TALO
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"Stephen brings an authenticity that has people coming back to him time and time again."

A smiling photo of Stephen writing in a notebook
Why TALO?
Candidates
Find the Right Role, Not Just Any Role
Looking for a new role can be stressful. I’ll keep you updated on your progress, share constructive feedback, and check in even when there’s no news. I’ll get to know you, your skills, and goals - offer advice, and help with interview prep. My goal? Finding you the right role, not just any role.
How I work
Proven Process, REAL RESULTS
Supporting every step of the candidate journey for an unmatched hiring experience.
1
Consultation
We’ll get to know your hiring needs and the unique culture of your business
2
Candidate matching
We match you with candidates from our exclusive pool of highly qualified professionals
3
Placement & Follow-up
We’ll get to know your hiring needs and the unique culture of your business
Clients
Build the Team You Really Need
Far beyond just filling roles, I take the time to understand your business and find candidates who truly fit. With honest advice and straightforward feedback, I’m your partner in finding the people who will make a difference.
A photograph of Stephen sat at a desk on a mobile phone
Far beyond just filling roles, I take the time to understand your business and find candidates who truly fit. With honest advice and straightforward feedback, I’m your partner in finding the people who will make a difference.
- Maya, Co-Founder and real business
Don't Just Take My Word For It...
Far beyond just filling roles, I take the time to understand your business and find candidates who truly fit. With honest advice and straightforward feedback, I’m your partner in finding the people who will make a difference.
Pricing
No Hidden Fees.
Just Clear Pricing.
TALO. // Essential
15%
6 Month Peace of Mind Guarantee**
What's included:
Job Briefing and Consultation Meeting
Bespoke Job Advert
Direct Approach Candidate Headhunting
Managed Interview Scheduling
12 Week Free Replacement Guarantee
I want this!
17.5%
6 Month Peace of Mind Guarantee
What's included:
Job Briefing and Consultation Meeting
Bespoke Job Advert
Direct Approach Candidate Headhunting
Managed Interview Scheduling
12 Week Free Replacement Guarantee
6 Month Peace of Mind Guarantee
Choose to spread the cost over 3 months with a Direct Debit plan
(for salaries above £40k)
I want this!
TALO. // Max
20%
12 Month Peace of Mind Guarantee
What's included:
Job Briefing and Consultation Meeting
Bespoke Job Advert
Direct Approach Candidate Headhunting
Managed Interview Scheduling
12 Week Free Replacement Guarantee
12 Month Peace of Mind Guarantee
Choose to spread the cost over 3 months with a Direct Debit plan
(for salaries above £40k)
Choose to spread the cost over 6 months with a Direct Debit plan
(for salaries above £80k)
Multi-Hire Discount
Priority Shortlisting
I want this!
FAQ's
Common questions
Your questions about TALO. answered. Transparency is at the heart of how I work, so you always know where you stand.
01What types of roles do you recruit for?

I work with retailers, suppliers, and brands hiring people for permanent and fixed-term contract (FTC) roles in their head office teams. This includes jobs in Buying & Category Management, Design & Creative, Ecommerce, Marketing, Merchandising, National Account Management, Product Development, Senior Appointments, and Quality Assurance.

My focus is on Homeware, Ecommerce, Lifestyle, and Consumer Goods - if you work in any of these industries, I'd love to hear from you: Arts & Crafts // Baby & Nursery // Cards, Gift Wrap & Stationery // Consumer Electronics // Cookshop & Kitchenware // FMCG // Furniture // Garden & DIY // Health, Beauty & Wellness // Homeware // Home Textiles // Lighting // Pets // Seasonal // Sports & Outdoor // Toys.

02How much do you charge for your services?

Our fees are simple and clear - see our Pricing page for details. There are three tiers of pricing available, whichever plan you choose, you'll get the same great service - the difference is in the level of support and guarantees you choose. Fees are calculated as a percentage of the candidate's yearly salary and for fixed-term contracts the fee is prorated. My fees are fully transparent with no hidden costs, and unlike other agents I don’t charge extra for things like company cars or other benefits. No upfront costs or retainer fees - you only pay if you make a hire. No Hire? No Fee.

03Can I spread the cost of recruitment fees?

Yes, absolutely. Depending on the package you choose and the salary level of the candidate, I offer flexible payment plans that let you spread the cost over 3 or 6 months. Payment plans are set up through direct debit via GoCardless to keep things simple and hassle-free. I understand that managing cash flow is important, especially for start-ups and SMEs, so this option is designed to help you hire the right candidate without the pressure of paying everything at once.

04What are your payment terms?

My payment terms are 14 days from the date of the invoice. Depending on the package you choose and the salary level of the candidate, I offer flexible payment plans that let you spread the cost over 3 or 6 months. Payment plans are set up through direct debit via GoCardless to keep things simple and hassle-free. I understand that managing cash flow is important, especially for start-ups and SMEs, so this option is designed to help you hire the right candidate without the pressure of paying everything at once.

05Do you work on a retained basis?

No. I prefer to work on a ‘No Hire? No Fee’ basis because it’s a low risk way for my clients to hire. I think it’s a simple and fair way to help busy founder-led businesses, start-ups, and SMEs find the right people without paying anything upfront. With this approach, you only pay if you hire someone, so you know your money is well spent.

06What if a candidate leaves soon after starting?

I offer a 12-week free replacement guarantee on all TALO. plans. If your new hire leaves during their first 12 weeks I’ll aim to find someone new within 8 weeks at no extra cost. If I can’t do that within 4 weeks, you can choose to have a proportionate refund instead based on how long they’ve stayed. If they leave after 12 weeks, you won’t get a free replacement, but I can still help. With our Peace of Mind Guarantee, I’ll refill the role for half the original fee - for up to 6 months with TALO Plus and 12 months with TALO Max. This way, you don’t have to worry if things don’t work out.

07As a client looking to hire, why should I choose you over other recruiters?

I’ve been helping retail head offices hire the right people for over 10 years and have lots of happy client and candidate testimonials to show for it. My way of doing things really works, which is why I’m confident in offering market-beating guarantees like our 12-week free replacement guarantee at all plan levels and a 6 or 12 month Peace of Mind Guarantee on our TALO Plus and TALO Max plans. My fees are fully transparent with no hidden costs, and unlike other agents I don’t charge extra for things like company cars or other benefits. I support start-ups, SMEs, and growing businesses by offering flexible payment plans via direct debit through GoCardless. You also only pay if you hire someone, which keeps things low-risk and simple.

08As a candidate looking for a new role, why should I choose you over other recruiters?

I know that the number one gripe candidates have with recruiters is ghosting - being left in the dark with no feedback or updates. That’s why I’m upfront and honest every step of the way. If I have an update on your application, I’ll let you know right away. If a client shares constructive feedback, I’ll pass it on to help you improve. And even if I don’t have any news yet (when I really wish I did!), I’ll still keep you in the loop so you’re not left wondering. I also take the time to really get to know you - your skills, goals, and what you want from your next job. You’re never just another CV to me. I’ll give you honest advice, help you prepare for interviews, and keep you updated every step of the way. In short, I focus on finding you the right role, not just any role - and I’m here to support you through the whole process, without the ghosting.

09Are you a solo recruiter or part of a larger group?

I’m a solo recruiter, so you’ll always deal directly with me. This means you get a hands-on, consistent experience from someone who takes the time to really understand your needs. While I work alone, I offer the same high level of service as larger agencies, but with a more personal touch.

Image of Stephen the recruiter on a laptop
Want to work with me?
I’d love to hear from you!
Get in touch
Build your dream team today
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