EF News
How well do you know your fellow members? In this feature, we shine a light on some of the Forum’s longest standing members, exploring their business journey, their connection to the North East and what makes it such a special place to live, work and grow a successful business.
This time we hear from Louise Kennedy, award winning HR leader and driving force behind Oculus HR, which she founded in 2013. Hailing from Sunderland, Louise shares highlights from her business journey (so far), her love of the great outdoors and how she unwinds after a long week.
Can you tell us what the business does?
Oculus HR is a leading consultancy that supports businesses with everything from day-to-day HR challenges to long-term people strategy. We also design and deliver training and development programmes. At the heart of it, our role is to help businesses bring out the best in their people, whether that’s navigating tricky situations or building a culture where individuals and teams can thrive.
What are the best and worst parts of your job?
The best part is without doubt the people, clients, their teams, and the connections I’ve built along the way. I love walking into a business and seeing the positive impact of the work we’ve done together, whether that’s improved culture, better engagement, or simply a leader feeling more confident. The hardest part is patience. Sometimes I can see the solution really clearly, but I know it will take time to bring others on the journey. HR is never about quick fixes, it’s about people, and people need time to adjust, reflect and grow. It can feel frustrating in the moment, but it’s also what makes the end result so rewarding.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
For me, it’s building Oculus HR into the consultancy it is today. I started with a vision of providing honest, approachable HR support that genuinely makes a difference, and now we’re trusted by so many businesses across the North East and beyond. That trust – and the relationships that come with it – is something I’m incredibly proud of. I recently found my plans for growth over the first five years. My naivety of those years was good to reflect on and recognise the current achievement.
What is your biggest fear, either personally or professionally?
Standing still. I’m someone who thrives on progress, whether that’s personal development or business growth. The thought of not moving forward, not learning or evolving, feels like the biggest risk of all.
What is one thing that not many people know about you?
You probably do all know this one, however, I have a real passion for travel. I love exploring new places, especially those slightly off the beaten track. There’s something about immersing yourself in different cultures that is both grounding and inspiring – it gives me perspective and reminds me of the bigger picture.
How do you unwind after a long week in the office?
I head outdoors. Being in the fresh air is my reset button – whether it’s walking along the beach or heading up to the Lake District for a hike. It doesn’t matter what the weather’s doing; being outside helps me slow down, switch off and recharge.
What are you currently watching, reading and/or listening to?
I’m a bit of a book collector – I buy them with the best of intentions, but unless I’m on holiday I don’t always find the time to read them! As for TV, a recent favourite was Inflight on Channel4. It was gripping, really well done, and just frightening enough to make you think: could that actually happen to a mother wanting to protect her family?
What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?
There’s so much to love, the coastline, the countryside, the warmth of the people, the sense of community. Professionally, it’s a brilliant place to build connections. Sunderland in particular has been going through such exciting regeneration over the past five years, it’s been incredible to watch the transformation. I honestly can’t imagine living anywhere else; it’s where I feel happiest and most at home.
What is your favourite regional restaurant, coffee shop or bar?
There are so many fantastic choices, but the one we go back to most often is Blacks Corner, the tram shelter in Seaburn. It’s small and local, the food is always fabulous, the team is friendly and engaging, and the views are just stunning.
You have out of region clients visiting, what is the one place that you would recommend they visit?
The beaches. Our coastline is absolutely breathtaking and often takes visitors by surprise. It’s a real showcase of what makes the North East so special.
You have been a member of the Forum for nearly four years. What initially attracted you to join?
For me, the Entrepreneurs’ Forum is the best networking group in the North East. The variety of events is fantastic – from large conferences and award nights to smaller round tables, focus dinners, and local lunches. But more than that, it’s the people. Members genuinely want to connect, to share, and to support one another. That spirit of collaboration is what drew me in.
What is your favourite thing about the Forum?
I really enjoy the focus dinners. They’re small enough to allow for meaningful conversationsmand to really hear people’s stories. I keep saying I’ll try one of the golf events too – maybe that’s next on my list!
Finally, what advice would you give to new members or anyone considering joining the Entrepreneurs’ Forum in the future?
Go for it. The Forum is a brilliant place to build connections, not just professionally but personally too. You’ll meet people who understand the ups and downs of running a business, who are willing to share their experiences and learn from yours. It’s an opportunity to grow your network, find support and make friends along the way. You will get as much out of it as you put into it.
