Creating a Recruitment Business with Freedom
How Hilton Lord Helped One Founder Build An Agency Focused On Collaboration Not Competition.
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A Vision for Something Different
Ross, the founder of Greys Recruitment, wasn’t interested in building just another recruitment agency. Having worked in several firms before starting his own, he knew exactly what he didn’t want.
“One of the biggest differences in how we operate is our team-first approach. There are plenty of people outside the business to compete with internally. Collaboration always wins! Equally important is how people are treated. We don’t run a crazy, KPI-driven business where people are under pressure the moment something slips. That has made a huge difference to morale, retention, and performance.”
What he did want was to create a business where people could thrive without the pressures and pitfalls that so often define recruitment. Many recruitment firms rely heavily on KPIs and internal competition, leading to high stress and burnout for consultants. Ross’s previous experience showed him that this wasn’t the way he wanted to build his business.
What he needed was a partner who understood that great agencies don’t chase numbers. Instead, they have supportive, team-first cultures that allow people to perform at their best. Ross wanted to build his business on trust, autonomy, and collaboration, not fear and internal rivalry.
In Hilton Lord, Ross found a partner who understood this vision. Rather than imposing top-down control, our flexible and supportive approach allowed Ross to lead in a way that suited both him and his team.
Why Hilton Lord Was the Perfect Fit
In his search for the right business partner, Ross spoke to several firms offering similar support. Hilton Lord stood out immediately. What impressed him the most was our experience and transparency.
“What genuinely surprised me, in a good way, was Hilton Lord’s depth of experience around the recruitment business journey. From the beginning, they mapped out what the first 12-36 months would look like, the good parts and the difficult ones too. They had a clear understanding of the challenges we’d face, and they were remarkably accurate in predicting how things would unfold, so they helped us prepare rather than react.”
We weren’t trying to take control or micromanage Greys Recruitment. Instead, we provided the tools, systems, and support that allowed Ross to run the business exactly how he wanted.
From the beginning, our systems (accounting, payroll, tech, and candidate attraction tools) made the difference. We also offered ongoing support around compliance, legislation, and legal matters that helped them avoid costly mistakes and meant the business ran smoothly from day one.
The Power of Culture
With Hilton Lord’s systems and support in place, Ross could focus on what mattered most... his team.
A big part of the success at Greys Recruitment is the culture Ross has built. Because Greys values collaboration, there are no fear-driven targets here. Instead, consultants work together, share knowledge, and support one another to succeed.
This “team-first” approach has been crucial in improving morale, retention, and overall performance. Ross has shown that when people are treated as adults, with the freedom and flexibility to perform their best, the results follow naturally.
Your Freedom to Thrive Matters
“The biggest personal win since setting up my own business has been freedom. That freedom isn’t just for me. It’s something we deliberately try to give to our consultants too.”
Ross created a business that provides the autonomy that so many recruitment consultants are looking for. He can run his business without being burdened by constant pressure to hit arbitrary targets. And his consultants now enjoy the same level of freedom and trust, which has had a direct impact on their job satisfaction and performance.
Hilton Lord’s network of industry experts and fellow recruitment business owners has been another key factor in the company’s success. Ross and his team have access to a wealth of knowledge and support, which has helped them navigate challenges without feeling isolated. Check out our existing partners.
So what’s next for Greys Recruitment?
“Having established the foundations of the business the focus now is on growth and diversification. Our vision includes growing our existing teams, exploring new recruitment models and expanding into new markets and sectors. As we grow, maintaining our team-first culture remains non-negotiable.”
Ready to Build Your Own Success Story?
Greys Recruitment is an example of what can happen when you get the right support.
Our unique model allows recruiters like Ross, and like you, to thrive on their own terms, while still benefiting from the collective knowledge and support of our wider network that many consultants need when starting out on their own.
If you’re a recruitment consultant with the ambition to start your own business, Hilton Lord offers the partnership you need to succeed. You too can build your own recruitment agency with the backing of a trusted partner.
