Team - Ruth Smyth

Ruth Smyth

Ruth Smyth

Group Chief People Officer

Ruth started her career at PwC in an HR consulting role and has since worked in a number of people and culture leadership roles, most recently as the managing director of people and culture in a fast-growing PE-backed global business.

She joined Gravita in September 2024 as the Group’s Chief People Officer, aiming to cultivate an environment where people can succeed, and decisions are made from a foundation of strong values. Her strong belief is that businesses flourish when people can be themselves and are trusted and supported to do great work. She is particularly passionate about enabling flexibility in the workplace.

Outside of work, she is a trustee of MacIntyre, chairing their remuneration committee. She is also a part-time executive assistant and chauffeur for her children’s varied social calendar.

Services

Leadership team

Sectors

Professional and Business Services

Locations

Working in the UK for an overseas employer? Do you need a DPNI scheme?

6th November 2026
Written by: Rebecca Aimey
If you work in the UK but your employer is based overseas, you might be responsible for handling your own tax and National Insurance. This is where a Direct Payment National Insurance (DPNI) scheme comes...
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UK technology

The Budget has set the direction for UK tech, now delivery must follow

5th November 2026
Written by: Tanveer Mahtab-Ahmed
The Autumn Budget has sent a clear signal about the role technology is expected to play in the UK’s future growth. Artificial intelligence, cyber security, sovereign capability, data infrastructure and regional innovation all feature prominently,...
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Trade union reform Is your business ready
HR

Trade union reform: Is your business ready?

3rd November 2026
Written by: Kirsty Henderson
Never had to deal with a trade union before? That doesn’t mean your business won’t need to think about one now. With new trade union laws taking effect from 30th October 2026, employers have new...
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UK GAAP changes

UK GAAP changes: What your business needs to know

2nd November 2026
Written by: Jen Sewell
The revised UK GAAP requirements apply to accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2026. Here’s what businesses need to know and how to prepare. Changes to UK accounting standards are bringing aspects of...
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How R&D tax credits can unexpectedly bring businesses into QIPs

2nd November 2026
Written by: Clare Boden
For young businesses investing in research and development, R&D tax credits can provide valuable support for growth. What may come as a surprise is that the R&D expenditure credit can also trigger quarterly instalment payments...
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Budget 2026: Personal tax

29th October 2026
 
Personal allowances and thresholds These remain frozen, as expected and as announced in the previous Chancellor’s Budget. However, there have been a few adjustments around the edges designed to benefit small, unincorporated business owners and...
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Budget 2026: Inheritance Tax

29th October 2026
 
Nil rate bands, and Inheritance Tax rates No major changes have been announced in relation to IHT, meaning that the Nil Rate Band (NRB) and Residential Nil Rate Band continue to remain frozen, despite inflation...
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Budget 2026: Stamp Duty Land Tax and Stamp Duty

29th October 2026
 
The SDLT rates and thresholds remain unchanged. The following changes have been confirmed or announced:   From 1st May 2026, no Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) will be charged on the rent element of assured...
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