About Saltwater HR

I'm Nicky, the founder of Saltwater HR.

I provide practical, remote-first HR consultancy and recruitment support to small businesses across the UK.

My career in HR and specialist recruitment started back in 2006. Over the years, I worked across agency hiring, in-house teams, and hands-on HR administration and advisory work before stepping away to have my children.In 2024, aiming to return to HR full time, I achieved my CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management (Level 5) and subsequently founded Saltwater HR.

Having worked in in-house HR, I saw firsthand how large HR helplines often tie small businesses into long contracts, offering advice that is not always commercial or practical. I wanted to do things differently: give small businesses HR support that is honest, flexible, and straightforward, delivered by someone who listens, speaks plainly, and is genuinely invested in getting the right outcome for you and your team. I do not oversell, I will never use corporate waffle unironically, and if I can see a simpler way for you to achieve something and save money, I will tell you straight.

My working style blends operational structure with the practical reality of employing people. Alongside my CIPD qualification, I hold a Postgraduate Certificate in Employment Law and am qualified as an ISO 9001 auditor. That background feeds directly into how I review setups, draft airtight contracts, and streamline processes; getting the detail right early saves an enormous amount of stress later.

I love learning, untangling problems, and meeting fellow business owners. I am always happy to catch up for a chat and a cuppa (virtual or in person) to discuss all things business, so please feel free to drop me a note. I'd love to learn more about your business and how I can support you.

Nicky

Hi,

Nicky Sheppard

HR Consultant

Why work with Saltwater HR

We are proudly small and independent, staying small on purpose. Saltwater HR is not a scaled-down corporate provider; it is built from the ground up to give small businesses the direct attention they deserve.

Here is what that means for you:

One Dedicated Contact: You always speak directly with the founder who understands your business, with no call-centre scripts, junior gatekeepers, or ticket queues.
Fast Decision-Making: Immediate answers without management delays or case escalation.
Tailored Advice: Practical guidance shaped around your specific culture, goals, and team, never a generic template.
Real Continuity: The same advisor who built your handbook is the one who answers your call next year, saving time and avoiding repeated explanations.

Big HR providers sell scale. We sell dedicated focus and continuity, making HR feel manageable for small, growing businesses.