Recruiter aims for sustainable future after year of growth
An East Midlands-based recruitment consultancy is celebrating its first anniversary by planning to create more jobs – in a sustainable way.
Eaton Syalon, which was set up 12 months ago, is run by Jo Eaton and Dom Syalon who both left SF Recruitment to start their own venture. The company’s mission statement is: to deliver authentic, relationship- driven recruitment services across accountancy and finance, HR, and professional services.
What began as a two-person remote venture has quickly evolved into a growing team of five, with the addition of Dave Worger, Kerry Newham, and Lyndsey Henry.
Eaton told TheBusinessDesk.com: “The biggest lesson we’ve learned in the past year is just how much goes into building a business from the ground up. We’ve worn all the hats – finance, IT, branding, marketing, operations — you name it. It’s been hands on, intense at times, but ultimately rewarding because it’s given us the freedom to shape Eaton Syalon exactly how we want it to be.”
Eaton said the company’s biggest investment to date has been in people. She added: “We’ve recently made three key strategic hires, and our focus right now is on bedding them in, developing them, and giving them the tools and autonomy to ensure they succeed.
“Having said that, we’re not slowing down. As we continue in to year two, we’ll be bringing in more like-minded individuals who share our passion for recruitment done the right way. We’re building a team that believes in long-term partnerships, high-touch service, and making a real difference in the market. Our approach to hiring isn’t about rapid expansion for the sake of it, it’s about sustainable growth with the right people.”
Eaton said her company’s focus isn’t on scaling for the sake of scaling.
“We never want to lose the personal touch that is setting us apart,” she explained. “Instead, our mid-term plan is to continue building a high-performing team while maintaining our core values. We’ll keep refining our service, strengthening client relationships, and staying ahead of market trends. If an opportunity arises that aligns with our vision, we’ll explore it, but only if it adds real value without compromising what makes us different.
“The priority is measured, sustainable growth that allows us to deliver exceptional results while staying true to who we are.
Syalon added: “One of the most rewarding parts of our first year has been seeing the positive response to the way we work — offering clients and candidates a personal, flexible and honest approach to recruitment.
“As we move into our second year, we’re committed to building on that foundation and continuing to offer the kind of service that we’d want to receive ourselves.”
The pair said that a huge source of inspiration over the last 12 months has been the partnership they’ve built over the last 20 years.
Syalon added: “Launching Eaton Syalon felt like the natural next step, bringing together our combined experience and complementary strengths to create something we’re truly proud of. From day one, our goal was to build a recruitment business that does things differently. One that prioritises relationships, trust, and long-term partnerships over short-term wins. That vision continues to drive everything we do.”
