HR Consultant in Purley

A bit about Purley

History

Centuries ago, in what today is the London Borough of Croydon, there was an establishment called Purley Farm. Purley was an Anglo-Saxon word meaning “Pear Tree Lea”. That was in the Middle Ages. For a long time, Purley was considered part of Surrey, becoming part of the Croydon Rural District in the late 1800s, then joining Greater London in 1965.

It was in the early 1900s that this rural area with its farmland started to develop a more suburban feel, with major housebuilding taking place in the 1920s and 30s. There was still significant green space, however, with a conservation area still in existence today. William Webb was a wealthy landowner who wanted his estate to include a “Garden Village” where people could escape the big city.

If you visit Purley today, you’ll find many blue plaques marking connections to famous residents. It was its use as the setting of the popular “Terry and June” 1980s sitcom that brought it to wider public attention. The 2011 census counted 14,000 residents.

Location and Travel

Purley is in Croydon, the southernmost borough of London, just under 12 miles south of Charing Cross. Purley Railway Station (formerly known as Godstone Road, then Caterham Junction) is on the main London to Brighton line. The Gatwick Express passes regularly through the station, and as you are in London, you are also within commuting distance of the other London airports, such as Heathrow. Kenley Aerodrome is nearby, but is owned by the Ministry of Defence. 

Nearby railway stations include Purley Oaks and Reedham. These stations are all on main bus routes, and buses are also available to other parts of Croydon and London as a whole.

Famous features of Purley include the bournes, sometimes called “woe waters”. These streams only appear after particularly severe winter weather, and have been known to flood major local roads such as the A22 and A23.

Amenities

As with many areas, Purley has seen a move from smaller local shops to larger supermarkets, which has also driven an expansion in other businesses such as bars and restaurants. Cuisines range from steakhouses to Thai. In 2015 and 2020 a Business Improvement district was voted into place. Other new projects have been developed under the Future Purley umbrella, which aims to continue to grow and improve the area.

With its leafy, desirable reputation, it is little wonder that Purley is a popular destination with some charming guest houses. Entertainment ranges from spas for the adults to play centres for the children. There is a bowling green as well as a golf course. You can also explore Promenade de Verdun, a famous, historic road built by William Webb.

Providing HR Support to Purley Businesses

The rapid changes in Purley have meant local businesses have thrived and along with this growth have come new questions and challenges regarding HR policies and procedures. 

The HR Dept is an expert in this area, able to offer practical, up-to-date advice on all areas of employment law, offering you support and peace of mind regarding this important yet complex area. Get in touch today to see how we can help your Purley business grow.