Introduction
In the world of corporate leadership, few professionals stand out as both accomplished and approachable as Heather Middlehurst. Known for her unwavering dedication to creating positive change within the corporate world, she holds a prominent position at Stateside Foods Ltd as the Head of People. But Heather is much more than just a job title. She is a passionate dog lover, an experienced FCCA accountant, a committed optimist, and an advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This article will explore her journey, the impact she has made in her roles, and how she continues to drive meaningful change across multiple industries.
Who Is Heather Middlehurst?
Heather Middlehurst is a multifaceted professional with expertise spanning several key areas, including accountancy, corporate social responsibility (CSR), employee engagement, and inclusion & diversity. With years of experience, she has successfully transitioned from a financial role as an FCCA accountant into a strategic leader focused on people, culture, and social impact. Her role as the Head of People at Stateside Foods Ltd. highlights her leadership in shaping the company’s workforce strategy, employee development programs, and overall company culture. But her career trajectory didn’t happen overnight. With a strong foundation in accountancy and business strategy, she was able to use her skills to create lasting positive changes, from employee engagement initiatives to advancing diversity and inclusion efforts.
Heather’s Professional Background
A Career Rooted in Finance
Before transitioning into her current role, Heather’s career began in the world of numbers and finance. As an FCCA (Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) accountant, she honed her financial skills and developed a sharp eye for detail. This experience provided her with a strong foundation in financial reporting, budgeting, and financial strategy—skills that would serve her well throughout her career. Her accounting background allowed her to rise through the ranks, combining her financial expertise with her growing interest in corporate governance, social responsibility, and employee welfare. Heather’s career path is a testament to how a background in finance can translate into broader leadership roles, where strategic decision-making, human capital management, and CSR are just as crucial as financial acumen.
Expanding Her Role in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
As Heather’s career evolved, she realized her true passion lay in creating positive social impact within organizations. She transitioned from a purely financial focus to a broader scope that included corporate social responsibility. This shift marked the beginning of her work in areas like community engagement, employee wellbeing, and environmental sustainability. Her leadership in CSR was pivotal in aligning Stateside Foods Ltd’s business practices with its social values, demonstrating how corporations can create meaningful contributions to society beyond profits. She played a significant role in developing initiatives that benefit both employees and the communities in which the company operates. This approach to business ensures that the company is not only financially viable but also ethically responsible and socially engaged.
Leadership in Learning & Development
Beyond her expertise in CSR, Heather Middlehurst has also been deeply involved in Learning & Development (L&D) initiatives. As an L&D manager, she worked on designing and implementing training programs that equipped employees with the skills they needed to thrive in an ever-changing business environment. Whether it was training programs to upskill employees or apprenticeship programs designed to bring in fresh talent, Heather has always been a strong advocate for continuous learning. Her ability to develop and nurture these programs has had a lasting impact on the company’s workforce. Employees were empowered not only to excel in their current roles but also to envision and pursue career advancement opportunities. Heather has often emphasized that L&D is not just about improving skill sets—it’s about fostering a culture of growth, motivation, and support.
Driving Change: Inclusion & Diversity
One of Heather’s most significant areas of focus has been in advancing inclusion and diversity in the workplace. As someone with a deep understanding of corporate culture and a commitment to ethical business practices, Heather has worked tirelessly to ensure that Stateside Foods Ltd. creates an inclusive work environment for all its employees. Her advocacy for diversity spans various dimensions—ethnic, gender, socio-economic status, and more. By implementing progressive hiring practices, supporting employee resource groups, and offering training to raise awareness about bias and inequity, Heather has worked to ensure that employees from all backgrounds feel valued, heard, and supported.
Heather’s leadership in inclusion and diversity has not only shaped a more inclusive culture at Stateside Foods Ltd., but it has also positioned the company as a leader in corporate social responsibility, demonstrating that inclusivity is integral to organizational success.
Heather’s Role as a Dog Lover and Optimist
While Heather’s professional achievements are certainly impressive, it’s her personal passions that round out her character and make her such an approachable and inspiring leader. As a dog lover, Heather often shares stories and experiences from her life with her canine companions, which offer insight into her personal philosophy of loyalty, care, and joy in the simple things in life. Her optimism is another defining trait. Heather’s ability to stay positive even in the face of adversity has been an asset in her career, particularly when navigating challenges in corporate culture or driving change within an organization. She’s not just a leader who guides with expertise—she also leads by example with her attitude, showing that persistence, empathy, and optimism are essential to overcoming obstacles.
Heather Middlehurst: A Vision for the Future
Looking forward, Heather Middlehurst continues to embrace opportunities for both professional and personal growth. She believes in the power of continuous improvement, whether it’s in her own career or in the organizations she works with. She sees the future of leadership as being centered around people, purpose, and progress. Her ongoing commitment to integrating social responsibility with business operations ensures that she remains at the forefront of change in the corporate world. She is particularly interested in how businesses can become more sustainable, both in terms of their environmental impact and their commitment to improving employee wellbeing.
Moreover, Heather is excited about the potential of apprenticeship programs to bring new talent into the industry and help shape the future workforce. She sees these programs as an important way to foster diversity and create opportunities for young people from all backgrounds to enter the professional world.
Conclusion
Heather Middlehurst’s career trajectory exemplifies what it means to be a leader who is not only skilled but also compassionate and forward-thinking. From her technical expertise as an FCCA accountant to her impactful work in CSR, L&D, and diversity, Heather is a professional who leads with purpose. Her focus on driving positive change within organizations and creating an inclusive, supportive culture has left an indelible mark on Stateside Foods Ltd. and beyond.
Her passion for people, her commitment to making the world a better place, and her dedication to continuous growth and learning make Heather a leader worth watching. She is a reminder that success is not just about financial performance—it’s about the people you lead, the impact you make, and the values you uphold. As Heather continues to thrive in her role, there’s no doubt that she will continue to inspire others to follow in her footsteps and make a difference in their own careers and communities.
FAQS
1. Who is Heather Middlehurst?
Heather Middlehurst is the Head of People at Stateside Foods Ltd, an expert in CSR, inclusion, and leadership development.
2. What is Heather Middlehurst’s professional background?
Heather has a background in finance as an FCCA accountant and specializes in corporate social responsibility and employee engagement.
3. What initiatives has Heather Middlehurst led?
Heather has led initiatives in corporate social responsibility, inclusion & diversity, employee engagement, and apprenticeship program development.
4. How does Heather Middlehurst support employee wellbeing?
Through various L&D programs, Heather has focused on creating a positive and growth-oriented environment for employees.
5. What is Heather Middlehurst’s role at Stateside Foods Ltd?
As Head of People, Heather leads the company’s people strategy, focusing on culture, employee wellbeing, and diversity initiatives.
