The HR Dept Australia’s new boss reveals plans for at least five more franchises within a year.

Franchisee Pia Engstrom is the new managing director of the Australian operation.

Pia was the first franchisee for the UK-based franchise chain. Now she will lead the charge as managing director of  HR Dept Australia and will set up a local head office team.

Previously Pia had operated the Australian arm as a joint venture with the UK franchisor.

“Now that the HR Dept is wholly owned and operated in Australia, we can drive growth by harnessing our local expertise together with a renewed sales strategy,” Pia told Inside Franchise Business.

“We will be looking to raise the brand profile nationally to encourage new franchisees as well as supporting existing franchisees with their growth strategies.

“We are looking at recruiting at least another five franchisees in the next 12 months.”

In 2017 Engstrom launched the first The HR Dept franchise in Australia, setting up her Western Suburbs Perth business from home in West Leederville.

The HR Dept story began in 2002, when founder and executive director Sue Tumelty identified a gap in the market to offer personalised expert HR advice to local businesses in the UK.

In the 18 years since, the company has grown across three countries – the UK, Ireland and Australia – giving HR professionals the opportunity to leave the corporate world and set up their own business.

In Australia there are now 11 HR Dept franchises across Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, with more to come.