about us
We’re a friendly, independent and multi-award-winning HR consultancy based in Herefordshire, proudly supporting small businesses and charities.
Working with our small, experienced team, you’ll always get consistent, personal support from people who take the time to understand your organisation and what matters most to you.
Driven by a desire to make HR feel more human, we offer down-to-earth, expert support shaped around your people, your organisation and your goals. Whether you need day-to-day advice or help with something more complex, we’re here to support you with warmth and clarity.
our STORY BEGINS HERE
TILLS, HOOVERS AND HORSES: THE PRE-HR YEARS
Originally from Derbyshire, our Founder & Lead HR Consultant, Lorna, had a varied and hands-on introduction to working life before entering the world of HR. While at school, she worked for her Grandad’s cleaning business, where she quickly learned the value of getting stuck in. She also had stints in retail and estate agency, and spent time mucking out horses. One of her shortest roles? A brief spell at KwikSave (remember them?), where she lasted just 2 weeks before being told she was too slow on the tills! It was these early experiences that gave Lorna a real-world grounding in people, hard work and perseverance.
HR FROM THE GROUND UP
Whilst finishing her Law degree and then self-funding her Master’s in HR Management, Lorna started temping in a large payroll department in 2008, before working her way up in HR. She eventually became the equivalent of Head of HR, leading a team responsible for both HR and health and safety across a large public sector organisation. Lorna later moved into a standalone regional HR role, supporting over 500 schools across Wales. In that role, she regularly worked with national trade union representatives and Welsh Government officials, honing her expertise in employee relations and delivering strategic HR support in a highly complex, unionised environment.
BUILT ON BELIEF, BACKED BY EXPERIENCE
In 2022, Lorna took the leap and launched Marches HR without external funding or a nest egg; just a clear vision and plenty of determination. She wanted to offer something more personal and make a real difference to smaller organisations that often go without the HR support they need. Since then, Marches HR has grown into a small, trusted team. Most of our work comes through recommendations and word of mouth, which means the world to us. In August 2024, Lorna co-founded the HR Investigators’ Network – a collective of independent HR consultants who truly specialise in complex HR investigations. 2 months later, we proudly celebrated wining 2 Herefordshire Means Business Awards. In May 2025, we launched HR Sorted®, bringing together everything we’ve learned about our clients’ needs into an accessible and affordable membership service. In August 2025, we were recognised as Best SME HR Consultancy in the Midlands Enterprise Awards – a reflection of the support of our clients, partners and wider community as much as our team’s hard work. And in March 2026, we reached another important milestone as welcomed our first 2 employees to the Marches HR team, strengthening our ability to help small businesses and charities get their HR sorted.
“You’ve given me confidence in my approach and the sense that I’m not on my own with HR anymore!”
Amy Howard, Director – Ledbury Poetry
Our Values
We’re approachable, down-to-earth and genuinely care about the people behind every organisation we support.
We keep HR clear, practical and jargon-free, so you can focus on running your organisation with confidence.
We combine practical tools with real human support – always designed with small businesses and charities in mind.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
“Always clear and practical”
Lorna helps me feel confident that I’m making the right decisions for my business. I hugely appreciate her insight as navigating the world of HR legislative changes is overwhelming to say the least!!
YOUR Marches HR Team
Lorna,
FOUNDER & LEAD HR CONSULTANT
Lorna grew up in Derbyshire, on the edge of the Peak District, before moving to Herefordshire (with a stop in Powys along the way) in 2012. She met her Herefordshire-born fiancé not long after and it’s been home ever since. She’s dog mum to Willow, a fan of a good gig (on the 2026 list so far are Biffy Clyro, Richard Ashcroft and The Streets) and enjoys exploring new places, especially in Scandinavia or North Wales. When not working, you’ll usually find her practising yoga with enthusiasm if not elegance…
MERIEL,
OPERATIONS & PROJECTS LEAD
Meriel helps us keep Marches HR running smoothly day-to-day, playing a central role across the business, so we can spend more time with clients. She has over 40 years’ experience in a wide range of roles, including running her own Coaching business. Meriel has a keen interest in systems – Human and Business – and has worked with HR for much of her career. She enjoys working with small businesses and helping them thrive. She loves reading, preserving (jam, etc), singing and breathing in the fresh air of the beautiful Powys countryside..
ANNETTE,
HR ADVISOR
With a career spanning across multiple sectors – from commercial, manufacturing, retail and hospitality – Annette brings a comprehensive knowledge of HR best practice and employment law. Conscientious and compassionate, Annette’s approachable and highly personable. Her integrity and professionalism help build trusted relationships with individuals at every level of an organisation, enabling her to offer clients the right support, practical guidance and reassurance, contributing to positive, effective workplaces.
LUCIE,
TRANSCRIPTION ASSISTANT
Lucie helps us prepare clear, accurate transcripts from interviews and meetings that form a key part of the many HR investigations we carry out for our clients. Her background working in the NHS, children’s services and commissioning has shaped her careful and discreet approach. Those things, together with her strong attention to detail are particularly important in this role. Away from work, you’ll usually find Lucie playing netball or spending time with her family.
DEBBIE,
ASSOCIATE INVESTIGATOR & MEDIATOR
Debbie specialises in complex, sensitive investigations including allegations of discrimination, bullying and harassment. With over 25 years’ HR experience, she brings a calm, impartial and methodical approach to even the most challenging cases. She’s also an accredited mediator and conflict coach, known for handling issues with fairness, discretion and care. Debbie loves family time, gardening, Pilates, walking and relaxing with a fantasy novel.
BETH,
ASSOCIATE HR ADVISOR
Beth brings a powerful blend of almost 20 years’ HR experience, education sector insight and lived experience to her work with our clients. With a Psychology BSc, Masters in HR Management, an MBA and Chartered CIPD status, she’s highly qualified and deeply human in her approach. Whether navigating complex HR systems or supporting inclusive, people-first practices, she delivers practical, jargon-free advice. She’s passionate about creating flexible, supportive workplaces. Clients value her empathy, integrity and straight-talking clarity.
NATALIE,
ASSOCIATE HR CONSULTANT
Natalie brings 20 years of HR experience across retail, manufacturing, local government and social housing. Her commercial, people-focused advice is shaped by her real-world insight and HR qualifications. Clients value her practical approach and sharp understanding of the challenges small employers face. She’s all about building great relationships and helping leaders manage people confidently; with the right mix of empathy, pragmatism and know-how.
LOUISA,
ASSOCIATE HR CONSULTANT
Louisa brings a calm, can-do energy and solid know-how to every HR challenge, whether she’s supporting leaders through tricky issues or helping build happier, more productive teams. With a background spanning corporate HR, small businesses and psychotherapy, she’s a rare mix of strategic thinker and warm, approachable problem solver. When she’s not guiding clients through the twists and turns of HR, she’s into Pilates, beekeeping, pottery and the Welsh countryside.
NICKY,
ASSOCIATE HR CONSULTANT
Nicky has over 25 years’ HR experience across the public and private sectors. She knew from an early age that HR was the career for her, after completing work experience at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. She later gained a BA in Organisation Studies and became CIPD qualified. Nicky enjoys building trusted relationships and providing clear, pragmatic advice that helps organisations move forward with confidence. Outside work, she enjoys walking her dog Alfie, a gripping crime documentary and Italian food.
Giving Something Back
We care about our community, and giving something back is important to us. That’s why we’ve chosen to support these two local charities:
we’re here to help.
If you’re looking for professional and timely HR support from a small business that gives something back, please do get in touch. We look forward to meeting you.
“Marches HR have offered us great support that’s saved us time and made our lives easier! Fast, professional service with clear timescales – thank you!”
Laura Swingwood, Director of Marchwood Marketing
