My Start-Up Story: Founder of Ryan HR, Michelle Ryan

My name is Michelle Ryan and I run a HR consultancy business. Prior to setting up Ryan HR, I worked for over 25 years in-house in Human Resources across industries such as aviation, manufacturing, retail, services and healthcare.

Through Ryan HR, I provide hands-on support to my clients in all areas of people management and also work on projects such as employee relations matters, dispute resolution and organisational strategy and design.

I’m a trained Mediator and hold a BSc(hons) in HR Management and a Diploma in Employment Law. The idea for my business really came from the feedback I received from those I worked with over the years.

My approach has always been described as results-driven and pragmatic, and my delivery is always straightforward. I saw an opportunity in the market for more experts like myself who can bring this experience and approach to organisations, particularly SMEs.

These businesses operate in a challenging and ever-evolving space and are particularly pressed when managing their people and remain competitive. Certainly, I saw an opportunity in supporting these businesses and becoming their trusted HR Partner.

Quality, not quantity

My business goal is very much based on quality rather than quantity. I am inspired by businesswomen who excel, but have decided that huge growth is not a goal for them. There are several women that I have followed over the years who are the best in their field, but have taken this approach and I find this admirable.

In short, I want to provide a quality service for my clients, and make an impact in their business success and enjoy the work I do.

I was very comfortable with the subject matter of my business from many years as a HR Manager for various businesses. What made the transition from employee to business owner very smooth for me was having the understanding already of setting up a business, associated costs, accounts, payroll, etc, from supporting my husband’s small business for many years. This gave me huge confidence in setting up.

Given the type and nature of my business, getting set up was relatively inexpensive. I had clients from day one who had asked me previously to take them on as soon as I started, so this gave me some earning security for the first couple of months as I grew my client list. Then over time, as my business grew, I invested in my website, further marketing and office space.

I had worked with some incredible female entrepreneurs over the years and I suppose it gave me a good idea of the highs and lows of being self-employed and reduced any initial fear, particularly when proposals didn’t land and the phone was quiet!

Work-life balance — a practical approach

My mother has given me the best financial advice, which I have carried through life and onto my business. She always made us save and hand over money to the household. Even from my first job packing shopping bags in a supermarket in the mid-1990s, she would say when we got paid that we should hand up a third, save a third and spend a third. It makes me laugh now, but she was completely right.

It’s a habit that has stuck with me and it’s something I have passed on to my family.

Have a great network around you. I have a couple of HR professionals that I have known for many years who have been incredible mentors to me. In turn, they know I’m at the end of the phone if they ever require support. Their advice, particularly in the early days of setting up, was really make-or-break for me.

I’ve never subscribed to the “you can have it all” way of life. I believe work-life balance will only remain a myth unless you put practical measures in place to achieve it, especially as a woman in 2025. I have had some very pressurised roles, but I knew myself I had to change my approach to work, to really turn the dial on achieving work-life balance.

In doing so, this meant stepping back on what I achieved and at times watching others move ahead of me. However, honestly, for what I have achieved in terms of being present for my family and reducing the pace and stress of life, I have no regrets.

Delivering expertise, learning and growing

What I love most about being self-employed is the freedom to choose the work that challenges me and the people and businesses I get to work with. I especially love the variety of work and industries I get to work with. I get the chance to shape solutions for a business that impact them in a meaningful way.

Being a business owner means that I’m not just delivering my expertise, I’m continuously learning and growing. I’m not just delivering HR expertise—I’m continuously learning and growing, and building something that reflects my interests and values.

I have several pieces of advice for someone just starting or considering starting their own business. For those providing a service, price yourself correctly from the outset. If your client values the work, then the price will be paid. A business that works for free will never be idle!

Also invest in time tracking software that you can keep a good track of what hours you are billing for and what are unbillable hours, such as time spent doing administration work. Join a network and keep good people around you and look after those who look after you. Get a good accountant, but try to learn some of the administration tasks of bookkeeping to keep your costs down.