AN EXETER human resources expert has launched a new business offering practical employment advice and support to small and medium-sized businesses.

Belinda Newton, an experienced former HR manager based in Exminster, has opened The HR Dept to help businesses in Exeter and across Mid and East Devon to access the level of expertise and practical support usually reserved for large organisations with in-house HR professionals.

The business will act as an HR department for local employers.

It will provide a full range of HR services including an advice helpline to deal with day-to-day personnel queries and one-to-one advice on issues ranging from employment contracts and handbooks to HR policies and procedures.

Belinda has more than 20 years of business management experience, 13 of which have been spent in HR.

She has previously worked with the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Devon Community Housing Society, managing HR challenges ranging from helping organisations achieve Investors in People to dealing with HR issues during closures and takeovers.

She is Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

She said: "SME employers are facing tough times as they seek to drive costs down yet retain and motivate their workforces.

"Add to this the time spent trying to keep up to date with latest employment legislation and company compliance and most businesses, whether they employ one member of staff or 200, will probably admit they could use some support."