welcome and professional feel when you walk through the door at Howarths and the level of support that the team give us as a business is brilliant. Would highly recommend them for all HR needs
Kevin Shoemake
15:57 30 Nov 22
I/we have been using and utilising Howarths for over two years. They are our right arm when it comes to HR and have helped develop our staff handbook and policies along with guidance and advice on a range of specialist subject matter. Each member of the team has been exceptional and hugely knowledgeable each time we've asked for assistance. I/we could not operate without them and I'd recommend them and their services to anyone looking for expert help and support. Kevin
michael mateer
16:45 15 Jul 22
Howarths is an exceptional business that genuinely practice what they preach. Culture, enthusiasm and an “extra mile” service.

Highly recommended for any serious business owners that want to get their people part of their business right.
James Paxman
16:12 10 Jun 22
I have dealt with Howarths for many years now and i have to say it has been a fantastic experience. The friendly, knowledgeable and understanding service i get is second to non. I attended a CPG event on Wednesday and again this just reaffirmed what i felt already. A well organised and excellent leaders event with two inspiring speakers. Added to their caring dedicated culture to their staff and the Howarth foundation i can't recommended them enough.
Mark Prince
13:37 31 May 22
The team at Chandley Ovens just completed a major reorganisation involving a significant reduction in force, the creation of an employee owned company and the TUPE transfer of employees from one entity to another. Charlotte and the team at Howarths provided excellent advice in a timely fashion that was always in context and pragmatic.
Andrew Whitaker
12:34 25 May 22
Chris Smith
09:36 18 May 22
We have had a partnership with Howarth’s for many years, they have supported us on HR, H&S, Employment law and training and their services have been first class. They have supported us in driving our business forward in our vision to be world class.

Everyone within Howarth’s are extremely knowledgeable, friendly and experienced and is a credit to a family run business which clearly has the development and support of people and businesses as its core values.

The support you get from Howarth’s is tailored to your requirements with an added personal touch.

I highly recommend Howarth’s and you will not be disappointed.
J Ashworth
12:10 16 Feb 22
Excellent service! I have dealt with Howarths over a tribunal matter. Their service has been first class. From day one we have felt supported and out minds put at ease. Their expertise helped to guide us along the way and took much of the stress out of the situation with their re-assuring manner. There has always been someone to deal with a matter, advice is quick, prompt and professional. I would have absolutely no hesitation to work with them again, and will continue with their HR services.
Wendy Cresswell
21:19 10 Feb 22
When I started working at Howarths I had a HR qualification but only the basic employment law knowledge. I learnt so much about employment law over the two years I was there due to the support from such a fantastic team - Gavin, Charlotte and Sarah. Because of their support and patience I have just won my first tribunal claim which would not have been possible without these guys. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Howarths are a fantastic company to work for based on true family values and I am proud to say I was part of that.
Much love everyone
Tracy Heeps
15:31 08 Feb 22
Howarth's is a wonderful company to work for, they care and look after their staff and customers like no other organisation I've come across. The expertise in their field is second to none, any business having issues with Health & Safety/HR and Employment Law please give them a call you won't be disappointed with the service. They are small enough to care and big enough to deal with the most complex issues.
Nikki HARRISON
14:15 03 Feb 22
First class training as always! Gavin is extremely professional and a pleasure to deal with.
The feedback from the trainees is always very positive and they gain a lot from it.
My company has had a relationship with Howarths for upwards of 14 years and they have always provided the very best support in all aspects of HR & Employment Law.
James Bentley
16:49 27 Jan 22
We have used Howarth's for a number of years and have always found them extremely helpful and professional!
Jonathan Le Page
16:56 22 Dec 21
We have used Howarths for several years now and they have always proven to be professional, knowledgeable and most of all genuine. They care about our business and our staff and have made the effort to get to know us really well over the years.

All the team are approachable and willing to help. They have been a huge asset to us in the countless situations we’ve faced as an employer over the years and I’m not sure what we would have done without them.
Also the training days are great fun and massively beneficial to all the staff who attend.

A fantastic company to work with.
Dan Watkins
18:35 07 Apr 21
Howarths HR are great at what they do, but the best thing about them is that they are brilliant people who are great to engage with. Their advice is first class, and their charitable foundation does some fantastic work in the community too. I'd definitely recommend them.
Freya Dearman
07:42 07 Apr 21
I was an employee of Howarths for almost two years and thoroughly enjoyed and valued my time at the company. Everyone at the company is so warm and friendly, and it really is like being a part of a second family. Howarths took initiative to support my development in the most valuable way possible, and it is a real shame that my family life has moved me down South. I will miss it and all of my colleagues truly, however I can honestly say that there was no better company to start my career journey with.
Bob Cherry
12:43 06 Apr 21
Howarths is always there when you need them, their staff are 100% up to date on all employment, HR and H&S issues and always give you the best advice based solely on your needs and requirements. I would recommend Howarths to anyone and everyone, be you an individual or a large company. You will not get better service, I guarantee it and above and beyond all that professional stuff, they are all genuinely nice people who care. That word ”care” is massive, and should never be underestimated.
Kirsty Waine
07:08 06 Apr 21
We have worked with Howarths for many years now, and have always found the service extremely good. Charlotte is always exceptionally professional, friendly and very knowledgeable – a pleasure to work with even though often dealing with some challenging situations. Whenever we have needed support from anyone in the team, they have always been quick to respond and given useful advice on such a broad range of HR subject areas. We know that we can trust the advice given and would recommend them highly.

Book me on the Good Growth Programme

Give our HR Growth Advisers a call. We’d love to chat and get you booked on.

Fill in the form and we’ll get straight back to you.

Or, call us on 01274 864 999.

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