Expert HR support for small businesses — friendly, practical, and grounded in real-world experience. Simple HR help and easy employment law advice, plus bespoke handbooks and contracts. Our team comes to you in Brighton or supports you fully online.
Founder & Lead Consultant · HR in-Hours
Annemarie founded HR in-Hours to bring warm, practical HR to small businesses who deserve better than call centres and confusing legal jargon. Working with a network of experienced HR and training professionals, HR in-Hours delivers expert support across a range of specialisms — always grounded in business reality, not just theory.
We work closely with businesses to build fair, supportive workplaces where people can genuinely do their best work — embedding good people practices into everyday culture, not just policy documents.
Proudly rooted in Brighton, we are one of Brighton and Sussex's most accessible and good value HR consultancies. Our team brings local knowledge and a genuine belief that good HR makes businesses stronger — whatever their size, sector, or stage.
In-person consultations available at premium, central Brighton locations to suit your schedule.
From day-to-day people management to trickier employment law situations — here's where the HR in-Hours team makes your life easier. Serving businesses across Brighton, Hove, and Sussex.
Watertight contracts and clear staff handbooks that reflect how your business actually works — updated as law changes.
Stay on the right side of UK employment law without needing a law degree. Clear, practical advice whenever you need it.
Hire the right people the right way — from job descriptions and interviews to offer letters and smooth onboarding.
Build a genuinely fair and inclusive workplace — EDI reviews, policy development, and embedding good practice into everyday culture.
Handle difficult situations fairly and legally — investigations, hearings, appeals, and outcome letters handled with care.
Manage absence effectively and support employee wellbeing — policies, return-to-work processes, and reasonable adjustments.
Before ongoing support kicks in, we do a thorough deep-dive into your current HR setup — so you get a clear, honest picture of where things stand.
A jargon-free written report and prioritised action plan — what's working, what needs updating, and exactly what to tackle first. Our team can visit you in Brighton or work with you fully remotely.
All plans give you a dedicated HR partner who knows your business — no bots, no call centres, no strangers. Just real people who care.
Complex matters (formal grievances, disciplinary hearings, redundancy, settlement agreements) are quoted separately across all plans — contact us for a quote, always agreed in advance, no surprises.
Handbooks, contracts and HR documents are created bespoke for your business — no downloads, no one-size-fits-all templates. Get in touch and we'll put together exactly what you need.
Diary management, correspondence, and day-to-day admin support — handled remotely so you can focus on running your business.
Hands-on HR and PA support delivered in person across Brighton & Sussex — ideal if you'd rather talk things through face-to-face.
Everything a new business needs to get HR right from day one — contracts, handbook, policies and compliance basics, set up together.
Bespoke, legally compliant staff handbooks and employment contracts, written for your business rather than adapted from a template.
Don't just take our word for it — here's what businesses across Brighton and Sussex say about working with HR in-Hours.
"HR in-Hours is absolutely amazing, completely transformed how we operate. Their operational management expertise is second to none and they helped us put proper processes in place that actually work for our business. Professional, warm and always on hand when we need them. Couldn't recommend them more highly."
"We had some urgent HR processes that needed sorting on a very tight timescale. HR in-Hours stepped in without hesitation and got everything done quickly, professionally and without any fuss. When you're under pressure the last thing you need is someone who can't keep up. They absolutely delivered. Cannot recommend highly enough."
"Finally a HR consultant who actually gets small businesses and explains things in a way that makes total sense. Our contracts and handbook were sorted so quickly, and knowing we have her to call when something comes up is genuinely priceless."
"Since she joined us she's been a breath of fresh air. As LGBTQ+ advocates, having someone whose approach fits so naturally alongside our ethos has made all the difference, and it's brilliant to have a Brighton-based consultant who genuinely gets our community and how we work."
"Her professionalism and discretion were impressive throughout. She handled everything with real care when working with our high-profile clients. Exactly the kind of person you want on your side when confidentiality matters."
"We worked together for five years at West Pier Studio Brighton, me as Technical Director. Great knowledge of the gaming and software development industry, and genuinely fun to work with throughout."
Our team works with small businesses who want HR that feels personal — practical, warm, and always on your side.
We visit your workplace or meet on a call — building a genuine understanding of your business, your team, and your culture.
In-person visits in Brighton and Sussex, or fully online — you choose what works best for your business.
A predictable fee every month — no unexpected bills, no meters running in the background.
We translate employment law into clear, practical advice you can act on straight away.
When a people issue comes up, you get fast answers — not a 48-hour wait for a callback.
Contracts and handbooks updated as UK employment law changes — so you never have to worry.
The HR in-Hours network is growing — and we're always keen to hear from experienced HR and Training freelancers who share our values. Whether you specialise in a particular sector, training delivery, or employment law, we'd love to connect.
We believe in building a network of brilliant, like-minded professionals who put people first — so if that sounds like you, get in touch.
Annemarie will review your details and be in touch soon. Great to meet you!
Answers to the things small business owners ask us most often.
HR in-Hours runs a series of friendly, practical networking events for Brighton and Sussex business owners — covering HR, employment law, and building great workplace cultures. Register here to secure your place at the next event.
Fill in the form and we'll get back to you with a personalised quote — usually within one working day. No pressure, no jargon, just a friendly conversation.