Paul Robertson set up Ways HR Consulting in April 2007, becoming its Managing Director, having previously worked for Hays PLC where he had been Head of Practice. Ways was formed when Hays PLC withdrew from HR consulting and the business unit reformed as Ways HR Consulting, an independent limited company. Paul believes good HR is more essential than ever in a recession. “Most firms’ biggest outlay is their wages. It is up to us to advise people on pay to recruit, retain and motivate staff.”

Ways HR Consulting’s clients include organisations of all types, shapes and sizes. They have clients in the not-for-profit sector including NHS Trusts, Amnesty International and even the House of Commons! “We advise on all aspects of recruiting and managing people to maximise their contributions and in so doing improve performance. Of course many organisations have specific requirements which we address for them.”

Paul’s personal background includes studying social work and then working as Chief Executive for an international charity before moving into management consultancy. He says: “Charities can teach the world of business a lot about marketing and branding.” He argues “If you can motivate volunteer charity workers it should be relatively easy to motivate the paid.”

Ways HR Consulting also have a variety of public sector clients based across the country. “We advise many local authorities on equal value compliant pay,” explained Paul. “UK councils are legally obliged to operate within single status pay arrangements and so we help them to address these equal pay value responsibilities and to develop modern pay and grading strategy.”

And of course they advise both large and small private sector businesses. Paul and his team advise on effective use of pay, benefits packages and benchmarking salaries; and whether and how to use performance pay.

Paul manages the strengths and weaknesses of firms and encourages playing to their strengths. He admits: “One of my own personal weaknesses is in financial management. This is why I outsource this work to Cassons.” Cassons perform a comprehensive service covering all aspects of financial administration and financial management for Ways. They also handle matters such as raising invoices, managing debtors and creditors, payroll, management accounts and financial planning.

“It’s a system that works very well,” explained Tony Reynolds, the Cassons partner responsible for business support. “We completely understand that Paul needs to focus on the consultancy side of the business: that’s their area of expertise. We in the meantime shoulder the burden of the day to day record keeping for the business including the making of approved payments to suppliers and running the company’s payroll. We also provide Paul with timely and regular management information tailored to their specific requirements so as to allow Paul and his fellow directors to manage their fast growing business. We take the strain of the back office routine and are always available to assist on any business issues that arise.”

Cassons also appreciate that there could be a problem with split responsibilities. Tony elaborated: “We have carefully determined our respective responsibilities so that everyone is clear who does what and when, and have agreed a standard monthly fee for this work.”

Paul has the time he needs to look after the consultancy, but he still has his finger on the financial button. Joanne Halsall who is Cassons’ Business Support Manager added: “We have set up Ways on Sage 50 remotely but closely liaise with Paul with up to date information to help manage business cash flows.”

Paul Robertson has nothing but praise for Cassons’ Business Support Manager Joanne Halsall. He is equally delighted with the input received from Tony Reynolds. Paul questions why other medium-sized firms do not outsource finance. He enthuses: “Getting all your financial services bundled up from one provider is a good service as it allows the financial people to do what they do best. That allows me to do what I do best!”