Susie Kaye, owner of Your HR Partner

What first drew you to starting your business?

I had worked in the field of HR and Employment law for over ten years at the time, culminating in a high profile role in the City, managing a large team. I loved my job, but wanted a little more flexibility around my young children. I had completed two postgraduate qualifications and became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). I felt that there was a need for HR and Employment law advice in many organisations and I had the skillset to fill it. It felt like the time was right to set up a business on my own.

What is the best thing about being your own boss/your current role?

When my children were younger the flexibility was enormously valuable - I could work in the evenings if I needed to, for example if they were ill during the day. I also had control of my diary and could help on a school trip once in a while. We work with a range of organisations and I love the variety of work and making a difference to employers and employees across many different companies, schools and charties. We advise Directors and Managers on their staff issues as well as drafting Contracts of Employment and Staff handbooks. We also hear Disciplinary and Grievance appeals and advise on Restructuring and Redundancies. No two days are the same!

What's your advice to other women going into business/entering your career?

It may feel scary walking away from secure employment so make sure you have saved some money to pay the rent/mortgage for a good few months. You may have to adapt your lifestyle for a while. However the benefits are enormous. You’ll probably work harder than ever, but you’ll reap the rewards in the long term as it is your business.

What is your top tip for success?

You need to be quite self-disciplined about time for work and time for rest as you could easily work all the hours. Believe in yourself and make a plan - don’t expect to see results quickly, but have faith that your hard work will pay off. Review your goals regularly to check that you’re still on track and whether your plan needs revising. Ask for feedback to better understand your client’s needs.

Tell us something about yourself we might not expect?

I lived in the Middle East for a year studying, volunteering and teaching English to Ethiopian immigrants.