9 years – from Disruptors to Data Leaders

Eden Smith • February 17, 2025

Celebrating 9 Years of Eden Smith

Nine years ago, Eden Smith was born from a bold vision. Jez Clark and Matt Smith saw an opportunity to disrupt a broken recruitment industry, creating a business that would do more than just place talent- it would empower organisations to lead with data. What began as a niche staffing business has since evolved into a full-scale data consultancy, supporting organisations across industries with expert consulting, staffing, and AI-driven solutions.

Today, as we celebrate this milestone, we reflect on the journey – one filled with passion, perseverance, and purpose. From its humble beginnings to becoming a successful enterprise with a global reach, Eden Smith has stayed true to its mission: to connect, support, and elevate the data community.

The Journey: From Vision to Reality

Co-founder and COO, Matt Smith, recalls the early days:

“9.5 years ago, Jez and I presented a business plan to our investor – the most misaligned business plan known to man! But that’s another story. The plan was signed off, and away we went. Little did we know how much fun, hard, scary, emotional, and proud moments we would face over the next nine years. I’m incredibly proud of the journey. What started as a niche staffing business in data evolved into a people-first data consultancy, multiple service lines, global reach, and multi-million revenues. None of this would have come to fruition without the unbelievable visionary Jez Clark , the technical genius Nick Deveney , the support of my wife Jane Smith , the whole Eden Smith Group team, and, most importantly, our wonderful data community. We have amazing plans for the next few years, and I cannot wait to see them play out surrounded by the ES gang.”

This growth has been driven by an unwavering commitment to both people and progress. From matching top talent with leading businesses to expanding into consulting and AI-driven services, Eden Smith has never shied away from taking bold steps.

A Community-Centric Approach

At the heart of Eden Smith’s success is the community it has built. More than a business, it has become a network- a space where data professionals are empowered, where ideas are exchanged, and where careers are shaped.

Jez Clark , Co-founder and CEO, reflects on this evolution:

“Wow, I can’t believe it. Where does time go? And where do I start with this message? For those that don’t know our full journey, we started as a pure-play data staffing specialist business. Matt and I had a vision to build and support a network of data professionals by presenting opportunities and contributing with as much thought leadership and advice as possible.

Today, and nine years later, we have a pure data consulting business offering a multitude of business & technology solutions, an executive search function, and an internship programme that supports the next generation of talent. A multi-million-pound business – I couldn’t be prouder.

As you would expect, the journey has not been without its challenges, sleepless nights, and worry, but equally, there have been real moments of achievement, excitement, satisfaction, and much fun too. When the market kicked us, we stood our ground. We were brave in times of fear, and we have consistently stood together like a family.

When I reflect, the biggest part of the journey for me has been the learnings. I have learnt something from every person I have interacted with, and I am so grateful for that. I’ll never stop learning.

So, I close with a HUGE thank you to my business partners, Matt Smith and Nick Deveney , who have equally shared the successes and the stresses of our journey. To the community of data professionals we work with – you are friends, not clients. And most importantly, to the Eden Smith Team, including those who no longer work with us – you have all contributed to the success of our business, and you are truly awesome. Now is our time to shine.”

Looking to the Future

Nine years is both a milestone and a launching pad. With a strong foundation built on expertise, trust, and collaboration, Eden Smith is set to continue making an impact in the world of data and AI. The next phase of growth promises even more innovation, deeper partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to developing organisations and people that are data fluent & future-fit.

As we celebrate this incredible journey, we extend our gratitude to every team member, client, and partner who has been part of this story. The past nine years have been transformative, and the future is brighter than ever.

Here’s to the next chapter of Eden Smith – bigger, bolder, and ready to shine!

Newer Post >

Levers for Change - Exec Summary

By Christa Swain • February 2, 2026
Executive Summary Data Transformation Insights | Data Leaders Executive Lounge | 29th January This Data Leaders Executive Lounge brought together senior data leaders to explore the real drivers of successful data transformation , moving beyond technology adoption to focus on operating models, leadership, culture, and capability . The session featured insights from Zoe Kelly , Head of Data & Insights at Serco , and Pedro Cosa , CDAIO at Data Minds , drawing on Pedro’s experience across Channel Four , Warner Bros , and News UK . A consistent message emerged: data transformation fails not because of tools, but because of unclear ownership, misaligned operating models, and unrealistic expectations of data leadership roles . Both speakers reinforced that sustainable transformation requires deliberate design of decision rights, strong executive sponsorship, and ongoing engagement with the wider business. The discussion also explored the evolving and often misunderstood role of the Chief Data Officer , highlighting tensions between centralised and embedded data models, persistent hiring challenges, and the risk of reverting data functions back into IT when business alignment is weak. 

How We Show Up: Perception, Assumptions, and the Bias

By Christa Swain • February 2, 2026
"How does the world see you? Gen AI see's me as a sparkly eyed, smiley male. Am I offended? No. AI amplifies human bias. AI isn't the bad guy here. We are." Christa Swain
Green

Microsoft Fabric in 2026

By Urvik Patel • January 27, 2026
An in-depth look at Microsoft Fabric in 2026, exploring unified analytics, OneLake, Direct Lake, governance, performance optimisation, and how Fabric sets a new standards.
Show More