Louise Lithgow-Dicker of Go HR Limited Wins Inspirational Women in Business Award for Excellence in Human Resource Consulting

Louise Lithgow-Dicker, Founder and Lead Consultant of Go HR Limited, has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to Human Resource Consulting.

With more than three decades of experience in the field, Louise has dedicated her career to helping small and medium-sized businesses navigate the complexities of people management while promoting practical, effective solutions.

“My journey into HR began more than three decades ago,” Louise explains. “I was always fascinated by how businesses work and, more importantly, how people behave within them. Early in my career I worked in large organisations and saw both the best and worst of workplace leadership. I quickly realised that the difference between a thriving business and a struggling one often comes down to how people are managed.”

Over the years, Louise progressed into senior HR roles, ultimately becoming a People Director in a Plc. These experiences provided her with a front-row seat to the pressures leaders face and the impact that effective HR support can have.

In 2014, after being made redundant for the fifth time, Louise decided to start her own consultancy, Go HR. She wanted to work directly with business owners, particularly those in SMEs, who often lack the resources and in-house expertise enjoyed by larger companies. Her aim was simple, to provide straightforward, practical HR advice that helps businesses grow while doing right by their people.

 

When asked what inspired her to take the first steps toward building Go HR, Louise said:

“The biggest inspiration was seeing how isolated many business owners felt when dealing with people issues. They are experts in their field, yet suddenly they are expected to handle employment law, difficult conversations and team dynamics. I realised that HR does not need to be complicated or intimidating. With the right guidance, businesses can create great workplaces while protecting themselves from risk.”

Louise attributes her success to several key ingredients. Honesty, relationships and experience have been fundamental.

“I have always believed in being straight and honest with clients,” she says. “Sometimes the advice they need is not the easiest thing to hear, but it is the advice that protects their business. HR is built on trust, and understanding both the human and commercial sides of workplace issues is what allows you to guide businesses through complex situations.”

Her personal values and daily habits have also played a major role. Authenticity, consistency and a commitment to learning have allowed her to remain relevant and effective in a constantly evolving business environment. During challenging periods, Louise credits resilience to purpose and strong support networks.

“The pandemic was one of the most testing periods,” she recalls. “Clients were facing unprecedented decisions around furlough, restructuring and protecting their teams. Those months required long hours and constant adaptation, but they also reinforced why our work is so important. We were able to help businesses navigate uncertainty and keep their people informed and supported.”

Louise’s advice to women aspiring to follow a similar path is clear, do not underestimate your experience or your voice. Confidence grows through action, and surrounding yourself with supportive networks can open doors and provide encouragement during challenges. She also emphasises that perfection is not required to move forward. Progress matters far more than perfection.

The most fulfilling aspect of Louise’s work comes from seeing the difference Go HR makes in the day-to-day lives of business owners and their teams. Helping organisations become more confident employers creates positive ripple effects across teams and communities. Building Go HR from an idea into an award-winning consultancy is a source of personal pride, particularly because of the trust clients place in the company.

Looking ahead, Louise aims to expand Go HR’s impact across the UK, supporting more SMEs in building strong people strategies and sharing practical HR insights that empower business owners. Maintaining trusted, personal relationships remains central to her vision.

Even during the most difficult personal moments, such as the passing of her father, Louise found strength in the purpose of her work.

“What kept me moving forward was remembering how proud he was of what I had built. He believed deeply in the value of the work we do. When a client tells you that your advice protected their company or gave them the confidence to lead their team properly, it reminds you why the work matters.”

Louise credits her mentors and the broader community of small business owners for shaping her approach. She believes that leadership is not about authority but about responsibility and authenticity, and she applies this principle both in her consultancy and in running her own business.

At heart, Louise describes herself as a fellow SME owner, navigating the same challenges, opportunities and responsibilities as the clients she supports. While HR is her specialist knowledge, she understands the pressures of running a business because she lives them herself.

Contact Information

Email: info@gohr.co.uk
Phone: 01608 69712
Website: www.gohr.co.uk