Our Story
From day one, we set out to build a recruitment business founded on better work-life balance and employee wellbeing, drawing inspiration from our Nordic neighbours.
Folk, the word for ‘people’ in many of these countries, seemed like a natural fit for our business.
We hope the service you receive (whilst always professional) feels relaxed, personal and authentic.
Being proud Northerners, we’re a straight talking bunch who work hard to deliver exceptional results with minimum fuss.
We focus on establishing trust and forging meaningful connections to support people throughout their HR careers. Our approach is simple - because recruitment doesn’t need to be complicated.
Individuality & Collectivism
We’re committed to delivering diverse shortlists that truly represent the communities we serve. Each assignment we take on benefits from the collective support of all three Directors. By leveraging our individual networks, we engage with a broader pool of HR talent—strengthening our teamwork ethos and fostering ongoing collaboration in the process.
Equality & Social Welfare
We partner with clients who are genuinely invested in their people and committed to improving workplace culture through HR. This shared vision leads to strong partnerships and successful outcomes.
Trust & Transparency
Our success is built upon deeply established networks across the UK HR community. Over 70% of our revenue is generated by placing people from within these talent pools. We’re always evolving, seeking new ways to expand, improve processes, and strengthen our brand.
We love what we do. Our passion drives us and is reflected in the level of service we deliver. HR is more than a department to Fólk; it’s a vital part of business, and we’re committed to showcasing its true value.
Meet our
Helen Easter
I’m Helen, the only female founder at Fólk. Like so many working mums, I started working for myself as needed to find a way to balance a fulfilling career with family life.
I’m a huge advocate of flexible working, having seen firsthand how it can transform lives and businesses alike. It’s not easy juggling everything, but I’m really proud of the business and brand I’ve helped to build whilst raising my two daughters.
Anyone who knows me will tell you I’ve got loads of energy and talk quickly, perhaps things that have helped me succeed in the recruitment industry over the last 20 odd years! I love getting out and about meeting people for a drink in Leeds’ incredible independent coffee shops and bars or sometimes for a ‘walk & talk’ at Roundhay Park or Harewood. I got the running bug during the Covid years, and whilst I don’t get out as much as I’d like, I’m mildly obsessed with getting my 10,000 daily steps in!
Neil Smith
I’m Neil, one of the co-founders of Folk, and I’ve been in the recruitment industry since 2002.
I’d consider myself a “people person” and (for anyone who already knows me) I can talk for Britain! I’m genuinely interested in how people are wired up, and I enjoy trying to understand what makes them tick & why they do HR in their own unique way.
Recruitment, to me, is about providing a personal, respectful, and supportive service. It’s all about helping people grow in their careers and making a real difference in a business. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone succeed and knowing you had a part in that.
Outside of the day job, you’ll find me in the kitchen cooking, baking or drinking wine. I’m a big foodie, as are my friends and family, so I love entertaining. I can also be found out in nature on a walk somewhere with my gorgeous pooches, Tess and Mabel and my partner Joe.
Jonathan Kirby
I’m Jonathan, one of the Directors of Fólk. HR recruitment is what I know, having solely specialised in the industry for over 20 years. During this time, I’ve supported all kinds of businesses across the UK, having started my recruitment career in the bright lights of London and, more recently, across the rolling hills of Yorkshire.
I’ve established HR divisions for multi-disciplinary Agencies and developed and grown HR recruitment teams for specialist HR businesses. In 2019, I felt it was time to be part of a business which truly aligned with my own personal values and one where I could truly buy into the vision – Fólk was that business!
Outside of work, sport plays a big part for me. Nowadays, I spend less time participating and more time coaching and sharing my knowledge with budding juniors. If you don’t find me on the sideline of a football field, coaching a junior football squad, it’ll likely be spoiling a good walk on a golf course, caddying for my son who keeps telling me he’ll be the next Rory McIlroy.
