As Startline has grown significantly in recent years, she will be responsible for all people management and development initiatives for the company, which employs around 170 members of staff.

Mandy explained: “Startline now has a sizeable workforce for a business of its kind and has ambitious plans for further expansion, with a stated aim to taking 3% of the overall used car motor finance market in the medium term.

“In support of this growth, the business needs to attract and retain the highest calibre people and already much effort has been put into key initiatives to build and maintain a high level of engagement.

“The Startline Academy was launched in July 2021 with the aim of training, developing and growing our highly performing teams and identifying high potential individuals for further development. 

“Also, the last two years have been tough for businesses and employees in all sectors and Startline has been no different. To offset the impact of this, we have invested significantly in providing mental health support to staff – including establishing a partnership with Sanctus to deliver personal training and coaching for the mental health of our employees, as well as offering a comprehensive, app-based meditation programme through Calm.

“Additionally, this year, we continue to further drive our focus on employee engagement through a programme of diversity and inclusion training, working with Vercida, who are leading specialists in this area.

“My job will be to maximise the effectiveness of these existing projects and ultimately, to make Startline one of the most attractive, inclusive and diverse employers in both Scotland and the motor finance industry. That’s quite a big statement but there is massive potential here, as well as great people and very strong foundations already in place.”

For the last two years, Mandy has managed her own successful human resources consultancy business which undertook several projects for Startline. Previously, she has held a number of senior roles including Head of HR at BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions and Human Resources Director at Energetics Networked Energy.

She added: “One of my first jobs at Startline will be the creation of a complete HR team. We have already appointed a new HR Adviser and are looking to recruit a Learning and Development Specialist. Strengthening the team will help to create an HR infrastructure that will support the company through its expansion plans.”

Paul Burgess, CEO, added: “Head of HR is a crucial role for Startline as we embark on our latest growth phase and we are very pleased to welcome Mandy to the business. As well as working previously with the company on several HR projects, she has an impeccable track record and has already made a positive impact since joining.”