Zoe Cormack set up Cormack HR based in Perth last year. Now, she shares with us the story behind her business.
Q How and why did you start in business?
A I started Cormack HR because I believed I could deliver a better and more personable HR service to Scottish businesses and charities. I knew I could provide something different by getting to really know a business and understanding their goals. Basically I wanted to turn people’s perception of HR on its head and show them that a positive and engaging approach can add real value to a business and its people.
Q How did you get to where you are today?
A I started in the HR profession 16 years ago after studying business at college. My first role was as an HR administrator and my employers paid for me to undertake a qualification that I completed with distinction. Since then I’ve been very fortunate to work with a very diverse range of organisations, meeting amazing people.
Q Who has helped you along the way?
A Quitting my job and setting up my own business has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done because everything is completely new and seems daunting at the start. The courses run by Business Gateway have really helped put things into perspective for me, especially the DigitalBoost workshops which gave me the confidence to design my own website. Most importantly knowing there is a business adviser at the end of the phone to help has given me the belief I can tackle anything. I’ve also had great support from GrowBiz, a social enterprise in Blairgowrie.
Q What was your biggest mistake?
A I wouldn’t consider any decisions I have made so far to have been mistakes as all of my decisions have led me here. In the initial stages I often thought that quitting my job to start my own business without sourcing a portfolio of clients first was huge mistake. I had thought about doing it for a long time but never made the jump, but looking back over the past 12 months I now realise it was the best thing I have ever done.
Q What is your greatest achievement to date?
A That within 12 months I have established a successful business working closely with great clients. Everything from registering with Companies House, navigating my way through HMRC requirements, to the company accounts, I have taught and done myself.
Q What do you hope to achieve in the future?
A My plan is to grow my business, steadily. I’m not interested in rapid growth; my goal is to provide HR services of the absolute highest quality which really focus on the businesses and people I work with.
