Higgs & Sons' recent HR survey offered an interesting insight into how HR functions operate within the West Midlands business community.

Almost half of respondents to the survey (45%), which was sent to more than 2000 West Midlands based businesses, stated they did not employ a dedicated HR specialist. Instead they relied on colleagues to carry out HR duties in addition to their primary role within the organisation. This responsibility was often allocated to owner-managers themselves.

In terms of supporting those tasked with managing HR, 45% of those responding acknowledged they did not provide any additional training to the individuals concerned. Where the need for training was recognised, an overwhelming majority (85%) felt that managing poor performance was the main area in which support was required, whilst disciplinaries (67%) also scored highly.

“From our brief insight into the West Midlands business community, it is clear that owner-managers themselves play a vital role in managing HR functions within their organisations,” comments Tim Jones, Partner and Head of Higgs’ Employment team.

“The region’s owner–managers already have such a wide remit in terms of running a business. Managing and supporting a workforce is a key aspect of business success but it is a highly specialised area full of potential pitfalls.

“We feel it is important that owner-managers and those tasked with operating HR functions have access to services such as those provided by Higgs’ Employment team so that they can focus on what is most important - growing their business.”