Member Spotlight Michael Doolin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Clover HR

Name: Michael Doolin

Position/company: Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Clover HR

How would you describe your business to a total stranger?

As a bespoke outsourced HR and recruitment service, Clover HR is proud to have helped hundreds of UK SMEs to grow their businesses by focussing on people. Our personalised approach sets us apart from others on the market, winning us multiple prestigious awards and allowing us to reach a million in annual turnover, with forecast figures of two million on the horizon.

Your previous roles:

Prior to founding Clover HR in 2017, I worked as a HR Director for high-profile companies like DPD, PwC and British Airways. It taught me what works well and what doesn’t – and also highlighted the need to extend custom outsourced HR services to smaller businesses and SMEs.

Other information (e.g. other positions held, charity roles):

Previously a trustee of both a local charity – the Sandwell Irish community association – and my local Citizen Advice Bureau, I now serve as a trustee of a charity close to my heart: Cure Leukaemia. I think its important to balance corporate life with doing good, doing all we can to protect and assist those who are less well off, more vulnerable or frequently overlooked.

What do you do outside work? (hobbies/interests):

I love spending time with family, as well as swimming, squash and walking the dog. It’s important to make time for the important people around us, as well as taking care of our bodies and minds outside of work – remembering to value what truly matters.

How long have you been an IoD member?

I joined the IoD four years ago, really appreciating the valuable connections and meaningful influence that it offers.

Why did you join the IoD?

The IoD provides a valuable opportunity to network with senior people and also grants access to best-in-class governance and training – the importance of which cannot be understated.

Which parts of IoD membership do you value most?

The networking. Clover HR has hugely benefitted from the contacts I have made. We’ve gained visibility and have even earned two large clients through the IoD network.

How would you describe your branch area to a total stranger?

Worcester and the Marches is a predominantly rural area with some significant urban presences, such as Worcester, Telford and Shrewsbury. The branch is incredibly diverse in terms of the sectors it covers.

What is the most important issue for the government to tackle?

Most definitely the cost-of-living crisis. People are no longer positioned to live well, and many are really struggling right now. It’s up to the government to fix the issue by rightsizing the economy.

What do you hope to be doing in 10 years’ time?

From a business perspective, I hope that Clover HR will have extended its reach to help a great many more companies and people. Personally, I hope to continue enjoying day-to-day life, appreciating the small things and focussing on happiness.

LinkedIn profile: Michael Doolin