Laura Hopson conducted the first-round interview when I joined Januarys in 2006. I came out of the interview believing that she knew me as a person, as well as knowing my technical strengths and weaknesses, whilst not letting me get away with anything! In the subsequent four years Laura has always been my first port of call when I have an HR issue to resolve.
Last year, for example, a member of staff had an unfortunate accident at home which seemed likely to keep him off work for a couple of weeks. When he had not returned after a month, I met Laura to discuss the company’s options. As he was supplying valid doctor’s certificates our options were limited, but Laura was a great help in resolving the situation in a pragmatic fashion, of course within the legislation, and to the satisfaction of both parties.
I think of Laura as our own in-house HR expert, available when needed. She thoroughly understands our business, and has a ‘can-do’ but completely professional approach.
Above all HR is a people business and I am delighted that Laura has decided to establish her own consultancy. I have no hesitation whatsoever in continuing to channel all of our group’s HR consultancy work through her, and would recommend any other business in need of outsourced HR advice to do the same.
David Foord, Group Finance Director, Januarys Consultant Surveyors, Cambridge
“Being the sole HR person within our company, I have found Laura Hopson’s advice and support invaluable. Laura has been my mentor for nearly 2 years and has assisted me in resolving many complicated issues and helped me grow in my professional role. As well as providing practical and business focused technical advice, she has also been involved in various HR projects within our company, including the successful introduction of a competency based performance appraisal system.”
Caroline Knightley, HR Manager, Cambridge Enterprises Ltd, Cambridge
“I have worked with Laura Hopson for a few years now and found her both professional and friendly. She is always calm and provides the perfect HR back up for any business in today’s business world, where it is impossible for any SME to stay up to date with the ever changing legislation.”
Jan Cavelle, Managing Director, Jan Cavelle Ltd, Haverhill
“I want to put on record my thanks to you for preparing and chairing our HR meetings so professionally. From my point of view I can’t imagine what I would have done if you hadn’t been available when dealing with serious HR matters. It is difficult for small organisations like the NCTJ to deal with such matters when there is no HR department to turn to. I can’t recommend you highly enough to other organizations.”
Joanne Butcher, Chief Executive, NCTJ, Newport, National Council for Training Journalists
Laura Hopson is always professional and helpful in our moments of need, she has helped and guided us through difficult times. Laura has a wealth and depth of HR knowledge that we have had the fortune to be able to rely on. She is always willing to listen and find a win/win situation when needed. I can recommend Laura to any company that needs to consult with a human resources expert.
Glen McMurdo, European Managing Director, LI-COR Biosciences GmbH, Siemens Str. 25a, 61352 Bad Homburg
“I have worked with Laura Hopson on a number of assignments in recent years and have always found her assistance invaluable. She is well informed and is able to offer practical first hand experience when assisting with employment law issues. She is willing to provide information and advice on a consultancy basis but will get involved with a ‘hands on’ approach if required. I would have no hesitation in seeking her advice and assistance on employment law, policy issues or training. I have asked her to run some training courses for us in the near future. Whilst being professional her approach is always friendly and informal and she is able to adapt to a wide variety of environments and situations..”
Miriam Ganczakowski, Human Resources Officer, The Company of Biologists Ltd, Cambridge, CB4 0DL
