management consulting and out-sourcing services to local businesses.

Former Ernst & Young human resources manager Doug Soares set up the company which will team up with the Bermuda Employers' Council to conduct training for local HR practitioners during the summer months.

The partnership's HR Best Practices seminar series will include coverage of incentive compensation, performance appraisal, absenteeism, employee discipline and the use of technology.

Bermuda Employers' Council programme and marketing director Clare Mello said the council was "excited to be partnering HR Associates to deliver training seminars aimed at enhancing the skills of local HR professionals''.

Mr. Soares said he believed increasing pressures in many workplaces meant there was a definite niche for his company to fill in the market.

"Demands placed on top management often exceed their capacity to deliver on important human resource initiatives which drive productivity such as incentive compensation and performance management.

"Increased employment regulations like the National Pension Scheme and the CURE code are forcing many employers to focus more intently on workplace policies and practices.'' HR Associates would be consulting for larger clients on a project basis as well as offering out-sourcing services to smaller companies.

A typical arrangement would be for Mr. Soares to work for the company as their HR manager for a number of hours per month.