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Behind every policy, training session or coaching conversation, there’s a business doing its best for its peo-ple. These case studies showcase how STEP HR works in partnership with employers to build confidence, strengthen teams and create workplaces where people thrive.
Talking Mats
Talking Mats Ltd is a pioneering social enterprise based in Stirling, dedicated to enhancing communication for people with cognitive and communication difficulties.
Through their internationally recognised, evidence-based framework, Talking Mats empowers individuals to express their thoughts, feelings and preferences—whether in health, education or social care settings. Despite its global reach and reputation, Talking Mats faced a period of financial strain and recognised the need to review and restructure their organisation to secure long-term sustainability. With rising costs and increasing demands on their resources, the Leadership Team identified that strategic support in HR would be critical to their future success.
That’s where STEP HR came in. Through our UKSPF-funded Expert Help programme, Talking Mats received five days of dedicated, bespoke HR consultancy—led by our experienced HR Consultants, Vicky and Kirsty.
STEP HR’s service goes far beyond off-the-shelf contracts or templated advice.
Vicky and Kirsty took time to understand the mission, structure and values of Talking Mats, tailoring their approach to suit the unique needs and sensitivities of a purpose-led social enterprise. Working closely with the Leadership Team, Vicky helped define clear organisational goals and aligned the team’s structure to better meet them. Her strategic thinking laid the groundwork for effective restructuring, while Kirsty led on implementation—handling sensitive conversations, addressing concerns and ensuring the process was both fair and future-focused.
“Kirsty showed real expertise throughout a difficult process, providing excellent support and guidance, while responding clearly and firmly when required” said Margo Mackay, Managing Director, Talking Mats.
The outcome is a more streamlined, strategically aligned team with clearly defined roles, reduced staff costs and renewed clarity on the organisation’s direction. While turnover growth wasn’t anticipated in the short term, the restructuring has laid the foundations for financial sustainability, allowing the business to operate at a surplus instead of a loss. This collaboration not only stabilised the organisation internally, but also had a positive ripple effect externally. With a clearer internal structure and leaner operations, the team has been able to focus more on innovation and partnership development—ensuring their communication tools reach more vulnerable people worldwide.
For STEP, this project demonstrates the power of deeply tailored support. By offering not just HR expertise but genuine care and strategic foresight, STEP HR has helped preserve a globally impactful social enterprise rooted in Stirling—a reminder that behind every business is a team of people who, with the right guidance, can turn challenges into long-term success.
Talking Mats is now better placed to continue its life-changing work—thanks to HR support that understood the balance between commercial sustainability and social impact.
For more information about Talking Mats visit www.talkingmats.com
Falkland Rural Enterprises Limited
From acquisition to integration with tailored HR that understands the bigger picture..
When Falkland Rural Enterprises Limited (FREL) acquired Pillars of Hercules—a beloved organic farm, vegetarian café, and shop on Falkland Estate—they didn’t just inherit a business, they inherited a team, a legacy and a set of operational complexities that required thoughtful integration.
Expanding from a five-person operation to a team of around 45, the business needed far more than basic HR templates. It needed a partner who understood how to bring people, process and purpose together.
It was a significant moment for the estate—and one that came with major people challenges. From TUPE processes and onboarding, to absence management, recruitment and holiday policy, FREL needed guidance that was not only compliant, but practical, responsive and tailored to it’s new structure.
That’s where STEP HR came in.
From the outset, the STEP team worked hand in hand with Lynne Ogilvie-Niven and her team, offering bespoke support shaped entirely around the complexities of the business.
Unlike off-the-shelf templates or one-size-fits-all advice, STEP HR’s approach is rooted in real relationships. The team took the time to understand Falkland Estate, the evolving structure of FREL and the unique working culture of Pillars of Hercules.
Support included:
- A smooth and legally sound TUPE process
- Ongoing advice on managing young workers
- Guidance on maternity leave and family-friendly policies
- Help implementing fair and consistent annual leave processes
- Strategic input on recruitment, onboarding and team integration
“STEP HR was a vital part of helping us move through a really significant period of change,” said Lynne. “What stood out most is how personal and considered their support is. They really got to know us—not just as an employer, but as a business. Every bit of advice was tailored to our set -up, our people and our goals.”
What makes STEP HR unique is that it’s not just a consultancy—it’s part of a broader business support organisation. That means the team bring not just HR expertise, but a deep understanding of business growth, funding, operations and strategy. For businesses like FREL, this creates wrap-around support that doesn’t just tick boxes, but helps
unlock real progress.
STEP HR continues to support FREL as they settle into their new chapter. And with a strong HR foundation in place, the business is free to focus on what it does best—nurturing the land, its people and a loyal community of customers.
“What really sets STEP apart is that they don’t just give HR advice—they understand
how businesses actually work. Every conversation felt like they were invested in
our success, not just ticking a compliance box. It was reassuring to know they have
both the technical expertise and the wider business knowledge to guide us through
such a big transition.” ~ Lynne Ogilvie-Niven, Falkland Rural Enterprises Ltd
