Martin Potts
Managing Director & HR Specialist
Martin is the Managing Director of Shrewd HR, responsible for leading the internal team and ensuring the delivery of high-quality HR services to clients. With over 16 years of HR experience across both the public and private sectors, Martin has held a variety of HR and management roles.
Before founding Shrewd HR, Martin spent seven years as the People and Performance Manager at the North East Chamber of Commerce, overseeing all aspects of HR and team performance. Prior to that, he worked in HR roles for Durham & Darlington and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Services, as well as the Foundation of Light (SAFC). Alongside his extensive hands-on experience, Martin holds a First-Class Degree in Business Management, a Master’s in Human Resource Management, a NEBOSH qualification, and is a certified Mental Health First Aider.
Passionate about solving problems and delivering tailored solutions, Martin takes great satisfaction in achieving the outcomes clients hope for when they first reach out to Shrewd HR. His approach is built on delivering a first-class service and forming strong, lasting relationships with business owners and their teams. He has developed a suite of services designed around what businesses truly need, ensuring every solution is bespoke and aligned with their goals.
Outside of work, Martin is a dedicated Sunderland AFC fan and season ticket holder. He’s also a self-confessed padel tennis addict!
[email protected]
Amy Chandler
HR Consultant
Amy has over 14 years of experience in HR, starting her career with an apprenticeship after studying Law at sixth form. She quickly realised HR was the perfect fit and has progressed from apprentice to Head of HR. Throughout her career, Amy has been involved in every aspect of the employee journey and supporting organisations through significant change. She has focused on building positive workplace cultures and ensuring HR policies and processes are in place to deliver fairness and consistency for employees.
At Shrewd HR, Amy is excited by the variety of clients and challenges each project presents. She is looking forward to contributing to Shrewd’s ambitious goals and collaborating with a team of skilled professionals.
With practical experience and academic qualifications, including Level 5 and Level 7 CIPD qualifications and a Master’s in International HR Management, Amy applies proven HR methodologies to help clients solve complex challenges. Colleagues would describe her as approachable, adaptable, and clear in her communication.
Outside of work, Amy is a self-confessed nerd with a spreadsheet for everything! Her husband jokes about her holiday packing spreadsheet, but with two young boys, organisation is key. Amy is also treasurer for her son’s football team and you’ll often find her on the side of a football pitch.
[email protected]
Wendy Chaplin
HR Specialist
I fell Into HR by mistake many moons ago, taking over responsibilities for sites that I had responsibilities for, with there not being HR in place at the time. I’ve worked within the manufacturing industry all my life starting off in recruitment then quickly moving into sales, then into sales as a Regional Sales and operations manager for a building manufacturing company and then finally ending up in HR for the last 25 years. I crazily enjoy every aspect of HR which is forever evolving (keeps me on my toes).
Hobbies. Love riding my horses. Walking my dogs and keeping my cats out of trouble. My new found exercise is yoga and riding on my electric mountain bike which is so much fun. I have a triumph America motorbike which I haven’t found time to ride it. So hoping that will change. Love hot holidays and especially visiting my Spanish family near to Cordoba, Andalucia. Love travelling and visited most countries around the world in my early years with my parents. Love learning language’s, I used to speak Russian, Arabic, Brazilian, French, Latin and Spanish (of Which I’m fluent in).
[email protected]
Graham Sleep
Commercial Director
Graham is the Commercial Director at Shrewd HR, playing a key role in the strategic development of the business and acting as a sounding board for Martin. With over 30 years of experience in growing multiple businesses, he has encountered almost every challenge that comes with scaling a company. Alongside his expertise, Graham brings a strong network to Shrewd HR, helping to drive growth and create new opportunities.
What he enjoys most about working at Shrewd HR is seeing the team’s progress and the real impact they have on clients. He also values the strong alignment he has with Martin and thrives on the energy of those around him.
Graham’s approach to supporting clients is rooted in strategic thinking and a calm, measured perspective. He understands that business owners and directors can often feel frustrated without a clear solution, and he takes pride in offering a proven way forward through the wide range of services Shrewd HR provides.
Outside of work, Graham is sports-mad and still plays table tennis while also umpiring cricket— with the help of a flotation tank!
[email protected]
Manik Latwal
Business Development Research Intern
Manik is a Business Development Research Intern at Shrewd HR, bringing a strong background in finance and business, with expertise in data analysis, research and strategic thinking. Through academic projects and previous experiences, Manik has honed his ability to approach business challenges analytically and strategically.
Manik enjoys applying his academic knowledge to real-world business problems and being part of a team that values growth and development. He is excited to contribute to Shrewd HR’s efforts to expand its client base and build meaningful business relationships.
With a client-first approach, Manik focuses on understanding specific needs and tailoring solutions to exceed expectations. He values transparency, clear communication and delivering exceptional results.
Outside of work, Manik is passionate about reading and personal development. He constantly seeks opportunities to learn, grow and challenge himself, especially in areas related to business and self-improvement.
[email protected]
