Kent-based HR expert, Sophie Forrest of ForrestHR, has helped to raise the profile of the sector as a national finalist for Best Business Services in the prestigious national Best Business Women Awards 2021. Shortlisted for her business acumen, determination, creativity and tenacity from competition from around the country, Sophie hopes to take home gold at the gala final in London on 15th October.
Now in its 7th year, the award organisers say the entrants have had to be more tenacious and inventive than normal to bring their businesses successfully through the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic – making the judging a harder job than ever.
Sophie has drawn recognition for her success in supporting her clients through the challenges of rapidly changing employment rules, such as furlough; implementing new health and safety protocols; and supporting employees’ mental and physical health and wellbeing.
“I’m delighted to be a finalist at this year’s BBWA,” says Sophie. “Being up against all other business services – accountants, lawyers, insurance – it’s great to be able to get HR onto the map like this!
“It’s been a strong year for myself and the team at ForrestHR, and I can’t thank them enough for all the help and support they have given in expanding Forrest HR to meet the ever-increasing needs of our clients.”
Sophie Forrest founded ForrestHR in 2018 to provide flexible HR support to SMEs. Drawing on over 20 years’ HR experience, ForrestHR has seen fast growth, now with HR consultants covering London, the South East and West country.
The business also expanded over 2020, launching two new arms to the Forrest brand – Forrest Training Academy, to provide people and skills-based training to businesses, as well as Forrest Health & Wellbeing, a unique holistic programme that provides support for businesses and their employees across all areas of their professional and personal lives.
Sophie recently won Female Entrepreneur of the Year and Most Outstanding Emerging HR Consultancy Firm at the Global Business Insight Awards 2021 and is also shortlisted for the Kent Women in Business awards in September.
