Ben Wallin

CO-FOUNDER

About Me:

First and foremost I’m lucky to be a Dad-of-three who make me laugh and proud every day. My 20 year recruitment career has enabled me to work with some truly talented Recruiters and help many inspiring tech clients grow internationally. I’m ‘customer obsessed’ and love to build relationships for a lifetime.
Everything else is dominated by sport (Liverpool FC, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots, Running), buffalo chicken wings, craft IPA’s and our family dog, Santiago.

Favourite Quote:

Given our growth plans at Edison Smart I often reassure myself with “If we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zone” – John C Maxwell.

Dan Cox

CO-FOUNDER

About Me:

I am a proud Father and Husband, and my family really is my motivation. They have always supported and encouraged me throughout my journey in Recruitment.

I believe the key is having passion for the process and I love being involved in a dynamic industry where we can truly make a difference.

An avid West Ham fan, which can have its draw backs! Also, a dab hand at cooking a mean steak. Medium rare always!

Favourite Quote:

“What is your why?”

Fran Massey

FINANCE DIRECTOR

About Me:

I wanted to be an Accountant since the age of 7, so it’s understandable that I’ve spent my whole career in Finance, I’ve worked in recruitment for 8 years and absolutely fell in love with the industry.  What I find most rewarding about recruitment are the individuals behind the numbers.  

I’m passionate about all things finance and have been given a great opportunity at Edison Smart to really shape the Finance function alongside my colleagues who have the same passion, drive, and determination to make Edison a dominant force.

I have a young daughter who is my world, pushes me everyday to be a better person, Mum, and role model.  I love Salsa dancing, singing, boxing, weightlifting and music and fine dining is my guilty pleasure.

Favourite Quote:

I live my life every day to it’s fullest so in the words of Gandhi “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever”

ross porter

REGIONAL MANAGER 

About Me:

Seasoned professional with 13+ years experiences across the United Kingdom, Middle East and APAC region. 

I have had the ability to perform roles across the whole recruitment spectrum, founding startup recruitment agencies to working within large international resourcing providers. I’ve created client-side Talent Acquisition functions in startup environments as well as transforming existing Talent functions in major corporates.

My forte is acting as an ambassador for clients to ensure we identify and secure the very best in global talent. 

Proud to call Dubai home for the past 6 years, I lead the Edison office here and service our valued clients across the region and beyond. 

Favourite Quote:

“Don’t count the days, make the days count.” – Mohammed Ali

Hannah Chapman

HR & Operations Manager

About Me:

Having worked in the recruitment industry for over 10 years, it’s fair to say I’m pretty passionate about it! No two days are ever the same and I love the variation of my role as the HR & Operations Manager at Edison Smart.

My role is to enable and support business growth by providing HR, operational and administrative support, alongside managing our internal recruitment plans. I joined Edison Smart because our values and vision for the future were a perfect match. Cultural fit, respect and having the ability to learn and grow is really important to me.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family. I’m a proud mum to my little trouble-maker, Georgia who likes to keep me on my toes! When time allows, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places and cultures.

Favourite Quote:

I try to have a positive outlook on life, so in the wise words of Dory (Finding Nemo), “When life gets you down, you know what you gotta do? Just keep swimming”

Chelsea Caplin

HEAD OF LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

About Me:

My names Chelsea and I’m Head of Learning and Development here at Edison Smart. I’ve worked in the recruitment industry since 2017 in a variety of roles, covering talent acquisition and 360 recruitment consultancy, before starting my career in L&D in 2019. My initial interest in L&D came from the open university degree I was studying whilst working as a 360 consultant, which has led me to build a successful career in training.  

My role at Edison is to develop all colleagues across the business covering all levels. My main responsibilities include recognising, building and implementing the training content and strategy across the business. I joined Edison Smart because they are an ambitious business who are passionate about their staff and the services they provide.

Outside of work, you’re most likely find me spending time with family and friends or in the gym.

Favourite Quote:

“To make something special, you have to believe it’s special” – Kung Fu Panda

Jade vincent

HEAD OF TALENT ACQUISITION

About Me:

Hi, I’m Jade and I am Head of Talent Acquisition here at Edison Smart. I am super excited to be apart of this successful business and being able to help it grow – look out for exciting growth plans!

My entire career to date has been within the recruitment industry which I am so passionate about and have loved being able to gain so much exposure to different types of businesses and people!

Outside of work, I am a proud mother of 2 children, my 5 year old daughter Ellis who is a little diva and my son Remy who is 3 and is the wild second child!

Favourite Quote:

“When things go wrong, don’t go with them!”

Jess Mackie

Senior Marketing Manager

About Me:

Hey, I’m Jess! I join Edison Smart with 8 years of marketing expertise across various sectors including recruitment. I have a keen interest in traditional and digital marketing. I proudly consider myself a marketing nerd and team cheerleader. I chose to join the Edison Smart team having met Ben and Dan and seeing the passion they have for the company and its staff – I knew right away that it was something I wanted to be a part of. 

Outside of work, my time is predominantly spent with friends and family, especially my 5 year old daughter Athena. I’m an art and vinyl enthusiast as well as a model for a YouTube styling channel promoting body confidence. I am truly terrible at most sports but I have a mean backhand in ping pong. 

Favourite Quote:

In the end, we only regret the chances we didn’t take. – Lewis Carroll

Joshua Borg

SENIOR CONSULTANT 

About Me:

Hi!  I’m Josh & I am a Senior Consultant here at Edison Smart. I have over 7 years’ of experience placing candidates from technical backgrounds with international companies and smaller SMEs.

I joined Edison Smart in February 2023 to assist the company in developing and expanding its contract offering. I also hope my previous experience in recruitment will assist Edison Smart with its objectives and develop other members of staff.

Outside of work, I have a young daughter (who keeps me busy!) and I am a big football fan.

Favourite Quote:

“Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.” — Chris Grosser

TOM FARRINGTON

SENIOR CONSULTANT

About Me:

I join Edison Smart from a recruitment background, having spent the past few years working with Software Engineers to connect with new career opportunities. Joining Edison Smart presents me with a fantastic opportunity to improve my own industry knowledge, grow a network within the IoT market whilst continuing to help Tech professionals connect with exciting and innovative companies.

Away from work, you’ll most likely find me watching football or listing to rock/blues!

Favourite Quote:

“In it to win it!”

abbey gunther

OFFICE MANAGER

About Me:

Hey! My name is Abbey and I started working at Edison Smart as the Office Manager after working within the Financial Services industry for 6.5 years.

I am excited to start my new career within IoT Recruitment and I am so ready for the new challenges that it will bring!

Outside of work you can find me watching ice hockey, spending time with family and friends and I very much enjoy a holiday in the sun!

Favourite Quote:

Always be your own biggest cheerleader! 

Nick Bolding

CONTRACTS TEAM LEADER

About Me:

Contracts leader with 7+ years of recruitment experience.
I have guided contracts recruitment teams onshore and offshore and have a passion for aligning with industry leading companies, expanding their position in the market to attract top engineering talent and fill skill gaps within teams quickly and efficiently.
Outside of work I have a young family and an avid arsenal fan ‘North London is Red’

Favourite Quote:

‘Strive not to be a success, but to be of value’

Max Crumpton

MANAGING CONSULTANT

About Me:

I played professional rugby for 10 years before getting a career ending injury to my hamstring in 2020, after my injury I got into recruitment. I use my background as professional sportsmen in my everyday life striving to be the best in everything I do. I go by three values in life honesty, integrity and belief.
Outside of work you will find me by the pool spending time with my wife and daughter.

Favourite Quote:

Nothing in this life is given, its earned.

kirsty sibbald

PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT

About Me:

I started my career in recruitment in 2017 within the technical design industry and made the exciting move to Edison Smart in August 2023 to work within the Smart Buildings and Building Automation space. I am so excited to be working in an ever-evolving industry and connecting candidates and clients across the globe.

The move to Edison Smart was a no-brainer, I was blown away by their growth and success from the first meeting and I am excited to take my career to the next level. Their approach to recruitment, the team they have grown and the reputation they have built themselves is second to none!

Outside of work, my time is spent with my family, friends and loved ones. I have young nieces and nephews who make sure they keep me busy and entertained!

Favourite Quote:

“I’ve noticed when I fear something, if I just end up doing it, I’m grateful in the end.” — Colleen Hoover

JACK MATRAVERS

SENIOR CONSULTANT

About Me:

Hi, I’m Jack! I am half the age of Co-Founder, Ben Wallin..
Edison Smart is the first, and hopefully last, recruitment company I have worked for and I am absolutely loving it.

Engaging with people from all over the world is equally as exciting as it is a challenge, which was the original intrigue before joining (as well as the earning potential, of course!).
I’m currently focused on searching and connecting with candidates but will soon transition into working and partnering with clients too.

Favourite Quote:

“Sometimes when I close my eyes, I can’t see…”

MATT STEWART

SENIOR CONSULTANT

About Me:

From being in the recruitment industry for almost 7 years now, I can 100% say that I am so excited for my time here at Edison Smart to kick off.

From my first communication with Jade and Hannah, I knew it would be the place for me to thrive!

Outside of work I am a massive football fan, supporting the current world champions and the best team in the land CHELSEA! And a very keen rugby player at Tadley RFC’s 1st XV!

Favourite Quote:

“Living the Dream!”

ELLA HOLLIDAY

ASSOCIATE CONSULTANT

About Me:

Hi I’m Ella, I recently joined Edison Smart after starting my career in Estate agency. I have always wanted to get into recruitment, and I am starting my new role as a Delivery Consultant.

I joined Edison Smart with no recruitment experience but have been customer facing so have a lot of experience in customer service. I am excited to start my career in recruitment and can’t wait to see what it’s got in store!

Favourite Quote:

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there” – Theodore Roosevelt

Portia Hotchkiss

PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT

About Me:

Hey, I’m Portia and I am new here at Edison Smart. I’ve joined with 10 years sales experience and 5 years working for a recruitment business that specialises within Engineering and Construction. Whilst I was there, I built up a huge network within both contract and permanent recruitment.

I have come on board to join the already so successful Smart Buildings team to grow out their UK and Europe division. I am super excited for what’s to come.

Away from my desk you’ll find me running or in the gym, I am working towards running my 6th half marathon next year. I might be in the kitchen too, I love cooking for people and hosting and there are always empty plates after.
I’m also the proud owner of 3 gorgeous nieces and nephews (& one on the way) who keep me on my toes but also keep my heart full.

Favourite Quote:

Live, Laugh, Love (it’s terrible but it’s tattooed on me :-)

chloe cobb

Senior Consultant

About Me:

My name is Chloe, and I head up our Industrial IoT SCADA Automation space.

I started off in the recruitment world back in 2018, as contractor support for large fintech organisations, then moving onto public sector accounts being a senior recruitment coordinator. To then joining AMS working on the Lloyds Banking Group account as a Talent Engagement specialist. I started my 360 journey in August 2022, completing my academy! Building a busy desk from scratch, and supporting some great clients. I now head up our Industrial IoT and SCADA Automation department, covering the Industrial, Manufacturing, Energy & Renewable space.

Outside of work, you will find me with my family, friends, and my baby Bunny Dusty! I am a huge animal LOVER!

Favourite Quote:

Around here, we don’t look backward for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things … and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths

ELLA PLUMB

SENIOR CONSULTANT

About Me:

I have worked in the IT industry for over 10 years in a variety of roles, starting from support and moving my way up to Scrum Master. My career as a Scrum Master was cut short due to redundancy so I took the opportunity to start my own residential lettings company. It was during this time that I discovered how much I enjoyed building and maintaining relationships and partnerships with my customers, so when the opportunity to join Edison Smart came up, I jumped at the chance to take my experience and knowledge gained within IT and customer care and apply it to Recruitment!

My role within Edison is to find the perfect candidate for the clients we partner with, ensuring that everyone is happy, supporting both sides through every step of the recruitment process.

Outside of work, I enjoy kickboxing and running. I find a good workout helps me to relax after work and I’m currently training for a Half Marathon to raise money for charity!

Favourite Quote:

“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” – John D. Rockefeller

Bobby Goodchild

Senior Consultant

About Me:

Hi I’m Bobby, I joined Edison bringing with me over 2 years of experience in recruitment across diverse sectors and industries. My journey so far has been quite dynamic, progressing swiftly from an associate to a Senior Consultant, and every step has been immensely fulfilling.

Speaking with Dan and Ben, it became evident that Edison resonated with me, reflecting the same core values and resilience that I hold. I’m thrilled to dive back into the realm of IoT, with a primary focus on the Telco Market, an area I’ve previously delved into.

Beyond work, my interests gravitate towards sports, particularly as a supporter of Liverpool FC (Up the Reds!)

Favourite Quote:

Wake up determined, go to bed satisfied.

Charlie Sketchley

SENIOR CONSULTANT

About Me:

Hi my names Charlie, I joined Edison Smart to head out the Data Centre recruitment team after working in the sector for the last 3 years.

When speaking with Dan & Ben, it was very clear how the progression system would work and the freedom I would have to make this sector my own within Edison.

Outside of work I attend Liverpool games, play football and coach an U15s boys team.

Favourite Quote:

Anyone can have a good day, but you have to be able to perform on a bad day…

JOSH PHILLIPS

ASSOCIATE CONSULTANT

About Me:

Hey, I’m Josh! I joined Edison Smart in 2022 and I am loving it!
I joined Edison Smart with no prior recruitment experience although have plenty of customer-service experience and I enjoy talking to people so knew the role would be a great match for me!

The training I’ve received so far has been great and I’m really starting to understand the recruitment process. It’s great being in an environment where I am learning every day and being challenged. I’m excited about my career in recruitment and my growth with Edison Smart. The team and culture here is amazing.

In my spare time you’ll either find me down the pub with friends or attempting to play football, although I may as well have two left feet!

Favourite Quote:

“Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up.” – Rocky Balboa

KAI CLARKE

ASSOCIATE CONSULTANT

About Me:

Hey, I’m Kai! After studying Cyber Security for 2 years at university, I decided to leave, and jump-start my career

Edison Smart has given me the opportunity to utilize my knowledge from university while helping people find their dream jobs! I’m excited to see what my future at Edison holds!

Outside of work, I enjoy building and tinkering with PCs & Gaming

Favourite Quote:

“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall” – Nelson Mandela

Lewis Miller

ASSOCIATE CONSULTANT

About Me:

Hi I’m Lewis,

I come with an extensive background in Both Insurance and Tech Recruitment, predominantly focused on the Cloud Market. I’m a big believer in going above and beyond and have high aspirations that I aim to achieve in the Industry. I knew that in Order to achieve my goals I must work for a company who shares the same beliefs and vision as me, as soon as I met with Ben & Dan it was clear that Edison would be the perfect match!

Outside of work, I’m either spending time watching my Football Team Tottenham Hotspur lose, or I’m in the gym. A 2024 goal of mine has been to read more books, I recently read “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius, not that I understood much of it..

Favourite Quote:

“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts” – Marcus Aurelius

Charlie Sketchley

CONSULTANT

About Me:

Hey, I’m Akaisha! I have joined the Edison smart team with no recruitment experience although I do have an extensive base knowledge of marketing and sales within a customer-facing environment. I am looking forward to connecting and building relationships with customers across the globe while simultaneously growing and developing my own personal attributes.

I am super excited to kick start my career in recruitment and am thrilled to be part of such an amazing team and Edison Smarts continued success.

Favourite Quote:

‘Do things that make you happy’

Nathan Bailey

CONSULTANT AI/EDGE

About Me:

Hi I’m Nathan, I come from an estate agency background but I’m extremely excited to be stepping into the world of recruitment! Especially within the Edison team.

My main motivation for being in recruitment is to be in complete control of my future.

Favourite Quote:

You just gotta keep livin’ man, L-I-V-I-N

Marcus Annibal

CONSULTANT

About Me:

Hi, I’m Marcus, a proud dad of two! My journey in recruitment began three years ago after a decade in the world of hospitality. Now, my passion lies in Recruitment connecting with top tech companies and the brightest minds in Software development. I’m thrilled to be a part of Edison Smart and excited to contribute to their ongoing success!

Favourite Quote:

“Yesterday’s home run doesn’t win today’s game.”

Alex Miller

ASSOCIATE CONSULTANT 

About Me:

Hi, I’m Alex and I am really excited to be part of Edison Smart as I take my first step into the world of Recruitment!

Some of my main motivators to get into Recruitment were to speak to customers across the globe and help them to better themselves with new roles. Another motivator for me was to be in control of my own future and Edison offers the perfect platform to grow and develop whilst of course making money in the process!

Outside of work I also play semi-professional football, as well as watching sports fixtures over the  weekend, especially Formula 1 which I never miss!

Favourite Quote:

“You are the creator of your own success”

chris corcoran

SENIOR DELIVERY CONSULTANT

About Me:

In 2012 I started a career in the Fitness Industry after living the dream travelling the world for 6 months.

The opportunity came up to join Edison Smart and this was one I didn’t want to turn down or miss out on – I’ve always had a keen interest in the recruitment industry.

I am soon to become a father for the first time after getting married in 2021, which I am very much looking forward to! Although our house became a home in 2017 when we brought our first baby home – a fur baby – Lana the Sprocker Spaniel.

Outside of work I like to play and watch football… classic arm chair supporter. I also enjoy playing golf, especially in the summer. Happy Gilmore being my favourite film.

I am currently focussed on growing my connections and supporting as many individuals as possible find their dream roles.

Favourite Quote:

‘Success isn’t always about greatness. It’s about consistency. Consistent hard work gains success. Greatness will come.’ – Dwayne Johnson

Harry Hooper

SENIOR DELIVERY CONSULTANT

About Me:

I started my career as an Estate Agent working in Lettings but I always knew I wanted to get into recruitment and have the opportunity to help people find their dream jobs! I’m really enjoying understanding the recruitment process so far and Edison Smart have delivered some great training. I love the culture here and the team are so supportive.

Outside of work I’m an avid football fan, watching and playing since a young age.

Favourite Quote:

“Cause you’ll have bad times, but that will always wake you up to the good stuff you weren’t paying attention to” – Robin Williams

paul beeke

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

About Me:

I have 35 years of international human capital & specialist staffing experience with 30 years of those at Board level in various capacities including Managing Director, CEO, Chairman, Non Executive Director and Board Advisor. Both on the buy side and the sell side I have been directly involved in over 20 successful M&A transactions in the human capital sector. 

This has also included raising private equity capital on 4 separate occasions. In the past as a founder & CEO I have built 4 mid size global specialist staffing companies and taken them through to exit or investment transactions. As a Non Exec Board Advisor I have helped take another 6 specialist human capital & staffing companies through to exit or investment transactions. 

I have extensive international experience having launched ventures in over 25 countries and was based in the US for 5 years, also having spent over a year of my career in Japan. My area of expertise is in specialist STEM human capital services with a specific focus on Software & Digital, Fintech, Life Sciences, Biotech & Medtech and Clean Energy & Cleantech.