When Sherida Carter decided to start her own HR consultancy earlier this year, it wasn’t a move she made lightly. After more than two decades in human resources, she’d built her career in stable, salaried roles.
But with ageing parents in need of more support, a daughter at university, and a husband who had been encouraging her to take the leap, Sherida realised it was now or never.
“I’d thought about it before, but I wasn’t sure I had the confidence,” she said. “Working for different companies recently gave me that boost, I knew I had a lot to offer.”
Her HR journey began by chance. Leaving school at 16, she had no clear career plan, so she took an office job and later temped in an HR department.
That sparked something, and soon she was studying for her CIPD qualification, eventually completing a Master’s while raising a young daughter.
“I wouldn’t necessarily recommend doing a Master’s with a small child,” she laughed, “but I was proud to have earned it. Nobody can take that away from me.”
Why now?
Sherida’s decision to go out on her own came after a series of turning points.
Her mother has been in a care home with dementia for three years, and her father’s health is declining, meaning frequent trips from Bedford to Nottingham. “It got to the point where I thought, something has to change,” she said.
At the same time, she felt strongly about helping smaller, independent businesses, a passion rooted in her own family history. “My parents ran a business in Bedford, so I understand what it takes.
“Smaller companies can’t always afford a full-time senior HR role, but they should still benefit from that expertise.”
She began planning her consultancy in February 2025 and officially launched it on 1 June.
It’s been far more work and investment than she expected. “Twenty years ago, you registered with Companies House and off you went. Now, there are insurance, contracts, equipment, websites, and social media. It all adds up.
“I wanted to present a professional service from day one, which meant no cutting corners.”
Learning and growing
Marketing has been another learning curve. “Everyone has a different opinion on how often you should post on LinkedIn.
“I realised my ideal clients are more likely to come from face-to-face networking, so I’m focusing on that.”
She’s thrown herself into Bedford’s business scene, joining the Chamber of Commerce, attending Women in Business Networking events, and trying everything from informal meet-ups to industry-specific groups.
“Bedford’s full of independent businesses, and people genuinely want to help each other. I’ve already had follow-ups from people I’ve met just this morning.” Sherida said.
Reflection and advice
Sherida doesn’t feel her age has been a barrier; it’s been a selling point. “If I were applying for jobs, maybe my age would work against me.
“But as a consultant, people want the depth of experience I can bring. That’s the difference between me and someone at 25 starting out in the same field.”
For anyone considering a similar leap later in life, she advises doing your research and finding your USP, networking before you feel ready, keeping an open mind, and believing in yourself.
“When I doubt myself, I ask, what would I tell a friend? Then I take my own advice,” she said.
Her goal now is to build a thriving business she can run for the next five to ten years, a chapter she can look back on with pride. “I love meeting other women doing the same thing, at all different stages of life.
“We’ve all got different stories, but we’re all making it work. That’s what keeps me going.”
From fashion start-ups to wellness workshops, female entrepreneurs are making their mark across every sector.
Over the coming weeks, the Bedford Independent will explore the stories behind these businesses. You can read all the articles written so far here.
