Helen Pettifer

Founder

Moving from Kent to Buckinghamshire was a key catalyst in me setting up Helen Pettifer Training. I had become disillusioned with being employed and loved the thought of flexibility, creativeness and the element of control at being my own boss.

With a background in Customer Service and management, I realised I was good at listening and supporting people, sharing information and building skills and confidence in others. I also felt deeply passionate about people and making sure everyone is treated with respect. That was the starting point at my dining room table in October 2016.

Fast forward to today and I am thrilled and excited to see how the business has grown and evolved. I’ve learnt a lot about myself over these years as well as deepening my knowledge and understanding of human emotions and behaviours, vulnerability circumstances and ways organisations can truly make a difference to their colleagues and customers. All these insights are designed into each course and delivered with passion and purpose. As the business has grown, so has the team and I’m proud to have an amazing group of individuals onboard who each bring their own passion, commitment and skillset to our services and clients.

In my personal life I love spending time and making memories with my family and friends. I love to de-stress with yoga, walking and baking. I’m learning to play the violin and am working my way through my bucket list activities. I’m a member of my local Toastmasters group and a volunteer with Young Enterprise. Life is certainly full and fun and I’m loving every minute of it! 😊

Jenna Birchall

Vulnerability Consultant

Hello, I’m Jenna and I joined Helen and her team in April 2024 as a Vulnerability Consultant where my role and key focus is to support all clients where required in differing aspects relating to customer vulnerability, organisational vulnerability strategy, regulatory compliance and best practice.

My previous experience is within the financial services sector where I had the opportunity to lead customer service teams and the operation, risk management and in most recent years, enhancing customer care ensuring customer journeys and processes are inclusive of the needs of all customers.

My passion lies in ensuring perspectives are considered from the lens of the customer to provide the right outcomes for all, complete with a kind and human touch. I’m thrilled to be part of a team that completely shares my ethos and values and work with likeminded individuals to make a difference.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, enjoying coffee and cake, walks and running. I enjoy reading and often flit between fiction and positive self development books.

The most important role I have is being Mummy to my beautiful four year old boy. We’re very lucky to live on the south coast and can often be found enjoying the lovely beaches (when it’s not raining!) and outdoor parks. He certainly keeps me on my toes!

Stefanie Purnell

Administrative Assistant

Hello, I’m Stefanie and I joined the Helen Pettifer Training team in April 2023 as a part-time Administration Assistant. I’ve worked in administration for almost 30 years and was delighted to find a role in which I could learn something every day and support Helen on her amazing mission. Working with Helen is an absolute joy and knowing that every day is a chance to make a difference is a wonderful thing to be a part of.

My role is to ensure that each person or team we work with feels prepared for their training course, has the information they need to get the most from the session and feels supported afterwards. I’m the person behind the emails confirming the details for the day and answering any questions you might have. We’re a small team and work closely together to ensure you have a positive and personal experience.

Outside of HPT, I enjoy long, muddy walks with my teenager and 8-year-old. We’re National Trust members so try and get out to one of their properties as often as we can. I love the outdoors and feel at my happiest when I’m wandering aimlessly in a wood or field or, best of all, on the beach.

Catherine Davies

Research & Copywriter

I bit the bullet and launched as a freelance copywriter in 2013. A few years later, Helen and I met at a local networking group. She had not long moved to the area and her business was newly formed. I was inspired by her vision and keen to help her find her feet. That didn’t take long! She was soon skyrocketing her training and consultancy services. We’ve been working together and supporting each other ever since.

My background is in education, training and development, then I applied for a part-time role at a digital marketing agency when my daughter was born. My employer identified my ability to listen and understand the customer, think creatively and create copy. They trained me in writing for the web and equipped me with a new skillset. During peak times, I outsourced work to freelancers and realised that this option could offer the flexibility I desired as a working parent.

Over the last decade, I’ve had the opportunity to work with many inspiring people. It’s a pleasure to play a small part in the success of several local businesses, including Helen Pettifer Training.

When I am not researching and writing articles, resources and case studies, I relish walks in the woods, drawing and discovering new places – it’s great to find a hidden gem! I believe that we can all make our communities better by volunteering, so I also give time to support local projects.

Lewis Parkinson

Marketing Manager

Hello! I’m Lewis and I joined Helen and the team as Marketing Manager in October 2023. Following a varied 10+ year career as a marketing freelancer, I have been appointed by Helen to work collaboratively with the team to grow, harness and develop ideas and initiatives for the business.

My previous roles include owning a vintage clothing shop and working in broadcasting at The Discovery Channel.

What keeps me motivated in my role is Helen’s energy and passion to empower and support vulnerable people in our communities. Helen is always bursting with ideas – I can wholeheartedly say there’s never a dull day, and I look forward to coming to work every day!

Outside of HPT I love cooking, walking, cycling, camping and days out with my wonderful wife and 4 young children.

Our Values.

Communication.

We actively listen to fully understand needs and expectations.

Respect.

We respectfully accept everyone’s uniqueness.

Example.

We behave and communicate in a way that ensures everyone we interact with feels valued and heard.

Learning.

We are continuously learning and developing our knowledge, skills and programmes.

Encourage.

We look for every opportunity to encourage and motivate others in daily life.

Integrity.

We’re committed to always doing the right thing.

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