Two Yorkshire-headquartered consultancies have joined forces to offer what is believed to be the UK’s only integrated strategic finance and HR service for growing businesses.
Headstar, the specialist national finance recruitment and consultancy business, has formed a strategic partnership with Fairfield HR, an expert HR consultancy and recruitment firm, to meet the growing need among SMEs and larger businesses across the UK for agile, strategic support in both finance and human resources.
While retaining their distinct brands, the two consultancies will now work in tandem to offer access to experienced fractional CFOs and HR consultants, as well as high-quality recruitment services across both critical business functions.
Both companies report a sharp rise in demand for their respective advisory and fractional CFO and HR services. Headstar’s transformation services - which help businesses modernise, restructure and scale their finance functions - have grown by 9% year-on-year, now accounting for 21% of its business. Fairfield HR, meanwhile, has grown its network of senior consultants to eight in response to rising client demand.
James Roach, managing director at Headstar, said: “Finance and HR are no longer just operational necessities. They’re increasingly recognised as critical to navigating economic volatility and driving sustainable growth. But for many SMEs, building that kind of capability in-house is costly and complex. This partnership gives growing businesses throughout the UK immediate access to trusted financial and HR leadership, delivered flexibly without the full-time cost and in a way that evolves with their needs.”
Clare McDowell, founder of Fairfield HR, said: “This partnership offers businesses immediate access to experienced finance and HR directors on a flexible, part-time basis, helping them address urgent needs quickly. Working closely with clients from day one means we really understand their business, their teams, and their culture. So, when the time comes to make a decision about longer-term roles, whether part-time or permanent, we already have the insights needed to recruit someone who will truly strengthen their organisation.”
Headstar, originally known as FD Yorkshire Limited, was established 38 years ago and has grown significantly in recent years, expanding its client and contractor base which includes Algeco, Arrow Global, Transunion, myenergi and NG Bailey. The company recruits for the full spectrum of finance roles, from CFOs and finance directors through to transactional positions – and is unique in being a finance recruitment consultancy founded by qualified finance directors.
Fairfield HR, founded by experienced and multi-award-winning HR leader Clare McDowell, quickly established itself across Yorkshire and Northern England by delivering expert HR strategy, compliance, employee engagement solutions, and HR recruitment. Winner of HR Consultancy of the Year at the Yorkshire Prestige Awards, Fairfield is known for its pragmatic, commercially astute, and risk-aware advice, combined with a compassionate approach and thoughtful communication - ensuring HR strategies land effectively with teams and drive meaningful results.
