About Us
People solutions that make business sense
We believe effective HR should never feel distant, overly corporate or disconnected from commercial reality.
That’s why we work differently.
Rather than acting as an external HR helpline, we become part of your business, building trusted relationships and taking the time to really understand how you operate.
Our advice is practical, proportionate and tailored to what your business actually needs.
No generic templates. No unnecessary process. Just HR that works in the real world.
When businesses typically come to us
Sometimes businesses come to us because something has gone wrong. More often, they come to us because they want to build something better.
That might mean they:
Need trusted people expertise alongside their leadership team
Have a temporary gap in their HR team
Embedded, flexible and commercially minded
We believe the best HR comes from truly understanding a business — its people, pressures, ambitions and culture.
That’s why our approach is:
Pragmatic
Clear, practical advice focused on outcomes, not unnecessary process.
Commercial
People decisions grounded in commercial reality and aligned with business priorities.
Human
Real relationships, honest conversations and advice delivered with care.
Flexible
Ad-hoc, retained or project-based expertise shaped around what your business needs.
Why businesses trust 1850
We build long-term relationships because our advice is practical, honest and grounded in the realities of running a business.
We work alongside founders, business owners, leadership teams and internal HR professionals, taking the time to understand how your business works and what matters to you. We become an extension of your team, building relationships and providing advice that fits your culture, your people and your ambitions.
Our role goes far beyond solving HR problems when they arise. We develop confident leaders, strengthen culture and engagement, guide businesses through change and provide pragmatic HR advice that protects your business and supports your people.
Most importantly, we care about getting the right outcome – for your people, your leaders and your business.
OUR TEAM
Real people. Real experience.
We’re a small team of experienced people professionals who genuinely enjoy what we do, and the businesses and people we get to work with.
Claire Davies
Founder & Director
Leigh-ann Perkins
People and Partnerships Director
Laura Hall
People and Culture Partner
Lisa Brandwood
People and Culture Partner
Rhian Shepherd
People and Culture Partner
Great people. Backed by a great team.
At 1850, you get the best of both worlds: a trusted people partner who gets to know your business, backed by the experience and expertise of our wider team.
Our team brings experience across the full spectrum of HR and people – from everyday employee relations and HR foundations to culture, leadership, organisational change and people strategy.
So while you’ll build strong relationships with the people working most closely with your business, you’ll never be reliant on one person. We share knowledge, challenge thinking and bring in the right expertise when it’s needed.
It means you get the familiarity of having HR as part of your team, with the breadth of expertise of a wider people function behind you.
Testimonials
Let's Chat
If you’re navigating growth, change or people challenges — or simply want a trusted sounding board — we’d love to talk.
A first conversation is always informal, confidential and focused on understanding what you need.
We promise not to pass your details to any 3rd parties and to treat them securely in accordance with our privacy policy.