Member News

"Innovative" Sunderland HR consultancy celebrates 10 years amid record growth

Award-winning HR consultancy Oculus HR is celebrating 10 years of trading with significant growth figures. The business was established in 2013 by Louise Kennedy after identifying a gap in the North East market for a consultancy that offered “flexible, innovative” HR solutions.

Louise, who is a qualified CIPD professional of over 23 years, set up Oculus HR to provide flexible HR solutions to businesses of all sizes after leaving her role at a long-standing manufacturer. Recognising that HR was integral to all businesses but was increasingly needed on an outsourced basis, Louise built the Oculus HR model around client needs.

The team, which has grown to five people, includes HR specialists and operations support. Oculus HR has built a client list which includes the Foundation of Light, Queensway Orthodontics, Tyne Coast College, Midas Cladding and Glendale Transport, some of which have been with the company since its inception.

The business is celebrating a record year of trading this year due, in part, to the changes to the structure of the UK employment market since covid, as well as advances in technology and changes to working practices.

Managing director Louise commented: “We are delighted to be celebrating 10 years. It’s a great testament to the team here at Oculus HR, who have facilitated some long-standing partnerships with organisations across the North East.

“When I started Oculus HR, I knew that flexibility of service was what my clients needed. This is a strategy that has served us well, not least in the years during and post-Covid.

“We have enjoyed a record trading year, which is a fantastic way to start our next decade. It’s an exciting time for us, and we expect to see continued year on year growth of around 30 per cent as companies and employees seek new ways and places to work.”

The consultancy, which offers outsourced HR and consultancy to SMEs across the region, covers all aspects of employment, including employment contracts, policies and procedures, performance reviews, disciplinary and grievance meetings.

Oculus HR is set to achieve 32 per cent growth year on year and will celebrate its 10th anniversary at an event at the end of the month.

The company is releasing four free masterclasses, available on the Oculus HR YouTube channel, in line with its 10-year anniversary to support SMEs. Topics include emotional intelligence for leaders, attendance management and standards and expectations.

Proud to be partnered by: