Chamber conversations: Angela Da Silva (independent HR consultant)

At Business West, we’re proud to support a diverse network of businesses and organisations. These range from ambitious start-ups to established firms and charities, all working to make our region stronger and more connected. This November, in recognition of Movember and National Stress Awareness Day, we’re shining a spotlight on one of our Chamber members who is dedicated to supporting workplaces and helping teams thrive by fostering positive mental health and managing stress at work.

My name is Angela Da Silva, and I’m an HR consultant. My role centres around taking the sweat out of HR for business owners with no-nonsense and jargon-free support to get the very best from their teams. Each day can be very different, but typically involves a mix of strategic HR advisory, coaching and training managers, developing people policies, and supporting clients through sensitive or complex people issues. The absolute key for me is working closely with leaders to make sure their people strategies are aligned with their business goals. No two days are the same, which is exactly what I love about the work.

The business is based in Bristol. I work with organisations of all sizes to help them strengthen their culture, develop their leaders, and create environments where people can genuinely thrive. I support the local business community through hands-on consultancy, training, and proactive guidance, helping employers navigate everything from organisational change to people development. I do all of this in a no-nonsense and jargon-free way.

Employee expectations have evolved dramatically, and mental health is no longer a “nice to have” – it’s a fundamental part of how people experience work. Stress and burnout are among the leading causes of absence and disengagement, and there’s now a much stronger understanding of the link between wellbeing, productivity and retention.

For businesses, supporting mental health isn’t just about compliance or meeting obligations; it’s a strategic investment. When organisations prioritise psychological safety, open communication and proactive wellbeing support, they see better performance, stronger teams and reduced employee turnover. It’s one of the most impactful areas a business can focus on today.

Some of the recurring challenges include:

◀ not knowing where to start or feeling overwhelmed by the wellbeing agenda

◀ managers lacking confidence in having sensitive conversations

◀ inconsistent approaches across teams

◀ limited resources or unclear priorities

◀ trying to solve wellbeing issues without addressing root causes such as workload, culture or leadership behaviours

I help businesses overcome these by taking a practical, tailored approach. That often means assessing current practices, building confidence and capability through training, developing accessible policies, and creating wellbeing strategies that are realistic and sustainable. What works for one business may not work in another, so I make sure that it’s the right strategy for the businesses I’m working with!

I’ve been a member for just under a year, and I joined because I wanted to connect with a wider network of local businesses. Business West has a great reputation for bringing together businesses and providing opportunities for collaboration and learning.

The most valuable aspect has definitely been the sense of community and the quality of the connections. The business breakfast events and networking sessions have created great opportunities for new partnerships, conversations and collaborations.

Go for it and make the most of it! The membership is far more impactful when you actively engage, attend events and connect with other members. It’s a great way to broaden your network, strengthen your visibility, and be part of a community that genuinely wants to see local businesses succeed. 

If you'd like to follow Angela on social media and discuss your HR requirements, you can do so on Linkedin here.

Whether you’re a charity, SME, or multinational company, Business West Chambers of Commerce is here to help you connect, grow and thrive. By becoming a Chamber member you gain access to:

◀ a vibrant network of businesses

◀ networking and profile-raising opportunities

◀ local influence and business representation

◀ dedicated support from our expert teams.

To find out more about becoming a Chamber member, click here. And if you are already a Chamber member and would like to be featured in a blog just like this one, please get in touch with Amy.