TEN years have flown by since Maggie Halsall set up her independent human resources consultancy, Acanthus Management Limited, and a summer’s afternoon in Northamptonshire was the ideal time for a special celebration.
The consultancy provides businesses with an outsourced HR function, as well as working alongside HR departments which need independent, external advice. Maggie works closely with HR and senior management teams at a strategic and operational level and by influencing the people agenda at board level, offers a commercially focused, bespoke service.
Based in the county and with clients throughout the UK, sectors such as professional services, manufacturing and the hospitality industry have engaged Maggie to understand their business, know its people and help their strategic development or change programmes.
Maggie said: “A whole host of people have supported me in the business from day one, and it was only appropriate that we should celebrate such a milestone together. The past few years have been incredibly successful with the business growing at a tremendous rate, so I wanted to thank them for their continued support and advice. As in previous years there have been new clients coming on board, mainly through personal recommendations from existing clients and contacts, but the past 12 months has exceeded even my expectations.”
Coton Manor was the ideal setting to host what was described by one guest as a ‘very civilised’ garden party, which involved a traditional afternoon tea on vintage china and the opportunity to explore the beautiful gardens.
“I wanted my guests to come and have a little down-time in their busy day, enjoy the garden and have the opportunity to chat with existing contacts and also make new friends. But most of all I wanted us all to indulge in some tea and cake and have a bit of a catch up,” said Maggie.
“As someone who loves to garden, I can see parallels in people management and gardening – you make a careful selection, make sure they are in the right place, look after them well, prune when necessary and watch them grow. It’s why I thought that the only place to celebrate my tenth anniversary with Acanthus, was in one of my favourite gardens”.
Contact Maggie Halsall FCIPD, Director and Independent HR Consultant, Acanthus Management Limited on 07799 251852 or email