Tori
McStravock

WHO I HELP

SMEs. Startups. Medium-sized businesses.

HOW I HELP

HR support. Employee relations. Strategic guidance.

SECTORS/SUPPORT

Lifesciences. Retail. Arts. Public sector.

“THE UNSUNG HEROES OF THE BUSINESS WORLD.”

Tori McStravock is a Senior HR Consultant based in Edinburgh. She supports a wide variety of clients across the UK by embedding herself within their organisations and delivering tailored, on-demand HR advice. Whether helping startups build out their HR infrastructure or supporting more established businesses with employee relations challenges, Tori’s personable, professional approach helps clients feel informed, protected, and heard. Her work spans life sciences, retail, performing arts, and the public sector, and she’s known for helping businesses build a culture where people feel valued and invested in.

SUPPORTING BOTH SIDES OF THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP

“Clients often expect you to arrive as the expert, with answers, clarity, and confidence. But more than anything, they want someone they can trust. That’s why I work to become the HR backbone of a client’s business. I listen, build relationships, and make it a priority to understand how their team works and where the pressure points are. Ultimately, they want someone who’ll safeguard their business while still protecting employee rights; that’s what I’m here to do.

The most satisfying part of my job is helping people navigate difficult moments with empathy and understanding. Whether it’s supporting an employer through a disciplinary process or advising an employee who’s unsure of their rights, I approach every scenario with fairness and respect.”

BUILDING EMPLOYEE WELLBEING INTO EVERY DECISION

“I’ve always believed that a business is only as strong as its people. That’s why the AAB value ‘Nothing is more important than our people’ resonates with me. It’s a value I live by, whether I’m guiding a business through a restructuring or helping someone resolve an issue at work.

In every HR strategy or solution, I consider the human impact. Clients appreciate that I never lose sight of the people behind the process. When clients invest in their people, their people invest back. I see that time and time again. If I’m going to truly invest myself in a client’s business or in AAB, it’s because I feel that value is being lived and not just talked about. And that makes a huge difference.”

NOT JUST VIRTUAL, HUMAN CONNECTION MATTERS

“Technology is a fantastic tool in consultancy, but for me, nothing replaces the value of face-to-face conversation. The best relationships with clients are often built outside the office, at coffee shops, during honest strategy chats, or walking through issues together in person. Virtual communication has its place, but in-person meetings build trust and context that you simply can’t replicate over video. I like to work in a way that combines both efficiencies, where needed, but always grounded in real connection. I want clients to feel I’m part of their extended team, not just a name on an email. When people know you’re genuinely invested in their success, it changes the way they approach challenges, and that’s where the real progress happens.”

A CONFIDENT, COMPASSIONATE VOICE IN COMPLEX SITUATIONS

“I don’t shy away from difficult conversations. One of the hardest but most rewarding parts of what I do is repairing broken relationships between employers and employees. These situations can be complex and emotional, but by listening to both sides, promoting empathy, and finding common ground, it’s possible to move forward in a way that benefits everyone. Clients have thanked me for my professionalism and unwavering support through some tough times. That means a lot. Whether I’m advising on redundancies, mediating a conflict or helping to implement new workplace policies, I always like to lead with compassion and clarity.

I think HR can sometimes be misunderstood as ‘the enemy’, but in reality, we’re here to solve problems before they escalate, and to protect the people who make businesses tick. As HR Consultants, we play a crucial role in shaping the workforce and culture of an organisation. Our expertise helps businesses operate smoothly, maintain compliance, and foster a positive work environment.”