Natalie Ellis, HR Consultant and Director at Rebox HR. Natalie began her HR career in 2007 at Woolworths Group and has since worked with high-profile organisations, including ASOS.com. In 2020, she founded her multi-award-winning consultancy Rebox HR, where she actively champions and mentor’s female founders to create their own distinctive business paths. Specialising in proactive people management, Natalie helps employers tackle HR challenges. Outside her consultancy, she dedicates her spare time to inspire future HR professionals through speaking engagements at conferences, universities, and schools. LinkedIn: Natalie Ellis Chartered FCIPD | LinkedIn
Can you tell us a little about your background and your company?
I have been advancing in the HR field since 2006, beginning my career as an HR Administrator at Woolworths Group before gaining experience with prominent companies such as ASOS.com. In 2020, I founded Rebox HR, and we recently celebrated our fifth anniversary.
What inspired you to start your business?
From a young age, I have always aspired to create my own company. During school holidays I would offer a dog walking service and washing cars for the neighbours. As I got older, I thought a corporate career was the only way. When I worked for a larger consultancy, I felt that there should be a more bespoke approach to HR for smaller businesses, so I centred the brand around quality of service and expert support to enable business owners to become more comfortable with the uncomfortable side of HR.
How did you create awareness for your brand?
Establishing the brand was incredibly important for me, the name Rebox HR came from the concept of “repackaging the traditional HR solution” (that and a ridiculously oversized Amazon box) and was created in my kitchen whilst I made a cup of tea!
What strategies helped you secure funding and scale your business?
Rebox HR wasn’t funded, it all started with an old laptop and a mobile phone in my living room. I started the company with three small clients, and I now work with over 200 throughout the UK. There’s no secret to the company success, I did it through hard work and determination to succeed. For me, there was no plan B, and it’s a journey I am incredibly grateful for.
What have been your biggest successes so far?
Seeing the value that HR can bring a company. We’re fortunate to have received some amazing feedback from our clients and to see their businesses grow just by having the right people processes in place is incredible. For me personally, it has to be hiring Faye Ramsey in 2022, from that point on the company has just gone from strength to strength.
What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Like every other small business, we are not without challenges. The biggest for me was running every single aspect of the business. Being good at what you do and translating that into a business where you have to play every role, when previously there were teams for that, was a real eye opener. Surrounding yourself with the right specialists, such as a really good accountant, has been a game changer.
What are your plans for the future?
This year, my goal is to expand the team to better support an increasing number of clients. I am committed to providing opportunities that were not available to me early in my HR career. Giving back is a core value, and it is a privilege to help others grow and develop into future HR professionals.
What advice would you give to aspiring female entrepreneurs?
There is never a perfect time. I started Rebox HR with nothing in my bank account, I took a risk, and it paid off. Show who you are and what you are capable of. This sets you apart from your competition and remember there is room for everyone. What you have to offer may just be someone’s cup of tea!
What are your top three tips for entrepreneurial success?
Get a good accountant. Working with the right person from day one is essential, they know the rules and regulations around how to submit accurate records and to make the most of your money. It also helps to have a listening ear when you need it.
Surround yourself with the right people. At first, I surrounded myself with the wrong people, and you’ll quickly learn who your supporters truly are. It can be lonely when working for yourself, so having those people around for advice and support is essential.
Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s easy to focus on the wrong things, so stay focused and reflect often on what you set out to do in the first place.
Who are five people who inspire you the most, and why?
The Spice Girls – they made me believe that you don’t need to fit in to succeed. As long as you work hard, you can achieve anything.
My family – they are just incredible and always support me. They taught me the value of hard work and how important it is to stay grounded.
Faye Ramsey – I get to work with her every day, and she is just so positive and motivated.
My friends; Grace, Michelle, Simone, Zoe, Jane, and Chelly: They get me out of my comfort zone and are just incredible women. I am very lucky to call them my friends.
Karren Brady – this is because her journey has always been a source of inspiration to me and many other women.
What are your favourite inspirational or motivational quotes?
“No one works harder than a woman who realised no one is coming to save her – she has to be the one to build her dream life”.
Where can our readers connect with you?
Connect with me on LinkedIn: Natalie Ellis Chartered FCIPD | LinkedIn
