Claire McLean, founder and CEO of Realise HR, has been recognised as one of the UK’s most influential HR professionals, securing the No.11 position on HR Magazine’s prestigious HR Most Influential List 2026, up from No. 25 last year.

The annual list is independently assessed through peer nominations and external review, recognising those making a significant contribution to the people profession and demonstrating impact across organisations, workplaces and the wider HR community.

The recognition comes during a landmark year for Cumbria-based Realise HR. In March 2026, the business joined Stephenson Capital, the investment group led by entrepreneur Neil Stephenson, in a strategic move designed to support the firm’s next phase of growth while retaining its independent brand, leadership and people-first culture.

“I’m incredibly proud to be recognised by HR Magazine again this year, but this achievement belongs to the whole Realise HR team, our clients and everyone who has supported us on the journey. To be ranked amongst some of the most respected names in the profession is a genuine honour. What makes this particularly meaningful is being able to fly the flag for Cumbria. We often talk about innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship happening elsewhere, but there are incredible businesses being built right here in our region, creating impact nationally and internationally.”

— Claire McLean, Founder and CEO of Realise HR

Founded in 2016, Realise HR has grown from a one-person consultancy into an award-winning HR, recruitment and leadership development business supporting organisations across the UK and Europe. The company works with organisations ranging from SMEs to major brands on people strategy, organisational transformation, culture, recruitment and leadership development.

The March partnership with Stephenson Capital provides Realise HR with access to a broader commercial network, additional expertise and greater operational support, while enabling the business to continue operating with the same practical, people-first approach that has built its reputation.

McLean believes the story is also an important signal for female entrepreneurship and regional investment. Despite growing awareness of the funding gap, all-female founding teams continue to receive only a small proportion of global venture capital, with recent reporting placing the figure at around 2% to 2.3% depending on geography and methodology.

“Despite all the progress we’ve made, it remains far too difficult for female founders to access growth capital. That matters because it represents missed talent, missed innovation and missed economic opportunity. I hope our story shows that ambitious female-led businesses can be built from Cumbria, attract investment, create jobs and deliver national impact.”

— Claire McLean, Founder and CEO of Realise HR

Investment in growth and client impact

Realise HR has already begun investing in the next phase of its growth, with three appointments made since May to strengthen consultancy delivery, operational resilience and customer success.

In May, Sarah Caulfield joined as HR Consultant, strengthening the firm’s delivery team in response to a growing client base and increased demand for practical, commercial HR support. In the same month, Sue Nichol joined as Business Support Executive, adding further capacity to Realise HR’s back office and helping to strengthen the operational engine behind the business as it scales.

This month, Realise HR welcomed Pip Atkinson as Customer Success Partner. The newly created role will support the future growth of the client base and help ensure Realise HR’s services continue to deliver the impact businesses need and want.

“Growth is not just about revenue or recognition. It is about building the capability, infrastructure and client experience needed to deliver exceptional outcomes. Sarah, Sue and Pip each bring something different to the business, and their appointments demonstrate our commitment to investing ahead of demand. We want to be known not only for great HR advice, but for delivering measurable impact for businesses.”

— Claire McLean, Founder and CEO of Realise HR

The appointments underline Realise HR’s continued investment in talent, client experience and operational excellence following the Stephenson Capital partnership, while creating additional employment opportunities in Cumbria and reinforcing the company’s long-term growth ambitions.

“This is not the finish line. It is a reminder that geography should never limit ambition. We are proud to be a Cumbrian business, proud to be building something special, and excited about what comes next.”

— Claire McLean, Founder and CEO of Realise HR