In the dynamic world of corporate leadership, few individuals manage to blend strategic thinking, people-centered development, and community impact as seamlessly as Heather Middlehurst. Currently serving as the Head of People at Stateside Foods Limited, Heather has carved out a reputation for fostering inclusive workplace cultures and driving corporate social responsibility forward. With her extensive background in finance and HR, she exemplifies how modern leadership can evolve from behind-the-scenes number-crunching to front-line innovation in human development.
Early Career and Education
Heather Middlehurst began her professional journey with a solid foundation in finance. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, setting the stage for a career marked by technical competence and analytical rigor. Her credentials were further strengthened by earning the Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) qualification, a prestigious recognition of her expertise in financial management.
Her early career featured a role as an Administrative Assistant at Baker Tilly International, followed by customer service and financial positions at Yorkshire Bank. These formative experiences helped Heather cultivate an understanding of both the operational and human sides of business—something that would later define her unique leadership style.
Transitioning into Human Resources
While Heather’s career began in finance, her path took a pivotal turn in 2006 when she joined Stateside Foods as an Assistant Management Accountant. Over the years, her evolving roles reflected a growing focus on the people side of the business. Her analytical background enabled her to bring a structured and data-informed approach to HR, setting her apart from traditional people managers.
Recognizing the importance of aligning employee well-being with business outcomes, Heather pursued further professional development. She began working toward a Level 7 qualification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)—a mark of excellence in HR and learning & development.
Leadership at Stateside Foods
Building a Culture of Excellence
As the Head of People, Heather Middlehurst oversees more than just standard HR operations. Her leadership encompasses Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Learning & Development (L&D)—two pillars that shape the culture and sustainability of Stateside Foods. Her vision is clear: create a workplace where people thrive, learn, and contribute meaningfully to both the company and the community.
Under Heather’s direction, Stateside Foods has implemented numerous initiatives that prioritize employee engagement. These include targeted training programs, mentorship opportunities, and well-being support systems tailored to the diverse needs of its workforce.
Driving Learning and Development
Heather’s background in finance informs her strategic approach to L&D. Instead of cookie-cutter training, she emphasizes tailored learning journeys. From apprentices to senior leaders, each employee is given pathways to upskill and grow. By investing in continuous learning, Heather ensures that Stateside Foods not only meets industry standards but also becomes a talent magnet in the competitive food manufacturing sector.
The introduction of leadership bootcamps, digital learning platforms, and cross-functional projects has cultivated an agile workforce ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges. Heather’s commitment to professional growth has elevated L&D from a support function to a central business enabler.
Championing CSR and Community Engagement
Heather Middlehurst’s work doesn’t stop at the office door. She has taken a proactive role in embedding CSR into the company’s DNA. Her initiatives range from environmental sustainability to charity work, creating a culture of purpose and giving back.
A notable example includes her active involvement in organizing local events such as the Bolton Food Festival and Stateside’s participation in fundraising for Bolton Hospice. From leading team-building charity activities like zip-wire challenges to facilitating employee volunteering days, Heather champions the idea that a responsible business is a successful business.
Moreover, she’s introduced inclusive policies that support underrepresented communities, address mental health, and promote gender equity in leadership.
Social Impact and Recognition
Connecting with the Community
Heather doesn’t just lead from behind the scenes. Her public presence—particularly on LinkedIn and other social platforms—highlights her commitment to transparency and thought leadership. She frequently shares insights on employee wellness, leadership development, and women’s empowerment, often amplifying voices from within her own team.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed. Under her leadership, Stateside Foods has received recognition for its community involvement and employee-focused initiatives at regional business award ceremonies. These accolades reflect Heather’s belief that a company’s impact is best measured not just in revenue but in lives improved.
Advocating for Women in Leadership
As a senior female leader in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Heather Middlehurst serves as a role model for aspiring women professionals. She openly discusses her experiences balancing career progression with personal growth and advocates for removing barriers to advancement in the workplace.
By mentoring younger women and pushing for systemic changes within corporate structures, Heather is actively reshaping what leadership looks like. Her voice is especially powerful in encouraging organizations to adopt family-friendly policies, flexible working hours, and equitable promotion practices.
A Unique Blend of Skills
What makes Heather Middlehurst stand out is the fusion of financial acumen and people-centered leadership. Her strategic decisions are informed by data, yet executed with empathy. She understands that a company’s most valuable asset isn’t just its balance sheet—it’s its people.
Her rare combination of qualifications (FCCA and CIPD), coupled with her on-the-ground experience in both finance and HR, enables her to bridge gaps between departments. This integrative approach fosters collaboration, reduces silos, and creates a unified company culture.
Personal Traits and Philosophy
Beyond her professional achievements, Heather is described by colleagues as optimistic, pragmatic, and highly approachable. She brings energy and enthusiasm to every project she leads, often encouraging her teams to think beyond the status quo. Her mantra—”opportunity seeker and sharer”—is more than just a tagline. It encapsulates her leadership style: one that believes in lifting others as she climbs.
A dog lover and active community participant, Heather maintains a healthy balance between work and life. Her holistic approach reminds others in leadership that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of well-being.
The Future of People Leadership
As workplaces continue to evolve with technology and societal changes, leaders like Heather Middlehurst are setting the standard for what people leadership should look like in the modern era. With her finger on the pulse of employee needs and her eyes firmly set on long-term impact, she is poised to shape the future of HR not just at Stateside Foods, but across the industry.
In the post-pandemic world, where companies are redefining how they work, Heather’s model—centered on trust, inclusion, and learning—is more relevant than ever. By aligning business goals with human needs, she proves that sustainable success comes from investing in people.
Conclusion
Heather Middlehurst is more than a Head of People; she’s a transformational leader driving meaningful change in both her organization and community. Through her unwavering focus on CSR, employee growth, and inclusive leadership, she offers a blueprint for how businesses can thrive by putting people first.
Whether in the boardroom, at community events, or mentoring the next generation, Heather’s impact is wide-reaching and enduring. She exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose, and her journey continues to inspire professionals across industries.
