BDHR Consultancy

About BDHR Consultancy

Founded in August 2024 by Bev Deans, BDHR Consultancy is an HR consultancy supporting founders, owners, and growing businesses with practical, people-focused expertise. Having spent over 20 years working in senior roles across financial services, insurance, retail and the charity sector, Bev decided to bring that experience directly to the businesses that needed it most.

The consultancy exists to help businesses that aren’t big enough to have a dedicated HR function but still have people and, with that, people challenges. Whether that’s getting the right foundations in place from the start, navigating a difficult situation with an employee, or even providing a more senior HR presence on a retained basis, Bev works with clients to find the right approach for where their business is at.

"People don't always think they need HR until there's a problem. But if you've got those good processes and practices in place from the outset, you can often avoid getting to that point altogether."

— Bev Deans, Owner, BDHR

What sets BDHR apart is the depth of experience behind it. Having sat on senior leadership teams and advised at board level, Bev brings a commercial, no-jargon perspective to what can often feel like an overwhelming area for business owners. The focus is always on helping clients to understand their situation clearly and feel confident in how to handle it – not creating dependency but building capability.

Since launching, Bev’s business has grown steadily through word of mouth and referrals, with clients recommending BDHR to other business owners. For a consultancy built on trust, that kind of endorsement matters.

With the Employment Rights Act bringing significant changes, including Statutory Sick Pay being payable from day one and employment tribunal rights reducing from two years’ service to six months, the need for accessible, practical HR support has never been greater. BDHR helps businesses to understand what’s changing, what it means for them, and what they need to do about it, without the panic.

Roots in the Maldon District

Bev has lived in Heybridge Basin for 24 years, having come across the area almost entirely by accident. She and her husband went out for a drive one day, ended up in the Basin, fell for it and never left.

It's easy to understand why. Maldon is somewhere Bev speaks about with genuine warmth, the estuary, the historic high street, the sense that it's simply a lovely and safe place to live.

For someone running their own business, that community feel isn't just a nice backdrop; it's part of how things get done. Bev has been a regular at local networking events, including our very own Business Breakfast Networks. Much of BDHR's early growth has come through exactly that kind of community, with people who have worked with Bev recommending her to others.

"There is a real community in Maldon and a real sense of community. People want to help support other businesses in the local area."

— Bev Deans, Owner, BDHR

Her advice to anyone thinking of starting a business is simple: get out and meet people! There is a real willingness among local businesses to support one another, and that spirit of community is something deeply valued, being based here in the Maldon District.

Are you a Maldon-based business with a story to share? Get in touch to be featured and showcase the great work happening in our district!