Heather Middlehurst: Transforming HR Leadership at Stateside Foods

Heather Middlehurst is the Head of People at Stateside Foods, where she has spent more than 17 years shaping the company’s culture through innovation and empathy. Beginning her career in finance, Heather holds a degree in Accounting from Oxford Brookes University and is a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA), later expanding her expertise with HR qualifications. Her transition from numbers to people management marked a turning point that allowed her to blend analytical precision with a deep understanding of human needs. Known for her visionary leadership and people-first approach, Heather has driven major initiatives in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), diversity, and employee well-being.

Under her guidance, Stateside Foods has become known for its inclusive policies, mental health support, and continuous learning opportunities. Her transformational leadership has not only improved employee engagement and retention but also positioned the company as an employer of choice. Through strategy, empathy, and innovation, Heather Middlehurst continues to redefine what modern HR leadership means in today’s corporate world.

Early Life and Educational Foundations

Heather Middlehurst’s educational journey laid the foundation for her successful career in leadership and human resources. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, where she developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Her passion for learning and self-improvement led her to achieve the Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) qualification, which reflects her professional excellence and attention to detail. To further expand her understanding of people management, she later pursued the CIPD Level 7 qualification in Human Resources, one of the most respected certifications in the field. This combination of finance and HR education gave her a balanced perspective on both business strategy and human capital. From an early age, Heather displayed qualities such as curiosity, responsibility, and empathy, which became central to her leadership style. Her academic background not only strengthened her technical expertise but also shaped her ability to connect data-driven insights with people-focused decision-making, setting the stage for her career transformation.

Early Career — From Finance to Human Resources

The Foundation Years in Finance

Heather Middlehurst began her career in the finance industry, where she built a reputation for accuracy, commitment, and teamwork. She worked at Baker Tilly International, gaining hands-on experience in accounting and financial management. Her time there helped her understand the importance of structure, compliance, and clear communication in a professional environment. Later, she joined Yorkshire Bank, where she worked closely with clients and internal teams, developing her customer service and relationship management skills. These early experiences taught Heather how to balance precision with people skills—an ability that would later define her leadership style. By learning to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and maintain high standards of integrity, she created a strong professional base that supported her later transition into human resources.

Joining Stateside Foods (2006)

In 2006, Heather joined Stateside Foods as an Assistant Management Accountant, a role that combined her financial expertise with strategic business involvement. Her analytical mindset allowed her to contribute effectively to financial planning and performance evaluation. However, it was her growing interest in employee engagement and corporate ethics that set her apart. Heather realized that the success of any company relies not only on numbers but on the well-being and motivation of its people. This awareness marked the beginning of her gradual transition from finance to human resources. By combining her understanding of business performance with empathy and communication, Heather laid the groundwork for a career focused on empowering people while maintaining organizational excellence.

Heather Middlehurst Career Growth at Stateside Foods

Transition into CSR and Learning & Development

Heather Middlehurst’s dedication and vision led her to take on a broader role in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Learning & Development (L&D) in 2015. As the CSR & L&D Manager, she developed programs that promoted continuous learning, leadership development, and community involvement. She introduced internal training programs that supported career progression and designed mentorship opportunities to build leadership capacity across departments. Her CSR work included partnerships with local charities, sustainability efforts, and ethical business initiatives that aligned with the company’s values. Through these roles, Heather helped Stateside Foods strengthen its reputation as a company that values its people and its community. Her leadership in this phase demonstrated her ability to connect social impact with business success, ensuring that the company grew responsibly and inclusively.

Appointment as Head of People (2023)

In 2023, Heather was appointed Head of People, a role that expanded her influence across all areas of human resources, CSR, and learning. As a strategic HR leader, she introduced modern systems for recruitment, employee development, and engagement tracking. She championed digital HR transformation, integrating tools that streamlined processes and improved data-driven decision-making. Under her leadership, Stateside Foods experienced measurable improvements in employee satisfaction, lower staff turnover, and stronger internal communication. Heather’s leadership not only modernized HR operations but also reinforced the company’s position as an employer of choice. Her commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and well-being has transformed workplace culture and set a new benchmark for people-focused business success.

Heather Middlehurst’s Leadership Philosophy

A People-First Approach

Heather Middlehurst believes that leadership starts with people. Her people-first approach is based on trust, transparency, and inclusivity. She encourages open communication, ensuring employees feel valued and heard at every level of the organization. Known for her approachable and supportive nature, Heather maintains an open-door policy that fosters collaboration and respect. Her leadership philosophy is guided by her personal motto: “Don’t chase success — decide to make a difference.” This mindset shapes every initiative she leads, inspiring teams to focus on purpose, not just performance. By combining empathy with accountability, Heather creates a workplace culture where individuals are empowered to grow and contribute to shared success.

Data-Driven Decision Making

While Heather leads with empathy, she also brings a strong analytical foundation to her decision-making. Her background in finance gives her an advantage in using HR analytics to evaluate trends in performance, retention, and engagement. She believes that effective leadership must be both human and strategic—driven by insights but centered on people. By leveraging data, Heather ensures that every HR initiative has measurable outcomes and aligns with the company’s goals. This balance between emotional intelligence and data accuracy allows her to make informed decisions that enhance both productivity and employee satisfaction.

Driving Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Heather Middlehurst has played a central role in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at Stateside Foods. She implemented inclusive recruitment practices designed to attract talent from diverse backgrounds and introduced training programs on unconscious bias and cultural awareness. Under her leadership, the company established employee resource groups to give underrepresented voices a platform to share experiences and ideas. These initiatives have strengthened collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect across teams. Heather’s inclusive HR leadership has earned internal and external recognition, proving that diversity not only improves creativity but also builds a more resilient organization.

Employee Well-being and Mental Health Advocacy

Heather Middlehurst is deeply committed to promoting employee well-being and mental health awareness. She believes that a healthy workforce is the foundation of a successful business. Through her initiatives, Stateside Foods has introduced wellness programs, mental health training for managers, and flexible working options to support work-life balance. She has encouraged open discussions about stress, burnout, and emotional well-being, helping to remove stigma and create a supportive environment. These efforts have led to improved morale, reduced absenteeism, and higher engagement levels. Heather’s focus on well-being demonstrates her understanding that true leadership means caring for people beyond their job titles.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Impact

Under Heather’s leadership, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become an integral part of Stateside Foods’ identity. She has led community partnerships with organizations such as Bolton Hospice and has championed employee volunteer programs that give staff opportunities to contribute locally. Her initiatives also include environmental sustainability projects, promoting waste reduction and energy efficiency within company operations. By aligning CSR with the company’s mission, Heather ensures that business growth goes hand in hand with positive social and environmental impact. Her efforts reflect her belief that responsible companies can create stronger communities and inspire long-term trust.

Learning and Development: Nurturing Future Leaders

Heather Middlehurst has transformed learning and development at Stateside Foods by focusing on long-term growth and skill-building. She expanded the company’s apprenticeship programs, giving young professionals opportunities to gain hands-on experience in various departments. In addition, she launched leadership bootcamps and digital learning platforms that empower employees at all levels to enhance their skills. Heather also promotes mentorship and career progression frameworks, ensuring that employees have clear paths for development. Her initiatives have created a culture of continuous improvement where learning is seen as a shared responsibility. Through her leadership, training has evolved from a simple HR function into a key driver of innovation and engagement.

Public Recognition and Industry Influence

Heather Middlehurst’s work has earned her growing recognition in the HR and business communities. She has been invited to speak at leadership events, HR conferences, and regional award ceremonies, where she shares insights on culture transformation and employee engagement. Her professional presence on platforms like LinkedIn allows her to mentor others, share success stories, and inspire future leaders. Under her leadership, Stateside Foods has received industry recognition for CSR and employee engagement programs, further proving the value of her approach. Heather continues to be seen as a positive voice in HR leadership, admired for combining compassion with measurable impact.

Challenges and Triumphs

Transitioning from finance to HR presented challenges that tested Heather’s adaptability and resilience. She had to shift from technical analysis to people management, learning to lead with both numbers and empathy. Through determination and continuous learning, she proved that career reinvention is possible with the right mindset. Heather also faced challenges during times of organizational change, guiding her teams through uncertainty with clear communication and compassion. Her ability to stay calm under pressure and make ethical, informed decisions has made her a trusted leader. These experiences have strengthened her belief that challenges are opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally.

Heather Middlehurst Personal Life and Interests

Outside her professional achievements, Heather Middlehurst is known for her optimistic outlook and love for community involvement. She actively supports charitable events and encourages her colleagues to participate in social initiatives. A dedicated dog lover, she often speaks about the importance of balance between work and personal well-being. Her approach to life mirrors her leadership style—positive, compassionate, and focused on continuous improvement. These traits make her both an inspiring professional and a relatable role model who values kindness as much as success.

Key Lessons from Heather Middlehurst’s Career

Heather Middlehurst’s journey offers valuable lessons for future leaders:

• Adaptability fuels growth: Transitioning across industries shows the power of embracing change.

• People-first leadership drives innovation: Focusing on empathy creates lasting results.

• CSR and DEI build sustainable success: Businesses thrive when they contribute to society.

• Data plus empathy equals modern HR excellence: Strategy works best when combined with care.
  Her story proves that leadership rooted in integrity, empathy, and learning can transform both people and organizations.

Conclusion

Over more than 17 years at Stateside Foods, Heather Middlehurst has proven that human-centered leadership can redefine workplace success. Her blend of financial expertise, HR innovation, and community engagement has strengthened both the company and its people. She continues to influence how organizations view inclusivity, well-being, and sustainability. Through her transformational leadership, Heather has built a legacy of purpose, resilience, and progress. As businesses evolve in the modern era, her example stands as a reminder that true success is achieved when leaders choose to make a difference—and inspire others to do the same.

FAQs About Heather Middlehurst

1. Who is Heather Middlehurst?

Heather Middlehurst is the Head of People at Stateside Foods, where she has worked for more than 17 years. She is known for transforming HR operations through innovation, empathy, and strategic leadership. Her work focuses on employee engagement, diversity, and corporate social responsibility.

2. What is Heather Middlehurst’s educational background?

Heather holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Oxford Brookes University. She is also a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and has pursued CIPD Level 7 certification in Human Resources. This blend of financial and HR education supports her analytical yet people-focused leadership style.

3. How did Heather Middlehurst begin her career?

Heather started her career in finance, working with Baker Tilly International and Yorkshire Bank. These roles helped her build strong analytical and communication skills. In 2006, she joined Stateside Foods as an Assistant Management Accountant, marking the beginning of her long-term impact.

4. What is Heather Middlehurst’s role at Stateside Foods?

As Head of People, Heather oversees Human Resources, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and Learning & Development (L&D). She leads initiatives that promote inclusivity, mental health awareness, and continuous learning. Her work has made Stateside Foods a model of employee-centered culture.

5. What are Heather Middlehurst’s key achievements?

Heather has modernized HR systems through digital transformation, introduced wellness programs, and led diversity and inclusion projects. She has also developed apprenticeship schemes and leadership training. Her initiatives have improved employee satisfaction and strengthened the company’s reputation.

6. How does Heather promote diversity and inclusion?

Heather has implemented inclusive hiring policies, unconscious bias training, and employee resource groups. She believes that diverse teams bring innovation and stronger collaboration. Her leadership has made Stateside Foods a more equitable and welcoming workplace.

7. What is Heather Middlehurst’s leadership philosophy?

Heather follows a people-first approach rooted in empathy, trust, and accountability. She balances compassion with data-driven decision-making to create fair and effective HR strategies. Her guiding belief is: “Don’t chase success — decide to make a difference.”

8. Why is Heather Middlehurst considered an inspiring leader?

Heather’s journey from finance to HR leadership shows courage, adaptability, and purpose-driven ambition. She leads with authenticity, empowers her teams, and connects business goals with social impact. Her example continues to inspire professionals who aim to lead with both heart and strategy.

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