Ashley Kate HR & Finance

03/09/2026

Three expert-led roundtables. Three critical HR challenges. One opportunity to gain valuable insight from your peers and industry specialists.

Ashley Kate is delighted to be hosting a series of exclusive face-to-face HR Director Boardroom Roundtables in partnership with Eversheds Sutherland, bringing together senior HR leaders to discuss the issues shaping today's workplace.

📍 9 September 2026 | Building at Scale: Reimagining Total Rewards
Discover how organisations can build reward strategies that support growth, navigate M&A activity, prepare for IPOs, and deliver consistency across global markets. Featuring insights from Tom Bray and Sharon John.

📍 30 September 2026 | Why Good Intentions Are No Longer Enough
As employment rights expand, organisations face increasing risk when processes aren't consistently followed. Join Constanze Moorhouse and Victoria Currey as they explore how HR leaders can strengthen employee relations practices and reduce legal exposure.

📍 13 October 2026 | Leading Through Constant Change
From AI and technology adoption to business restructuring and legislative change, transformation has become a constant. Hear from Mark Hammerton and Elizabeth Potter on how HR can equip leaders to guide their people through uncertainty while driving successful outcomes.

These interactive sessions provide a confidential environment to share experiences, discuss challenges with fellow HR leaders, and leave with practical takeaways you can apply within your organisation.

Want to learn more? Visit our website to explore each event in detail and reserve your place today.
https://www.ashleykatehr.com/hr-director-boardroom/

25/08/2026

Great recruitment isn't just about filling roles. It's about building lasting partnerships and helping businesses make confident hiring decisions.

That's exactly why feedback like this means so much.

We're incredibly proud to share this testimonial for Amanda Underhill MIRP, whose dedication, expertise, and commitment to delivering the right long-term fit continues to make a real difference for clients and candidates alike.

From providing valuable market insight and candidate guidance to maintaining clear communication and momentum throughout the process, Amanda goes above and beyond to ensure every hiring journey is a successful one.

Here's what one client had to say:
💬 "I would like to share my sincere appreciation for Amanda Underhill and the exceptional support provided throughout our recruitment process.

Amanda consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of our business needs and went far beyond simply sourcing talented candidates. While the quality of candidates presented was excellent, what truly stood out was Amanda’s ability to provide thoughtful and insightful guidance on each individual's strengths, potential, and overall fit for our organisation. This advice was invaluable in helping us make confident and well-informed hiring decisions.

Amanda worked with impressive pace and efficiency, ensuring momentum was maintained throughout the process without ever compromising on quality. Communication was always clear, timely, and proactive, keeping all stakeholders informed and engaged at every stage.

Most importantly, Amanda showed genuine care and commitment to both the candidates and our business. It was evident that the focus was not just on filling vacancies, but on finding the right long-term fit for everyone involved. Candidates were treated with professionalism, respect, and empathy, which reflected positively on our organisation and enhanced the overall recruitment experience.

Amanda has been an outstanding recruitment consultant and a trusted partner. I would highly recommend Amanda to any organisation looking for a recruiter who combines expertise, commercial understanding, excellent communication, and a genuine commitment to achieving the best outcomes."

Fantastic work, Amanda. Feedback like this is a true reflection of the relationships you build and the value you bring to every search.

20/08/2026

What’s really happening in the UK labour market?

The latest ONS figures present a mixed picture for employers, with changing recruitment demand, evolving pay trends and some important signals for the months ahead.

What should HR and People leaders be paying attention to?

Read our latest labour market analysis 👇

As of August 2026, we’ve reviewed the latest UK labour market figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), covering April to June 2026, alongside early payroll and vacancy estimates extending into July. The latest data presents a relatively

17/08/2026

A new address, a new environment, and an exciting new chapter.

Today, we're proud to officially relocate the Ashley Kate HR & Finance HQ from Nottingham to Pride Park, Derby.

Although the decorating and refurbishment work is only just beginning, it's great to see the team getting settled into their new surroundings and embracing the next phase of our journey.

This move is a key milestone for the business, supporting our continued growth and our ambitions for the future.

Our new HQ will provide a space designed to bring people together, encourage collaboration, and support the exciting opportunities ahead.

An exciting chapter begins today, and we look forward to sharing the progress as our new office comes to life.

11/08/2026

The best recruitment partnerships are built on communication, support, and results.

We're delighted to share this fantastic feedback received by Jacqui Wall from a candidate she recently supported throughout their job search journey.

At Ashley Kate, we're passionate about making recruitment a positive experience for both candidates and employers. From the first conversation through to placement, we're here every step of the way.

Looking for your next opportunity, or need support finding exceptional talent for your team? Contact Ashley Kate today for expert job search and recruitment support.

📞 0115 922 3000
✉️ [email protected]

04/08/2026

Behind every successful placement is someone who genuinely cares about finding the right fit.

As Alice Connors celebrates her one-year anniversary with us, we caught up with her to reflect on the experiences that have defined her first year, the lessons she's learned, and what continues to inspire her in HR recruitment.

Whether you're a client, candidate, or simply interested in life behind the scenes of recruitment, it's a great insight into Alice's journey so far.

Click below to read the full Q&A.
https://www.ashleykatehr.com/news-centre/celebrating-1-year-with-alice-connors

Please join us in congratulating Alice on her first anniversary with Ashley Kate HR & Finance! 🎉

This month, we’re delighted to celebrate Alice Connors, HR Recruitment Consultant, as she marks her one-year anniversary with us here at Ashley Kate. Over the past 12 months, Alice has built strong relationships with HR professionals and employers

27/07/2026

How should organisations respond when AI and workplace technology become part of conflict, disciplinaries and grievance processes?

That was the focus of our recent HR Director Boardroom session in partnership with Eversheds Sutherland, where Robert Gray and Leanne Sokolski shared their expertise on one of the most rapidly evolving areas of employee relations.

Key themes included:
👉 The challenges employers are increasingly encountering
👉 Reviewing policies and practices to reflect new technologies
👉 Practical guidance for handling complex and sensitive cases

The summary notes from the session are now available. Click below to access them:
https://www.ashleykatehr.com/hr-director-boardroom-notes/

22/07/2026

Something new is on the horizon...

📅 17th August

Watch this space.

14/07/2026

Well done to Ellie Olive-Pickersgill for this outstanding feedback 👏

This testimonial perfectly captures Ellie’s dedication to supporting candidates at every stage of their journey - from preparation and feedback to genuine encouragement and guidance.

At Ashley Kate, we pride ourselves on putting people first. Ellie goes above and beyond to ensure candidates feel informed, confident and supported throughout the recruitment process.

Looking for your next opportunity or expert career advice?
📞 0115 922 3000
📧 [email protected]

09/07/2026

What does great people leadership look like in practice?

In the latest Leadership Stories Unveiled, Andy Scott, Head of HR at Darchem Engineering, shares his insights on building resilient teams, creating genuine workplace flexibility, and developing future leaders from within.

From retaining critical skills through unprecedented disruption to championing a flexible, trust-based culture in manufacturing, Andy reveals why investing in people is one of the smartest business decisions any organisation can make.

Read the full interview and discover the leadership principles driving long-term success.

We sat down with Andy Scott, Head of HR at Darchem Engineering, for the latest instalment of our Leadership Stories Unveiled series. Andy, what first sparked your interest in HR, and when did you know it was the right career