A BEWDLEY employment expert who took the plunge to set up her own business when she was made redundant has had a “whirlwind” first year.

Gill Wooldridge set up the HR Dept in March last year to give human resource and employment advice to small businesses in Wyre Forest.

The 51-year-old mother of two was made redundant from her previous employer as part of recession cutbacks.

“It was a difficult time but you have to quickly pick yourself up,” she said. “Starting my own business has always been something I’ve wanted to do but sometimes it’s all about timing.

“Following my redundancy it was a case of ‘now ornever’ and I found the drive to make the idea a reality.

“The past 12 months have been a whirlwind and I’ve loved working with local businesses which have anything from one to 30 employees.”

Ms Wooldridge, who is also a Parent Teacher Association member at St Anne’s Primary School, added: “I couldn’t have wished for a better start, especially given we are still in a tough economic climate. I hope to work with even more businesses this year.”