Our People
CIPD-qualified HR consultants and recruitment specialists across Durham & the North East.
Martin Potts
Managing Director & HR Specialist
Martin is the Managing Director of Shrewd HR, leading the team and overseeing the delivery of high-quality HR support to clients. With over 16 years’ experience across the public and private sectors, he has held a range of HR and management roles, including seven years as People and Performance Manager at the North East Chamber of Commerce. He has also worked with Durham & Darlington and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Services, as well as the Foundation of Light.
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. He is known for his practical, commercially focused approach and for building strong, lasting relationships with the businesses he supports. Outside of work, he is a dedicated Sunderland AFC season ticket holder and a keen padel tennis player.
Amy Chandler
Head of HR Projects & Operations
Amy has over 14 years’ experience in HR, beginning her career through an apprenticeship after studying Law at sixth form and progressing to Head of HR. She has supported organisations through significant change and worked across the full employee lifecycle, with a strong focus on building positive workplace cultures and ensuring policies and processes promote fairness and consistency. At Shrewd HR, Amy enjoys the variety of clients and challenges each project brings, contributing her practical, commercially aware approach to the team’s work.
Amy holds CIPD Level 5 and Level 7 qualifications and a Master’s in International HR Management. Known for being approachable, adaptable and clear in her communication, she brings both structure and reassurance to complex people matters. Outside of work, she is a self-confessed spreadsheet enthusiast, treasurer for her son’s football team and a regular on the sidelines supporting her two boys.
Ashleigh Bulbeck
Lead Trainer
Ashleigh is a motivated and experienced HR and Learning and Development professional with a strong background across both disciplines. She began her career in Learning and Development, working nationally with large organisations and training partners, before moving into HR generalist roles within SMEs after discovering a passion for broader people management while working in the care sector. She particularly enjoys supporting smaller businesses, where she can make a meaningful impact in a short space of time.
Ashleigh is passionate about ensuring employees are recognised as the most valuable asset within any organisation. She works strategically to embed company culture and values while also delivering practical HR support across the full employee journey, building strong relationships at every level. Outside of work, Ashleigh enjoys baking and modestly claims her carrot cake is the best you’ll ever taste, with brownies and cupcakes often promised for the office.
Natalie Macpherson
Head of Shrewd Hire
As Head of Shrewd Hire, Natalie is passionate about bringing great businesses and great people together. She works closely with businesses to understand what they really need, taking the time to build genuine relationships and find the right talent to help their teams grow and thrive
With a background in HR, recruitment and business support, alongside her Level 3 CIPD qualification, Natalie understands that great recruitment is about so much more than simply filling a vacancy. Outside of work, Natalie is a proud charity ambassador and passionate Sunderland AFC supporter. She loves travelling and discovering new places with her husband, spending time with her dog and is rarely one to turn down a glass of Prosecco!
Emma Hughes
HR Consultant
Emma is an experienced HR Consultant dedicated to helping organisations build thriving, people-centred workplaces. She supports businesses to enhance their culture, optimise their HR processes, and create environments where employees feel valued, supported, and able to succeed.She has a strong focus on building trust with organisations, strengthening communication, and ensuring HR practices are fair, compliant, and modern.
Emma is passionate about championing wellbeing and helping organisations get the best from their teams. Away from the office, she can usually be found on her yoga mat or making memories exploring new places with her young son, always with plenty of snacks on hand.
Stan Heslop
Employment Law & HR Advisor
Stan is an Employment Law and HR Advisor at Shrewd HR, bringing over seven years’ experience as a senior employment law adviser at the North East Law Centre. He has provided specialist employment law advice, represented clients at tribunal and negotiated settlements across the North of England. A qualified, non-practising barrister called to the Bar in 2004 (Lincoln’s Inn), Stan combines legal expertise with over 30 years’ commercial experience in the oil industry, including senior roles at ExxonMobil.
This blend of legal and business experience allows Stan to approach HR and employment matters from both a legal and commercial perspective, providing clear, practical advice that aligns with organisational objectives. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his granddaughter, playing golf and supporting Newcastle United.
Chris Cook
Marketing & Growth Manager
Chris is Shrewd HR’s Marketing and Growth Manager, focused on helping the business strengthen its profile, build meaningful relationships and create new opportunities for growth. He works across marketing, communications and business development, making sure Shrewd HR continues to connect with the right organisations and share its expertise in a clear, relevant and engaging way.
With a strong commercial mindset and a collaborative approach, Chris is passionate about turning ideas into practical activity that supports the wider goals of the business. He enjoys bringing people together, developing new opportunities and helping ensure the Shrewd HR brand continues to grow in a way that feels genuine and people-focused. Chris plays an important role in supporting the wider team, building awareness of Shrewd HR across the North East and helping more organisations discover the practical, straightforward HR support available to them.
