Conal Scholes

Fractional People Director

Conal is an ex-Global CPO now operating as a Fractional People Director. Operationally driven, he helps SME owners and leadership teams bridge the gap between “entrepreneurial hustle” and “sustainable scale” through pragmatic, commercially focused people solutions with measurable impact.

Summary

Conal has held Board Director positions at Eddie Stobart (6,000 employees, 50+ sites across UK and Europe), TDG/XPO Logistics (driving 10x profit growth as HR Director and Commercial Director – across UK, ireland and EU & Middle East), Ifor Williams Trailers (CPO inc Group IT, Customer Service, Insurance, H&S and RPO) of a £120m+ international manufacturing group), and Suttons Group (directing people, commercial, and supply chain operations across the UK, Europe, US, Middle East and Asia). He’s led group-wide learning, development and executive development programmes, navigated businesses through cyber attacks, factory closures, major M&A integrations, and multi-union strike and recognition scenarios, delivering £millions in cost savings and commercial wins at serious scale.

Today, he brings that enterprise-grade discipline to growth-focused businesses through People Puzzles, giving them access to the calibre of a FTSE CPO without the full-time cost. Having built and run his own businesses in consultancy, business transformation, and bid and pitch advisory, Conal knows first-hand what it feels like to be the person juggling strategy, operations, people, and cash flow all at once.

Operating with the mindset of a business owner, not a policy writer, Conal understands P&L pressure and delivers people solutions with measurable commercial impact, whether that’s a 73% reduction in cost-per-hire, a 31% boost in productivity, or step changing annualised savings.

Conal’s approach is defined by speed, transparency, and an avoidance of corporate jargon:

Commercial Operator First: Conal has led functions well beyond People, including sales, commercial, procurement, customer service, IT, H&S, and legal/insurance. He’s won and delivered contracts worth £150m+,helped to secured the largest 4PL deal in the UK, and directed supply chain transformation projects generating £millions in added revenue. Proud to be described as “an all-round business person, not just an HR expert.”

Deploys at Any Scale: From a 5-person start-up needing its first People infrastructure to a 6,000++ strong workforce spanning multiple countries, Conal builds what’s needed and makes it work. He’s created entire HR functions from scratch for SMEs in weeks, and run multi-site, multi-country operations across borders and geographies, including complex unionised, regulated, and culturally diverse environments.

Building Capability, Not Dependency: Conal coaches internal teams to self-sufficiency. He developed the Head of HR at Mawdsleys (800+ employees) to CPO-level capability, ensuring the business no longer needed external support.

Operational DNA: At home on the shop floor, in distribution centres, and across manufacturing plants and professional services/SaaS and energy matrix not just in boardrooms. Recently, he’s trained 40+ managers in Lean systems, led cross-functional CI programmes, and uses frameworks like EOS (Traction) and 13-week sprints to translate strategy into quarterly results.

Since joining People Puzzles in 2021, Conal has delivered tangible impact across a wide range of sectors:

Manufacturing (Fibreline,Inovus and Unilab): Led a comprehensive business transformation for a 200+ employee manufacturing operation where growth had stalled. Delivered leadership coaching across the SLT, restructured the organisation for accountability and performance, overhauled recruitment strategy, and drove a 67% reduction in labour turnover, turning a disengaged workforce into a high-performing culture.

Industrial Distribution (Hayley Group, Mawdsleys, Ground Guards): Strategic discovery assessment for a £360m business targeting £500m growth. Coaching MDs and the Senior Leadership Team whilst providing hands-on support to the Group HRD and their team, positioning people strategy as the enabler for the next stage of scale.

Pharmaceutical (Pharmaron & Mawdsleys): Interim HR Director at a major API manufacturing site undergoing post-acquisition realignment. Led delayering of structures, embedded group policy and process while preserving local autonomy and entrepreneurialism, and contributed to group-wide HR strategy via workshops and collaboration with the Group HR Director. Exec coach and mentor.

Building & Construction (Anderton Gables / ROTEC/BBA): Delivered a 12-month HR roadmap in 6 weeks for a multi-office construction consultancy, solving retention and reward issues. Scaling people infrastructure and coaching CEO/COO at ROTEC, the UK’s leading bespoke metal door and entrance systems specialist, supporting growth across major construction, data centre, and residential sectors. Coaching leaders in all areas of construction sector.

Technology (SaaS) & Energy (QBS Software / Urban Chain): Designed reward and LTIP structures for a leading SaaS distribution business and a fast-growth energy trading platform, including pay and reward frameworks, benchmarking, and long-term incentive plans.

Healthcare & Retail (Bayfields): Digitised legacy people systems and coached the SLT, providing what the CEO called “the gift of bandwidth” to focus on strategy. Lead HR team through period of significant growth including HR Operations, Talent and Acquisitions.

Sports & Leisure (Salford Stadium): Recruited an Operations Director in under 30 days and implemented a professional Board structure to accelerate growth, sorted a tricky ER issue that had been going on for months in a matter for days!

In addition to client delivery, Conal is actively involved in the growth of the People Puzzles business through his role as Team Champion, empowering and supporting the team in the North, and providing advice and guidance on executive remuneration and benefits to the business.

What Others Say About Conal

“Conal is an exceptional HR Lead, a strategic thinker but coupled with both a practical commercial and business sense of application. Conal is hard working, collaborative, and candid. A real asset for a business.” Peter Allan,MD, Cargill Foods Group

“We benefited from the gift of bandwidth by working with Conal, he expertly guided our senior leadership team brilliantly.” Royston Bayfield, Founder & CEO, Bayfields Opticians & Audiologists

“Bringing Conal in as a fractional HR/People Director has had a huge impact…he combines strategic insight with hands‑on delivery and operates as a genuine partner to the leadership team. I would highly recommend him to any stadium or venue business needing expert, flexible HR support”. Guy Smith , MD, The City of Salford Stadium Limited

“Our HR lead has become a credible and driving force for change in the business.” CEO, Mawdsleys

“I chose People Puzzles because they were able to offer a mentoring rather than consulting approach. Conal’s enthusiasm shows that he really cares about developing me professionally.” Darren Johnson, Head of HR, Mawdsleys

“Working with Conal has been exactly what we needed. After a period of significant change, we needed someone who could come in and actually solve problems, not just write reports. In the first three months, Conal helped us get structure where there was confusion, freed up leadership capacity by handling the people stuff that was eating our time, and started building the HR infrastructure we’d been missing. What’s made the difference is that Conal gets our ‘Built Different’ approach — down to earth, commercial, and focused on outcomes.” Andrew Whittle, MD, Anderton Gables

“Working with People Puzzles on a part-time basis and having the ability to tap into the skills of a number of experienced HR professionals, like Conal, has helped me, my team and the wider business to get to the root causes of issues and get clarity to focus on what’s important around structures, culture and engagement. They have been an essential part of the people team and the wider operational excellence programme.” Richard Prudhoe, MD, Fibreline

“Conal has been an inspiration to work with. He is extremely insightful, helpful and approachable. I have always been able to discuss and review any challenges or concerns and receive a very concise and supportive response. I have been privileged to be mentored by someone with such great people skills, who sees the value in supporting and developing the team around them. I would be delighted to work again with him in the future and have no hesitation in recommending him.” Jackie Banks, Flogas

Recent Work

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Clyde has been instrumental in taking BEAR Scotland from 'good to great'

Iain Murray, Managing Director, BEAR Scotland

Working closely with Clyde Marwick we developed a five-pillar framework addressing our goal for a high performing HR function including employer branding, recruitment innovation, and reward enhancement. We have navigated complex employee relations challenges while building strategic capability across our HR team. We now have the people infrastructure to match our operational excellence.

Liz's support was instrumental in us delivering a successful consultation

Director of Finance, National Hair & Beauty Federation

Following the completion of our restructure, I wanted to get in touch to say thank you. Liz's support was instrumental in us delivering a successful consultation. We are extremely grateful for her measured and sound advice, helping us to navigate such a sensitive situation, and we look forward to working with her again in future .

Lynn guided me out of my comfort zone to help me achieve my goals

Samantha Freeman, Management Accountant, Wirtgen Group

I could not recommend Lynn more, she guided me out of my comfort zone to help me achieve my goals and to think about things from an alternative perspective. I have also had a few people comment on the positive changes they can see in me which is a result of our sessions.

Sarah is a trusted advisor and sounding board to both me and my team.

Claire Watkin, Managing Director, Trendsetter

Working with People Puzzles has enabled me to step out of the day to day running of the business and concentrate on our future strategic direction. Sarah has helped us focus on how we develop our future leaders, cross team collaboration, and enhance overall business performance, as well as supporting the achievement of B Corp status.

The achievements of the People Strategy made a measurable difference.

Craig Bennett, Chief Executive Officer, Sigma

I can't thank Paula enough for all her support over the last 3 years. Her time with us turned out to be much longer than any of us expected but I guess this reflects the extraordinary events and circumstances we’ve encountered since 2019. The achievements over this period made a measurable difference to engagement and has helped Sigma transition our people policies from that of an SME into market leading large corporate. Thank you.

Lynn was always positive and listened when it mattered

Coaching Client – Wirtgen Limited

I cannot give Lynn enough thanks for the help that she gave me to better understand myself and help me find the answers to some tough questions. Lynn was always positive and listened when it mattered, Thanks again Lynn.

I have been able to build a proactive relationship with Pauline

Amy Fisher, MD, Doby Verrolec

I have been able to build a proactive relationship with Pauline. I came into this role last year with an agenda for growth and we have been working together across employee engagement, contacts and policies.

Pauline developed our people strategy with a robust methodology

Jeremy Royle, MD, YourNRG

Pauline’s hands on approach helped us to build on the work we have already taken and develop our people strategy with a robust methodology to meet the current needs and future growth of the business.

Working closely with one local and very knowledgeable person

Amy Fisher, MD, Doby Verrolec

The real benefit of People Puzzles is that your business and industry sector needs are matched with one of the People Puzzles Directors. This means you work closely with one local and very knowledgeable person who can quickly understand the people needs of the business.

Working with Sarah has been a rewarding, productive and an educational experience

Chief Operating Officer, Salford Primary Care Together

We wanted to understand more about what was driving our organisational culture, key risks and issues, what our priorities should be, and to understand what we could achieve with our limited resources. Sarah brought commitment, pragmatism, and positivity to our challenges which helped us achieve many of our goals including organisational restructures, re-design of several key HR processes and upskilling of our teams.

Pauline has very quickly gotten to grips with Your NRG.

Managing Director, Your NRG

Pauline has very quickly gotten to grips with Your NRG, and has brought to our attention some processes that need our focus as a result of our recent rapid growth. We are pushing on with the more pressing operational day-to-day strategies and initiatives whilst also educating the SMT on their overall understanding of ‘cradle to grave’ employment. Pauline continues to work diligently and tirelessly for Your NRG and I am delighted to have her ongoing support alongside us as we continue on our journey to realise our levels of ambition.

Changed the way we approach our senior meetings and develop our strategy.

Chair, Regular Cleaning

Shaun worked closely with me and the senior team and taught us a lot. Shaun dedicated time for each team member and encouraged, educated and guided them to be the best they can be. We achieved so much in the time we worked with Shaun and he has helped to change our focus from working in the business to working on the business giving us time to dedicate to the progression of the teams that make up the rest of our family.

Jill has worked on many projects as our part time HR Director.

Founder, Aura

One was around sick days which she has now reduced by 75%. This has significantly minimised the disruption it was causing.

Stewart's work has been a major factor in helping us achieve our ambitious targets.

Gerry Simmonds, Safpro

Stewart helped to align our senior team around business goals and implemented clear people plan has been a major factor in helping us achieve our ambitious targets. We have grown 20% over the past two years and with the team we now have in place this growth is set to continue.

Lynn's work as our trusted HR consultant and my mentor has been absolutely invaluable.

Oktawia Ellis, HR Manager, We Seal

I have the distinct pleasure of working with Lynn at People Puzzles. Her work over the last few years as our trusted HR consultant and my mentor has been absolutely invaluable. Lynn is an expert in her field, she is very knowledgeable, encourageing, supportive, and an effective leader. She is also really funny and a pleasure to be around! I learned a lot from Lynn and I would strongly recommend her.

The impact Lynn has had on our challenges are beyond my expectations

James Laxton, Managing Director, Laxtons

She has engaged with all our staff and her approach is a breath of fresh air for the business. The support she has given me has made some difficult issues appear straight forward and she has given a new lease of life in the business. We would not have been able to get to where we are now without her wealth of experience and hands on people approach and I am excited to see what the future brings working with Lynn.

Every team leader can now make decisions in line with the vision

Roy Bowie, Managing Director, GreenBlue Urban

I used to have the view that HR was managing difficult cases and moving people on with occasional recruitment support. But what People Puzzles does is so much more than that. It’s about the development of the business and its people as a whole which has been the biggest eye opener for me.

Working with Gill has helped us develop a People Plan which goes beyond compliance

Bernard Sellars, Managing Director, Lindum Packaging

Working with Gill from People Puzzles has helped us develop a People Plan which goes beyond compliance – it has helped us as a team to achieve greater alignment and engagement with the business strategy and goals.

I found the personal development coaching I received from Lynn to be very beneficial.

Alex Calvert, Marketing and PR Account Manager, Intandem Communications Ltd

I found the personal development coaching I received from Lynn to be very beneficial. Lynn helped me to work on some very clear objectives with a good balance of supportiveness and knowing when to challenge and push me out of my comfort zone!

We are now in a strong position from a people perspective, to leverage the future

Craig Bennett, CEO, Sigma Group

Paula developed a clear People plan and road map, which has significantly moved us on. She has developed the existing HR team, and ensured that we progressed quickly on all the initiatives that we identified. I’m confident that based on the last 6 months, with Paula’s input and contribution, we are now in a strong position from a people perspective, to leverage the next 6 months and beyond.

A very professional team

Chris Morling, Founder & CEO, Money.co.uk

It’s been brilliant to have such knowledgeable consultants help us to empower our people. Stuart and Sophie were incredibly flexible, adapting their services to our business and existing culture. I’d highly recommend People Puzzles.

Shifted my view of HR!

Gavin Pooley, Managing Director, Liquidline

I used to think that HR was all about employment law compliance and managing the administration basics. I didn’t get the hugely positive impact strategic HR could make to the business – I do now!’

Transformed my understanding

Managing Director, B2B Supplies and Support Services

Having Alison on the team is like having another MD/MBA in the business. She has totally transformed my understanding of HR.

Fantastic support!

Kerry Berry, Director, S&K Berry Associates LLP

Lynn has been a fantastic support to us and an ongoing fountain of knowledge. If you have a business and/or staff you need to take care of, you need a Lynn on your team!

Such a detailed process

Sue Ford, Director, Bridge Case Management

Lynn ran a detailed process and I wasn’t allowed to get away with anything – All relevant issues were included and dealt with objectively.

We’ve accomplished a lot!

Joseph Carr, Managing Director, Carrs Pasties

This is an inspiring story and it’s all true. I can’t believe it’s about us! We’ve accomplished a lot over the last 18 months.

Helping us shape the business

Stuart Hill, CEO, WNDirect

Carole has helped me and the business massively and added real value while helping us shape the business.

Vee has delivered a huge amount for the company

Bertie Kerr, Managing Director, Albany Associates Ltd

Vee started with a baseline study of where we were. She then presented a work plan to deliver over the coming months and while some priorities have changed it is impressive to look back and see how much has been achieved. She has become a trusted member of the senior team, providing advice and guidance on difficult topics and is regularly consulted by staff for her input.

Alison joined Valleys to Coast on an interim basis and 18 months later is still with us!

Joanne Oak, Chief Executive Officer, Valleys to Coast Housing

Alison has been instrumental working with me to recruit to a permanent role. Alison’s approach has been one of partnership, contributing as part of the strategic leadership team, which has been critically important given the turbulence the organisation has been through. Alison is always available, responsive and I would highly recommend her for expert HR support

Over the last 3 years, People Puzzles has helped build a very strong people culture

Phil Dupont, Director, RVT Group

We now have a clear Vision for the Companies 5 Pillars, In-house manager, leadership ‘Power 90’ Training and a rhythm of key meetings throughout each year. This has had a direct contribution to the significant growth of the company in the last 3 years… With this support from People Puzzles continuing, the company continues to grow both financially and culturally for the benefit of all.