Meet Aurora HR
Dawn Sowerby
Founder and Lead HR Consultant
I founded Aurora HR to give small and medium-sized businesses the practical, hands-on HR support they deserve.
After more than 35 years working in senior corporate sales, leadership, transformation and people management roles, I wanted to use that experience in a more personal way — working directly with business owners and managers and helping them build successful businesses through better people management.
I am passionate about supporting SMEs because they make up almost all UK businesses, employ millions of people and play a vital role in the economy.
Behind those figures are business owners carrying significant responsibility for their employees, customers and local communities. When a people problem arises, it can quickly affect the whole organisation. My role is to make those situations feel clearer, calmer and more manageable.
We take the time to understand each client’s business, its culture and the people involved. We do not simply explain what needs to happen and leave managers to manage it alone. We prepare the process, create the documents and, when needed, attend or lead difficult meetings.
Our approach combines employment law, commercial common sense and a genuine understanding of the human impact of workplace decisions.
Since launching Aurora HR, we have built a strong and growing client base, with much of our work coming through recommendations and referrals. In 2026, Aurora HR was named Best New Business at the Seahaven Business Awards, recognising our growth, community involvement and practical approach to supporting local employers.
For us, Aurora HR is about more than compliance. It is about giving business owners the confidence and support to manage their people well, protect their business and create workplaces where both people and organisations can thrive.
Helen Davies
Finance and Operations Director
I joined Aurora HR near the beginning of its journey and have grown with the business ever since.
As Finance and Operations Director, I am responsible for everything that keeps Aurora HR running smoothly outside of the HR consultancy itself. This includes finance, systems, administration, client coordination and making sure the team has everything it needs to deliver a responsive and professional service.
My background spans accounts, education, business management and hospitality. I spent more than 20 years working as a School Secretary and Business Manager in primary schools across Cornwall and Sussex, which gave me a strong grounding in organisation, finance, people support and keeping busy environments running effectively.
At Aurora HR, I am often the first point of contact for clients. I make sure enquiries are responded to promptly, work is carefully coordinated and every client receives the level of service and attention they expect from us.
I also manage recruitment administration for clients, including sifting CVs, coordinating interviews, preparing interview packs and obtaining references. This means I support the process from the first application through to the final stages, helping clients stay organised and ensuring candidates receive a professional experience throughout.
I am currently completing my Level 5 HR qualification so I can support clients more directly. I have already begun assisting with investigation meetings and other HR processes, while continuing to build my practical experience alongside my studies.
I love the variety of my role and being part of a business that makes a genuine difference to business owners, managers and employees.
Outside work, I enjoy reading, walking my spirited Jack Russell, Annie, spending time with family and friends and, occasionally, a well-earned glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc.
Dobby and Bertie
Pawject Managers
Dobby, now five, is our unofficial Wellbeing Officer. Bertie, now two, is still developing his professional skills, although his enthusiasm is never in doubt.
They both play an important part in getting us away from our desks and out into the fresh air. We often arrange walks with clients and suppliers, creating a more relaxed setting for conversation.
Walking side by side can make difficult subjects feel easier to talk about. People often open up more, think more clearly and speak more honestly when they are away from the formality of an office or meeting room.
As Pawject Managers, Dobby and Bertie are also responsible for:
Wellbeing
Making sure we get enough fresh air, daylight and daily steps.
Timekeeping
Ensuring the working day starts early and all walks and meals happen on schedule.
Team spirit
Bringing energy, loyalty and enthusiasm to the office.
Perspective
Reminding us that sometimes the best conversations happen when you step outside.
