We partner with SMEs across Wales and the West to deliver HR support that is clear, pragmatic, and grounded in trust. Our approach is collaborative and people-first, balancing legal compliance with the realities of running a business — and supporting clients through everything from day-to-day HR questions to complex, high-stakes situations.
CoLab HR was built on the belief that great HR isn’t about rules for the sake of rules — it’s about helping businesses make confident, informed decisions about their people.
About CoLab.HR
At CoLab HR, “Co” stands for collaboration, because we believe great HR begins with real partnership.
The “Lab” is where HR brilliance meets practical solutions - tailored, tested, and ready to elevate your business.
From compliance to culture, we support you in creating workplaces where people and performance thrive.
What this
means to us...
We are reliable, flexible, and proactive, turning HR expertise into practical outcomes that make a real difference.
Responsive and solution-focused
We bring deep knowledge, experience, and high standards — everyone being excellent at what they do.
Professional and expert
We work together and alongside our clients as an extension of their teams to achieve the best outcomes.
Collaborative and connected
We act honestly, fairly, and transparently, earning trust through dependable and discreet support.
Trust and integrity
We are friendly, personal, and non-judgemental — people our clients enjoy working with and rely on.
Human and approachable
Our values guide how we work with clients and each other — shaping our advice, our decisions, and the way we show up when it matters most.
What matters
to us.
Behind CoLab HR is an established, multi-qualified team with decades of combined experience across a wide range of industries, business sizes, and people challenges. We work as one team — so our clients always benefit from shared expertise, continuity, and responsive support.
Meet The Team...
Barry is a Director of EST, an accountancy and wealth management group, and serves as Finance Director, bringing extensive expertise in financial management, tax, and strategic planning. He is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants FCCA, a Chartered Tax Adviser CTA, and holds the Diploma in Financial Planning DipPFS, providing trusted financial leadership and advice to CoLab HR.
Finance Director
FCCA, CTA, DipPFS
Barry Esterhuizen
Izzy is an integral part of the CoLab HR team, bringing ideas to life and helping share the team’s expertise, values, and collaborative approach. She manages social media, creates training materials, coordinates client case studies, and works with partners in marketing, PR, and design, combining creativity with professionalism.
Marketing Coordinator
Izzy Matthews
Rosie provides essential administrative support across the business, ensuring smooth processes, clear communication, and timely client support, bringing the energy, organisation, and reliability that keeps the team running seamlessly.
Administrator
Rosie Matthews
Megan supports clients with day-to-day HR processes including onboarding, employee relations, and compliance. She is highly skilled in HR systems and known for her organised, thorough approach and strong client relationships.
HR Adviser
Assoc CIPD
Megan Wong
Tracy is an HR generalist with extensive experience across private, health, social care, housing, and not-for-profit sectors. She provides day-to-day HR advice, including casework and policy development, alongside strengths in learning and development and supporting teams through change.
HR Consultant
Assoc CIPD
Tracy Davies
With over four decades of HR experience across the UK and Europe, Lynda is a highly experienced generalist who now supports organisations on HR projects including data protection and compliance, fair work and equality assessments, sexual harassment risk assessments, and benefit reviews. Her approach is pragmatic, thoughtful, and solutions-focused.
HR Consultant
FCIPD
Lynda Walker
Debbie brings over 30 years’ experience delivering strategic and operational HR across diverse organisations, including highly unionised environments. She combines commercial insight with calm authority and sound judgement, building trusted relationships at all levels.
Lead HR Consultant
MCIPD
Deborah Jones
Kate is a commercially minded HR
professional with extensive experience supporting SMEs, start-ups, and high-growth businesses. Having founded and grown businesses herself, she brings a practical, hands-on understanding of the challenges employers face — and how to resolve them with clarity and confidence.
Director
fcipd
Kate Matthews
