The people behind People Group Services

A group of talented professionals assembled over the past 15 years; with many different backgrounds and skills coming together to help achieve our goals.

Find out more about us below.

When you look at the qualities of good leaders, Terry has plenty; an extraordinary level of knowledge in his subject and passionate about people and the industry. But what sets him apart is his energy, edge, and constant aim of being exceptional. He has a clear vision for the business, “To be the UK’s most compliant, client-focused business in the sector”, and is often found responding to day to day enquiries from contractors, as well as speaking to the CEOs of industry’s leading businesses. With his wife Sarah, herself People Group HR Director, and three young children behind him, Terry makes time for everyone.

Interesting fact: Terry has an entire room dedicated to his beloved Star Wars memorabilia. From full-sized figures (around the office) to Lego sets, movie posters, limited edition figures, you name it, he’s probably got it.

Terry Hillier

Founder and CEO

Michael has been with People Group since 2016 following a long career in management and logistics for Tesco. A real people person, Michael orchestrates all People Group departments into one big team that gets results. An avid Man Utd fan, Michael has to put up with a lot of stick right now, but to be fair he had it pretty good for the past 30 years!

Interesting fact: Michael was a member of the England national pool team back in 1995!

Michael Hillier

Operations

Jason has worked in the intermediaries sector since his arrival in the UK from New Zealand in 2004.  With over 15 years of specific experience he understands the driving forces in the recruitment and intermediary sector, and is passionate about improving the professionalism of the industry.  Outside work Jason loves travelling and exploring the great outdoors.

Interesting fact: Amongst Jason’s many achievements we think his best is winning the Schnapps Ski Cup in 1995. Yes, that’s drinking schnapps and skiing a slalom course in the quickest time!

Jason Medcalf

Business Development

Formerly a consultant to the Group, Derren now heads up our system development and IT. With a keen eye for detail and an extensive knowledge of coding and systems, he ensures our products function faultlessly whilst constantly evolving to meet changing needs in line with legislation.

Interesting fact: Derren once lent Tom Grennan some much needed sun cream prior to his set at Camp Bestival…not all heroes wear capes!

Derren Nugent

Technical

Mark brings over 30 years as a Specialist Employment and Commercial Litigation Solicitor to the business. His training, knowledge and experience are essential in ensuring that the business remains compliant and up to date legally whilst being commercially focussed. At home he enjoys cycling and remains involved with his local rugby club.

Interesting fact: Mark can lay his hands on the floor while keeping his legs straight. (More of a surprising fact for those that know him!)

Mark Clarke

Legal & Compliance

Andrew has over 15 years’ experience working in the recruitment and payroll sectors. With a comprehensive understanding of the recruitment sector, Andrew strives to deliver the highest standard of service to new and existing customers. Outside of work Andrew enjoys spending time with his family, travelling and watching all sports, especially football!

Interesting fact: Andrew spent 10 years in the USA coaching soccer football.

Andrew Houldsworth

Business Development

Sam has been with the business since 2015 and keeps the directors in line day to day. She also works with HR Director, Sarah Hillier, helping with anything HR-related. She’s super-efficient and highly organised ensuring the business runs smoothly no matter what’s thrown at her. Sam is one of the happiest, bubbliest people in the company and always has a smile for whoever walks through the company doors. Outside work, Sam loves to keep fit with regular running and walking her naughty dog, Billy!

Interesting fact: Sam has jumped out of the plane with the Red Devils.

Sam Harvey

HR

With a successful career in food technology, Sarah supported Terry emotionally and financially as he started and grew the business over a decade ago. Teaming up with the business once up and running Sarah now looks after the People that make up People Group. As HR director and mother to three young children she’s used to juggling many roles. We’ve heard her joke that the hardest part is managing the other child…Terry!

Interesting fact: A little known fact about Sarah is that ever since she was a child, she’s liked to hide sweets around the house. Everywhere Terry goes, he says he finds sweets stashed away!

Sarah Hillier

HR

Here from the beginning Karen has seen many industry changes but has always maintained her focus on providing the best service and support to our clients. Heading up the client services side of the business Karen is a real people person and more often than not, the life and soul of any party!

Interesting fact: Karen has raised over £20,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer charity through a range of different activities.

Karen Illston-Baggs

Client Care

A Chartered Accountant our CFO, David has, over 30 years, garnered a wealth of experience in change management and business development across multiple sectors. His motto is simple “Be the Best you can be” and within People Group that means providing the best service to our clients and contractors.

Interesting fact: Away from the office David relaxes (if we can call it that) by Coaching Football to School Children.

David Hughes

Finance

Martin has been with the company since its inception having previously worked in the banking industry for over 30 years. He heads a small team who are committed to delivering a high level of service to all stakeholders recognising the importance of timely and accurate payments. Martin loves walking his beloved pointer, Gunner and is a keen armchair sports fan with a passion for Classic Rock music.

Interesting fact: Passionate about Rock music, Martin was there, watching (the late) Van Halen at Monsters of Rock, Castle Donnington, 1984. (He was also there 81, 82, 83 & 86 – True Rocker!)

Martin Polden

Payroll

Lucie joined People Group Services almost straight from School back in 2014. Starting as Finance Administrator, she progressed quickly and now manages the Compliance function here. She’s been studying ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification for several years and is now fully qualified. Lucie is a real animal lover and has 6 dogs, amongst other animals, who keep her busy outside of work.

Interesting fact: During lockdown in 2020 Lucie trained her first gun dog puppy and is eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new puppy to train.

Lucie Clifford

Compliance

Initially joining us on work experience in 2007, Matt became one the business’ original employees. He has since risen through the ranks to become Payroll Manager and ensures the department runs efficiently at all times. Outside of the office, Matt enjoys playing football and spending time with his family. He’s also a dab hand on the company snooker table!

Interesting fact: Whilst he’s great with numbers, he’s actually pretty good with letters too and can recite the alphabet backwards in under 5 seconds. When saying it forward, he has to sing!!

Matt Harrison

Payroll

Once working as a Matron in a proprietary school, Jo then spent 13 years at Virgin Media before joining us in 2014. A key part of the Client Care team, her experience in helping our contractors is invaluable. But don’t be fooled, behind that smile is a lady who’s parachuted from a plane and swam across the River Thames!

Interesting fact: Outside of work, Jo spends plenty of time with her 16 yr old horse Bump when she’s not rushing around after the family!

Jo Jukes

Client Care

After working for an accountancy firm in Bath for 11 years, Russell joined People Group Services in 2013. Day to day, he prepares the group’s management accounts as well as several other audits, VAT and banking duties. When not in the office, Russ enjoys spending time with his wife and son (or hiding in his home gym!).

Interesting fact: Russ has one of the largest music collections we’ve seen, 1000’s of albums housed across one wall of the home office. (We noticed in zoom meetings during lockdown).

Russell Langan

Finance

Steve has worked in payroll for 7 years after joining us from Barclays. Organised and thorough, he forms an important part of our reliable and efficient service to both contractors and agencies. A keen Coventry City fan, Steve closely follows the Sky Blue’s progress as well as being the current champion of the office fantasy football league.

Interesting fact: while on holiday in the mid-90s Steve met Roy Hodgson the then Blackburn Rovers manager, in their championship winning year.

Steve Billingham

Payroll

Ben joined People Group Services in 2016. Working initially in the Registrations Team, he gained valuable industry experience before transferring to the Compliance Team in 2019 then on to the Client Care team in 2021. Highly personable with an eye for detail and can always be relied on to keep colleagues entertained. When not in the office, Ben enjoys socialising with friends and family as well as being partial to a Strongbow Dark Fruits.

Interesting fact: Famous at People Group Services for his 3-week gap year to Australia. At least he fulfilled his wish of seeing a kangaroo (even if it was in the zoo).

Ben Smith

Client Care

Moving from a role as Operations Manager at Vodafone, Kim joined People Group in 2011. With plenty of experience in customer facing roles, she currently heads up our Compliance Team with a hands on approach. Outside of work, Kim is kept busy heading to football matches and swimming classes with her two young children.

Interesting fact: While living and working in New York, comedian & actress Joan Rivers stood on her foot at an AIDS rally!

Kim Darling

Client Care

Jordan joined the team in 2022, after graduating from the University of Brighton with a Sports Journalism degree. Jordan spends most of his time travelling up and down the country during the football season to watch his beloved Southampton FC but also enjoys going out, socialising with his friends and gaming.

Interesting fact: Jordan was one win away from representing Southampton in a FIFA competitive gaming competition but lost out narrowly over the two games that were played.

Jordan O’Sullivan

Marketing

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