Introduction To Heather Middlehurst
In the modern corporate world, where innovation, inclusion, and employee well-being define long-term success, few leaders embody these principles as effectively as Heather Middlehurst. Serving as the Head of People at Stateside Foods Limited, she has spent over 17 years transforming the company’s workplace culture through progressive human resources leadership. Her work bridges strategic business objectives with genuine care for people, making Stateside Foods a model of modern HR excellence.
Heather is widely recognised for leading initiatives that elevate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), promote employee well-being, and introduce digital transformation in HR. Her background in finance provides her with analytical precision, while her empathy-driven leadership ensures that every employee feels valued. Through her strategic vision, Heather has positioned Stateside Foods as an employer of choice in the UK food manufacturing industry, proving that strong leadership in HR can redefine corporate success.
Early Life and Educational Background
Heather Middlehurst grew up with an early appreciation for structure, integrity, and leadership—values that later became central to her professional philosophy. Though she has maintained a private personal life, her formative years were shaped by curiosity about how organisations function and how people drive success within them. These interests laid the foundation for her transition from finance to people management, blending analytical thinking with human insight.
Heather earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, a program that strengthened her technical and financial acumen. She went on to achieve Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) status, one of the most respected professional accounting qualifications. Her pursuit of excellence didn’t stop there—Heather is also working toward a Level 7 qualification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), underscoring her dedication to continuous learning and professional growth.
Her strong foundation in finance has been instrumental in her HR leadership journey. It allows her to balance empathy with efficiency, using data-driven insights to create strategies that benefit both employees and the organisation.
Career Beginnings in Finance
Early Professional Roles
Heather’s career began in finance, where she gained valuable experience in corporate accounting, budgeting, and analytics. She held early roles at Baker Tilly International as an Administrative Assistant and later at Yorkshire Bank, where she worked in customer service and financial operations. These positions gave her firsthand knowledge of business processes, performance measurement, and financial management—skills that later became vital in her HR strategy and decision-making.
Entry into Stateside Foods
In 2006, Heather joined Stateside Foods Limited as an Assistant Management Accountant. Her analytical skills and precision quickly earned her recognition, but what set her apart was her interest in connecting numbers to people outcomes. She recognised that behind every financial result stood teams of motivated, skilled employees. This realisation inspired her gradual transition from finance to people management, where she could influence both performance and culture.
Transition to HR and Corporate Social Responsibility
Dual Role: CSR & L&D
By 2015, Heather’s evolving career path led her to a dual position as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Learning & Development (L&D) Manager. This role perfectly combined her business acumen with her passion for human development. She launched initiatives that promoted ethical business practices, employee upskilling, and community involvement.
Her CSR programs encouraged employees to engage with local communities, while her L&D strategies provided structured growth opportunities through mentoring and professional courses. These initiatives fostered loyalty, empowerment, and a sense of purpose among staff.
Building Foundations for Culture
Heather’s focus on CSR and L&D reshaped Stateside Foods’ workplace culture. She helped create an environment that valued both accountability and compassion. Her training programs improved performance and leadership readiness across departments, while her community-focused initiatives strengthened the company’s public reputation.
Rise to Head of People at Stateside Foods
Appointment and Leadership Vision
In March 2023, Heather was promoted to Head of People—a milestone that recognised her outstanding contributions over nearly two decades. As Head of People, she envisioned an organisation where inclusivity, well-being, and growth were the cornerstones of success.
Her leadership strategy focused on three principles: trust, empowerment, and inclusivity. She implemented open communication channels, emphasised manager development, and championed transparent HR policies that built employee confidence and engagement.
Major HR Innovations
Under Heather’s leadership, Stateside Foods underwent a digital HR transformation. She introduced automated onboarding systems, data-driven performance analytics, and employee well-being tracking tools. These initiatives not only improved efficiency but also ensured employees received personalised support and recognition.
Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
DEI Strategies
Heather Middlehurst has been a driving force behind diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at Stateside Foods. She introduced unbiased recruitment practices, mandatory unconscious bias training, and employee resource groups to give a voice to underrepresented communities. Her approach focused on both awareness and action—making inclusion a daily practice rather than a corporate checkbox.
Cultural Impact
Through Heather’s DEI programs, Stateside Foods has built a workplace culture rooted in respect and collaboration. Employee engagement surveys showed noticeable improvements in belonging and satisfaction. Her inclusive leadership has not only strengthened the internal workforce but also enhanced the company’s external brand as a socially responsible employer.
Focus on Employee Well-being and Mental Health
Wellness Initiatives
Heather recognises that employee well-being is the foundation of productivity. She introduced comprehensive mental health programs, well-being workshops, and confidential support systems to help staff manage stress and maintain work-life balance. Managers were trained to identify early signs of burnout and foster empathetic communication within their teams.
Results and Recognition
These wellness initiatives yielded tangible results—reduced absenteeism, higher morale, and improved overall engagement. Heather’s proactive approach to employee care demonstrated that well-being isn’t just a benefit but a business imperative.
Integrating Technology into HR
Heather’s forward-thinking leadership has brought digital innovation to Stateside Foods’ HR functions. She implemented HR analytics, AI-based recruitment tools, and digital onboarding systems to improve accuracy and speed. By leveraging technology, Heather enabled leadership teams to make informed, data-backed decisions about workforce planning, diversity metrics, and performance management.
These technological advancements have positioned Stateside Foods as a modern, efficient employer equipped for the digital era.
Commitment to Apprenticeships and Talent Development
A strong advocate for career growth, Heather expanded Stateside Foods’ apprenticeship programs to attract and nurture young talent. She introduced structured learning pathways, leadership bootcamps, and mentorship programs to ensure employees at all levels had opportunities for development.
Her focus on continuous learning has not only increased retention but also cultivated a highly skilled and motivated workforce, aligning talent growth with organisational success.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Work
Beyond HR, Heather has made CSR a defining part of Stateside Foods’ identity. She leads initiatives that support Bolton Hospice, local schools, and environmental causes. Her involvement in Bolton Food Festival and charity events has strengthened the company’s community ties.
Heather believes that a company’s success should benefit the community it serves. Her leadership has embedded social responsibility into the company’s core strategy, making Stateside Foods a true corporate citizen.
Recognition and Industry Influence
Heather’s achievements have earned her recognition in the HR community. She frequently shares insights on LinkedIn, contributes to HR and CSR panels, and mentors young professionals entering the field. Her expertise in HR transformation, inclusion, and people-first leadership makes her a respected industry thought leader.
Under her guidance, Stateside Foods has been recognized at regional business awards for its contributions to community welfare and employee engagement.
Personal Philosophy and Leadership Style
Heather’s leadership is defined by authenticity and empathy. Guided by her motto—“Don’t chase success – decide to make a difference”—she approaches every challenge with purpose. Her management style blends compassion with accountability, ensuring both people and performance thrive.
Outside of work, Heather is known for her approachable nature, love of animals, and active participation in community causes. Her holistic outlook inspires others to lead with heart and vision.
Lessons for Aspiring HR Professionals
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Adaptability is Key: Transitioning from finance to HR shows the power of cross-functional learning.
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People Come First: Employee well-being drives organisational success.
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Leverage Technology: Use digital tools for smarter, more efficient HR management.
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Champion Diversity: Inclusion is essential for innovation and culture.
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Lead with Purpose: Integrity and empathy define great leadership.
Future Vision: Redefining HR Leadership
Looking ahead, Heather envisions HR as a strategic force that shapes the future of work. Her focus includes hybrid work models, mental health awareness, and automation that supports—not replaces—human potential.
Her forward-thinking leadership continues to inspire HR professionals to view people not as resources but as the foundation of organizational success.
Conclusion
Heather Middlehurst’s journey from finance to HR leadership at Stateside Foods exemplifies how passion, innovation, and empathy can drive lasting change. Over 17 years, she has redefined what it means to be a people leader—balancing corporate goals with humanity.
Through her commitment to diversity, employee well-being, CSR, and technology, Heather has transformed Stateside Foods into a thriving, inclusive, and forward-looking organisation. Her story stands as a powerful example of modern HR leadership rooted in purpose, progress, and people.
FAQs About Heather Middlehurst
1. Who is Heather Middlehurst?
Heather Middlehurst is the Head of People at Stateside Foods Limited, where she has worked for over 17 years. She is known for transforming the company’s HR culture through innovation, inclusivity, and employee well-being initiatives. Her leadership combines strategic vision with a genuine commitment to people development.
2. What is Heather Middlehurst’s educational background?
Heather earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Oxford Brookes University and holds the prestigious Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) qualification. She is also pursuing a CIPD Level 7 certification, reflecting her dedication to professional excellence in human resources.
3. How did Heather transition from finance to HR leadership?
Heather began her career in finance at Yorkshire Bank and Baker Tilly International before joining Stateside Foods as an Assistant Management Accountant in 2006. Her analytical mindset and people-focused outlook led her into HR and Corporate Social Responsibility, where she found her true calling as a transformative leader.
4. What are Heather Middlehurst’s major contributions at Stateside Foods?
Heather has introduced innovative HR strategies, digital transformation tools, and employee well-being programs that improved engagement and reduced turnover. She also established diversity and inclusion frameworks and expanded apprenticeship programs to nurture future talent.
5. How does Heather promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
Heather leads several DEI initiatives that include bias-free recruitment, cultural awareness training, and employee resource groups. Her approach ensures every voice is valued, fostering a workplace where collaboration, fairness, and creativity thrive across all teams.
6. What is Heather Middlehurst’s philosophy on leadership?
Heather believes in leading with empathy, integrity, and purpose. Her personal motto, “Don’t chase success – decide to make a difference,” reflects her people-first approach. She focuses on empowering others, building trust, and creating a positive impact within and beyond the workplace.
7. How has Heather improved employee well-being at Stateside Foods?
She has implemented comprehensive mental health programs, flexible work policies, and well-being initiatives that support employees holistically. These efforts have boosted morale, reduced stress, and positioned Stateside Foods as a caring, people-centred employer.
8. Why is Heather Middlehurst considered an influential HR leader?
Heather’s blend of financial expertise and human understanding makes her a standout HR professional. Her leadership has strengthened Stateside Foods’ reputation, influenced HR best practices across industries, and inspired a new generation of professionals to pursue purpose-driven people leadership.
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