Karen Barnacle, a cornerstone at The HEX Group, stands tall as a testament to unwavering dedication, marking a remarkable milestone of 30 years’ service.

At just 17, Karen joined the business as a receptionist. Today, three decades on, Karen holds the most senior HR position across the Group, looking after the employment rights and welfare of over 500 people as well as leading on recruitment and the Group’s career development programme.  Working closely with the senior management teams and supporting Apprenticeship Manager, Will Davies-Hill, Karen never takes for granted the opportunity she has to positively influence the career path of people joining the Group. Karen comments: “I’ve seen The HEX Group grow and transform in unimaginable ways over the past three decades, but I still have enormous excitement for the potential growth and development in the future.”

The role of Receptionist soon progressed for Karen as she had a clear passion for HR. Recognising Karen’s natural flare for HR, the business sponsored her to complete the CIPD Human Resource Management qualifications which, along with an ongoing programme of professional development, resulted in Karen becoming a highly accomplished and skilled HR practitioner. 

Setting aside the essential work she completes to keep the Group’s HR function operating at extremely high standards, Karen remains personally and professionally committed to the development of every colleague in the business, including the Apprentices. Another feather in Karen’s cap is The HEX Group Apprenticeship Scheme – a testament to her unwavering commitment to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for growth. Karen comments: “From its humble beginnings to its current stature, the apprenticeship scheme stands as a beacon of success, offering a pathway for aspiring individuals to kickstart their careers. To see where it started and where it is now fills me with immense pride and joy.”

More recently, Karen has played a pivotal part in transitioning The HEX Group HR department to People & Culture. Karen explains: “This change signifies more than just a rebranding; it represents a pivotal moment where the human element of the business takes centre stage. Investing in our people has always been a priority and the renaming of our department reaffirms our dedication to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of belonging.”

Karen’s tenure at The HEX Group is peppered with notable achievements, another being the introduction of the Leadership Development Program in 2023. This initiative is aimed at empowering and developing colleagues at all levels within the business. Karen comments: “I am immensely proud of the leadership program. It is incredibly rewarding to witness the growth and transformation of our colleagues as they embrace their potential and drive positive change.”

As Karen celebrates her remarkable milestone of 30 years at The HEX Group, her journey serves as a beacon of inspiration and a reminder that dedication, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence can pave the way for enduring success.

Thank you, Karen for your unwavering commitment and leadership.