2019: The gap became obvious
We founded Stratton & Summers Consulting after spending years inside the pressure cooker of compliance, hiring, and people leadership. SMEs were paying enterprise rates for advice that didn’t fit. Why accept that?
7 Turner Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3067
People-first HR, born in Melbourne
We’re not a faceless global consultancy. We’re your neighbours at 7 Turner Street, and we care deeply about making HR work for businesses that need straight answers, calm judgement, and a bit of momentum. Why should SMEs settle for patchy support?
15+ years combined leadership
AHRI & RCSA certified
100% Victoria-based team
Our journey
Built for businesses that were getting left behind
2020: Remote work changed everything
During the pandemic, we helped local businesses rebuild policies, communication rhythms, and performance expectations for hybrid teams. The pace was frantic. The need for clarity was even bigger.
2022: Sector depth got sharper
We expanded into healthcare, retail, technology, and manufacturing, then built niche playbooks for dental clinics, tech startups, sustainable fashion, and boutique retail. Same principles, different pressure points.
Today: still local, still independent
With 120+ clients and a growing team, we’re proudly independently owned and operated in Victoria. Local roots matter. They shape how quickly we respond, how honestly we advise, and how closely we care.
Your local HR experts
Meet the people behind the advice
Sarah Stratton
Founder & Principal Consultant
Ex-Big 4, obsessed with scaling startups without breaking the people side. She loves crisp strategy and calmer Mondays.
Michael Summers
Head of Strategy
Former retail people director with a talent for turning workforce friction into clean operating rhythm. Straight talk. Good systems.
Priya Kapoor
Senior ER Specialist
Healthcare and NFP background, sharp on employee relations, policy, and the quiet work that stops problems from growing teeth.
Dan Chen
Talent Lead
Tech and creative recruitment specialist with a strong eye for fit, pace, and the moments that make an offer land well.
What we stand for
People before profit, always
People first
Data-driven decisions
Local roots, national reach
Absolute integrity
Sustainable growth
Credentials & memberships
Trust that’s visible, not implied
If you’re comparing HR consultants Melbourne businesses can rely on, these are the standards we hold ourselves to.
AHRI Professional Member
Professional practice, current and accountable.
RCSA Corporate Member
Recruitment standards that keep pace with market reality.
Victoria Chamber of Commerce
Connected to the business community we serve.
ISO 27001 aligned security
Serious about sensitive people data.
Ready to build a better workplace?
Let’s grab a coffee — virtual or at 7 Turner Street.
Tell us what’s happening in your team, and we’ll talk through practical next steps without the jargon. Prefer to start with a quick call?