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In London the battle for talent is fierce and UK employment laws can be complex. That's where HR consulting firms come in, offering specialized services to tackle these headaches.

To help you find the best partner for you, I’ve independently reviewed the top HR consulting firms in London covering what services they offer and  sets each firm apart.

Whether you're a small business or a large corporation, there's a solution for you.

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We’ve been testing and reviewing HR management software and services since 2019. 

We’ve tested more than 2,000 tools and hundreds of service providers for different HR management use cases, and written over 1,000 comprehensive reviews. 

As HR experts ourselves, we know how critical and difficult it is to make the right decision when selecting a provider.

Learn how we stay transparent and check out our review methodology.

Best HR Consulting Firms London: Comparison Chart

This comparison chart summarizes key details for my top HR consulting firms London selections to help you find the best partner for your budget and business needs.

Service Best For Trial Info Price
1

Best for platform-enabled consulting

Free trial + demo available

From $29/month Website
2

Best HR consultant directory

14-day free trial

From $22/user/month Website
3

Best for sustainable HR solutions

Free HR consultation available

Pricing starts at £599 per month Website
4

Best for flexible HR packages

Free initial consultation available

Pricing upon request Website
5

Best for recruitment process outsourcing

Free consultation available

Pricing upon request Website
6

Best for diversity and inclusion

Contact for free consultation

Packages start at $195 per month Website
7

Best for compliance-focused services

Free consultation available

Pricing upon request Website
8

Best for employment law support

Free initial consultation available

Pricing upon request Website
9

Best for tailored HR strategies

Trial offers and consultations available

Pricing starts at £300 per month Website
10

Best for financial sector expertise

Free initial consultation available

Pricing upon request Website

Best HR Consulting Firms London Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best HR consulting firms in London that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a look at each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros & cons to help you find the best one for your needs.

Best for platform-enabled consulting

  • Free trial + demo available
  • From $29/month
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

Deel is a global HR and payroll solution that supports businesses in hiring, managing, and paying workers across multiple countries.

Why I picked Deel: Deel’s approach to consulting is built into its platform, giving you direct access to both expert advice and the tools to act on it.

If you're a London-based company hiring globally or located elsewhere and want to expand into the UK, Deel helps you understand local employment laws, tax regulations, and worker classifications. This makes complex compliance issues more manageable, especially when hiring across borders.

Standout Services: Deel also offers employer of record (EOR) services, assisting you in hiring full-time employees in London without creating a UK entity. You can also get immigration support for international hires and keep all essential paperwork—like contracts, policy files, and employee documents—organized within the platform.

On top of that, features like automated tax submissions and localized compliance tools simplify day-to-day HR management in the UK.

Target industries: Technology, finance, education, healthcare, and manufacturing.

Specialties: Global payroll, compliance management, employer of record, benefits administration, immigration support, and contractor management.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Support for local taxes, benefits, and payroll management
  • Strong emphasis on compliance
  • Good for expanding internationally to or from the UK

Cons:

  • No in-person, face-to-face consulting
  • May have unnecessary services if you don't have global expansion plans

Best HR consultant directory

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $22/user/month

While Breathe HR is well-known for its HR software, it also offers a service that connects small businesses with a UK-wide network of HR consultants who provide practical support in human resources, legal, health and safety, recruitment, and more. It’s not a software platform alone—it’s also a way for small businesses to find hands-on, qualified help through a directory.

Why I picked Breathe HR: I chose Breathe HR because it directly partners with over 170 vetted HR consultants across the UK who specialize in working with small and medium-sized businesses. These partners are trained in HR best practices, and they use Breathe HR’s tools to deliver services like legal advice, health and safety compliance, and payroll support.

Breathe HR focuses on people-centric support areas like onboarding, recruitment, and company culture. You can lean on Breathe’s consultant directory to provide clients with onboarding strategies that boost retention, performance reviews that actually identify high-potential staff, and development programs that tackle skill gaps.

Standout Services: Breathe HR offers support for business communications, where consultants help set up frameworks that improve how teams talk and collaborate. There's also a strong focus on legal and regulatory compliance, ensuring small businesses avoid costly mistakes and stay aligned with UK employment law. 

In addition, Breathe consultants assist in building and maintaining the right contracts and workplace policies to protect both employers and employees.

Target industries: Small businesses, UK SMEs, startups, local service providers, compliance-focused businesses, and people-centric companies.

Specialties: Human resources, legal compliance, health and safety, payroll management, recruitment, and training and development.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Built specifically for UK SMEs, so support is well-targeted
  • Covers a wide range of HR areas
  • Easy to get started with HR help via the partner directory

Cons:

  • Not ideal localized support outside the UK
  • Consultant availability may vary by region

Best for sustainable HR solutions

  • Free HR consultation available
  • Pricing starts at £599 per month

HR Habitat provides bespoke HR solutions, focusing on performance management, redundancy management, and legal compliance for UK SMEs. 

They primarily serve small to medium-sized businesses, offering a full HR department for a fixed monthly fee.

Why I picked HR Habitat: HR Habitat offers affordable HR solutions tailored to your business needs. Their focus on sustainable HR practices ensures compliance with evolving employment laws. 

Their services align HR strategies with your business objectives, making them a standout choice for businesses looking to enhance employee performance.

Standout Services: HR Habitat provides performance management to help you improve team efficiency and align employee goals with business objectives.

Their redundancy management also helps you navigate the complexities of workforce reduction, ensure compliance, and minimize disruption.

Target industries: Retail, hospitality, technology, finance, and manufacturing.

Specialties: Performance management, redundancy management, employment contracts, legal compliance, and employee engagement.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Focus on legal compliance
  • Free employment law help
  • Quick communication
  • Tailored services for SMEs
  • Affordable HR solutions

Cons:

  • No global support
  • Not suitable for large enterprises
  • Potential hidden costs
  • Limited to UK businesses
  • Monthly fee may be high for startups

Best for flexible HR packages

  • Free initial consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

LighterHR offers various HR services, including consultancy, documentation, and employee management. They primarily serve small—to medium-sized businesses and provide tailored HR support that aligns with their clients' unique needs.

Why I picked LighterHR: LighterHR offers flexible HR packages that let you choose the level of support you need. 

Their focus on providing practical and straightforward HR solutions makes them a good fit for businesses seeking adaptability. 

With a range of services from documentation to employee management, they ensure your HR needs are met efficiently.

Standout Services: LighterHR’s on-site HR support provides your team with direct assistance and guidance, addressing issues as they arise and enhancing in-house capabilities. 

Additionally, their HR documentation services help you maintain accurate and compliant employee records, reducing risk and ensuring consistency in HR practices.

Target industries: Retail, hospitality, technology, healthcare, and finance.

Specialties: HR consultancy, employee management, HR documentation, on-site support, and flexible packages.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good for small to medium businesses
  • On-site assistance available
  • Tailored support options
  • Practical HR solutions
  • Flexible HR packages

Cons:

  • No international services
  • Focus on specific sectors
  • May not suit large enterprises
  • Limited to UK-based clients
  • Pricing not publicly listed

Best for recruitment process outsourcing

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

OutThere RPO specializes in recruitment process outsourcing, offering tailored recruitment solutions for businesses across various sectors. Their main client base includes companies seeking efficient and cost-effective recruitment strategies.

Why I picked OutThere RPO: OutThere RPO has expertise in managing end-to-end recruitment processes, which is ideal for businesses looking to optimize hiring. They offer scalable solutions that adapt to your changing needs.

Their focus on reducing recruitment costs while improving candidate quality sets them apart in the RPO market.

Standout Services: OutThere RPO’s talent mapping helps you identify and engage suitable candidates for future roles, ensuring a proactive recruitment strategy. 

Their employer branding also enhances your company's image in the job market, attracting top talent and improving retention rates.

Target industries: Technology, finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.

Specialties: Recruitment process outsourcing, talent mapping, employer branding, candidate engagement, and cost-effective hiring solutions.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Enhances candidate quality
  • Expertise in RPO
  • Cost-effective hiring
  • Scalable services
  • Tailored recruitment solutions

Cons:

  • Limited non-recruitment services
  • Not for global recruitment
  • Focus on specific industries
  • May not suit small businesses
  • Pricing details not public

Best for diversity and inclusion

  • Contact for free consultation
  • Packages start at $195 per month

Lotus HR offers HR consultancy, outsourcing, and training services, focusing on redundancy, diversity and inclusion, performance management, and employment relations. 

The company primarily serves small—to medium-sized businesses across various sectors, providing tailored HR solutions.

Why I picked Lotus HR: Lotus HR’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion helps create an inclusive workplace environment. Their flexible monthly packages make HR support accessible for small businesses.

With expert consultants delivering personalized solutions, they ensure your HR practices align with your organizational goals.

Standout Services: Lotus HR provides remote working support to equip your team with the tools and guidance needed for effective remote operations, ensuring productivity and engagement. 

Their documentation management also offers comprehensive handling of HR documents, reducing administrative burdens and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Target industries: Charities, construction, engineering, healthcare, hospitality, and retail.

Specialties: Redundancy, diversity and inclusion, performance management, employment relations, and employee engagement.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High client retention
  • Expert consultants
  • Personalized service
  • Flexible pricing packages
  • Emphasis on diversity and inclusion

Cons:

  • No global reach
  • Focus on specific industries
  • May not suit large enterprises
  • Limited to UK-based clients
  • Pricing only starts at $240 monthly

Best for compliance-focused services

  • Free consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

BedrockHR offers HR support tailored to startups, education sectors, and charities, focusing on employee management, policy creation, and dispute resolution.

They serve businesses seeking compliance with employment law while enhancing team performance.

Why I picked BedrockHR: BedrockHR focuses on compliance and providing services that ensure your HR practices align with legal standards. 

Their tailored approach allows you to choose between retained or project-based support, offering flexibility to suit your needs. Their expertise in handling HR challenges discreetly makes them a reliable partner for sensitive issues.

Standout Services: BedrockHR provides workplace investigations that thoroughly and discreetly handle sensitive matters to ensure compliance and fair outcomes. 

They also offer employee engagement initiatives to help improve team morale and productivity, making your workplace more effective and enjoyable.

Target industries: Startups, education, charities, small businesses, and nonprofits.

Specialties: Employee management, policy creation, dispute resolution, workplace investigations, and employee engagement.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Reliable and professional
  • Discreet handling of issues
  • Flexible service options
  • Focus on legal compliance
  • Tailored HR support

Cons:

  • Focus on specific sectors only
  • May not suit large enterprises
  • No global service reach
  • Limited to UK clients
  • Pricing details not public

Best for employment law support

  • Free initial consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Neathouse Partners offers HR consultancy and employment law support, focusing on legal compliance and employee management. They cater to businesses of all sizes seeking expert guidance in navigating complex employment regulations.

Why I picked Neathouse Partners: Neathouse Partners delivers a strong focus on employment law support that is invaluable for ensuring compliance with legal standards. They offer tailored HR services that address specific business needs, making them a versatile partner. Their expertise in handling employment disputes helps maintain a harmonious workplace.

Standout Services: Contract management ensures your employment contracts are up-to-date and compliant, reducing legal risks and enhancing clarity. 

Dispute resolution offers expert guidance in managing conflicts, fostering a positive work environment, and minimizing disruptions.

Target industries: Retail, manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and education.

Specialties: Employment law support, employee management, contract management, dispute resolution, and legal compliance.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Focus on compliance
  • Expert dispute resolution
  • Versatile for various business sizes
  • Tailored HR services
  • Strong legal expertise

Cons:

  • No international services
  • Focus on specific industries
  • May not suit large global companies
  • Limited to UK clients
  • Pricing not available online

Best for tailored HR strategies

  • Trial offers and consultations available
  • Pricing starts at £300 per month

Clover HR provides outsourced HR services, consultancy, and on-demand support for small to mid-sized businesses. 

They focus on employee relations, compliance, and business-aligned HR planning.

Why I picked Clover HR: Clover HR can develop tailored HR strategies that meet your specific business needs. 

Their focus on employee relations and performance management helps improve workplace dynamics. By offering strategic planning, they ensure your HR practices support long-term growth.

Standout Services: Clover HR offers recruitment support to help you find candidates who fit your team’s needs and values without wasting time on mismatched hires.

They also provide HR audits that review your current policies and documents so you can spot risks early and stay on top of legal requirements.

Target industries: Retail, manufacturing, education, healthcare, and professional services.

Specialties: Employee relations, performance management, strategic planning, recruitment support, and HR audits.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good for small to medium businesses
  • Personalized service
  • Strategic planning support
  • Strong focus on employee relations
  • Tailored HR strategies

Cons:

  • No global reach
  • Focus on specific industries
  • May not suit large corporations
  • Limited to UK clients
  • Pricing details not available online

Best for financial sector expertise

  • Free initial consultation available
  • Pricing upon request

Moore Kingston Smith provides HR consultancy services tailored to commercial and nonprofit organizations, focusing on outsourced HR support, employee engagement, and leadership development.

They serve a broad client base, including charities, education, healthcare, and technology sectors.

Why I picked Moore Kingston Smith: Moore Kingston Smith’s expertise in the financial sector offers tailored HR support that aligns with your business needs. Their focus on leadership development and employee engagement strategies helps your team thrive.

The collaborative approach they use ensures effective HR solutions that enhance workplace culture.

Standout Services: Moore Kingston Smith offers organizational design to help you structure your team to meet strategic goals and improve efficiency.

They also provide employment law guidance to assist you in navigating complex regulations, ensuring compliance, and minimizing legal risks.

Target industries: Charities, education, healthcare, technology, and finance.

Specialties: Outsourced HR support, employee engagement, leadership development, organizational design, and employment law guidance.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Enhances workplace culture
  • Strong focus on leadership
  • Collaborative approach
  • Expertise in multiple sectors
  • Tailored HR support

Cons:

  • Services may require long-term commitment
  • Focus on UK regulations
  • Limited global reach
  • May not suit very small businesses
  • Pricing details not readily available

Other HR Consulting Firms London

Here are some additional HR consulting firms in London that didn’t make it onto my shortlist but are still worth checking out:

  1. HR Team Services

    For remote team management

  2. Avensure

    For HR outsourcing

  3. Fitzgerald HR

    For small business support

  4. Pace HR

    For rapid response services

  5. The HR Consultancy Ltd

    For small business HR advice

  6. Hunter Adams

    For interim HR management

  7. HR Bridge Consulting

    For cross-border HR support

  8. Disruptive HR

    For innovative HR strategies

  9. HR Revolution

    For startup HR packages

  10. Tell Jane

    For confidential whistleblowing services

What Do HR Consulting Firms London Typically Offer?

HR consulting firms in London are companies that provide specialized human resources services to businesses of all sizes. They might offer things like:

  • HR policy development
  • Compliance and risk management
  • Recruitment and talent acquisition
  • Employee relations and conflict resolution
  • Performance management, training, and development
  • Compensation and benefits planning

Businesses typically seek out HR consulting firms in London to address challenges related to recruitment, managing workforce dynamics, ensuring legal compliance, and enhancing employee performance.

These services are often utilized by HR departments, small business owners, and corporate executives looking to improve their organization's human resources functions.

For firms outside of London, see our selection of the best HR consultancies in the UK.

HR Consulting Firms London Selection Criteria

When selecting the best HR consulting firms in London to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included things like improving employee engagement and ensuring legal compliance. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:

Core Services (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:

  • Employee relations management
  • Recruitment and onboarding
  • HR policy development
  • Performance management
  • Compliance and legal support

Additional Standout Services (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:

  • Diversity and inclusion programs
  • Remote work support
  • HR technology integration
  • Leadership development training
  • Crisis management and response

Industry Experience (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:

  • Years in operation
  • Number of industries served
  • Specialized sector expertise
  • Client case studies
  • Professional certifications

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:

  • Ease of setup
  • Availability of training resources
  • Personalized onboarding plans
  • Speed of implementation
  • Support during transition

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:

  • Availability of support channels
  • Response time to queries
  • Quality of support interactions
  • Availability of dedicated account managers
  • Client feedback on support

Value For Price (10% of total score)
To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:

  • Transparency of pricing
  • Flexibility of service packages
  • Comparison with industry benchmarks
  • Client-reported ROI
  • Hidden fees or additional costs

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall satisfaction ratings
  • Feedback on service quality
  • Comments on reliability
  • Reports on issue resolution
  • Testimonials on business impact

How to Choose an HR Consulting Firm in London

It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
Business ObjectivesEnsure the provider aligns with your strategic goals. For example, if you're focusing on employee retention, look for expertise in engagement and development.
Service Scope and SLAsCheck if the services offered meet your needs and if the service level agreements guarantee timely and effective delivery.
Support AvailabilityFind out if support is available when you need it, such as during peak business hours or emergencies, to ensure uninterrupted HR operations.
Costs and Pricing StructureLook for transparent pricing that fits your budget. Consider whether the provider offers flexible packages that can scale with your business growth.
Communication and ReportingEvaluate how the provider communicates and reports on HR metrics. Regular updates and clear communication channels can help you stay informed and in control.
Industry ExperienceConsider providers with experience in your industry to ensure they understand specific challenges and can offer tailored solutions.
ScalabilityChoose a provider that can grow with your business, offering services that adapt to changing needs and expanding operations.
ReputationResearch client testimonials and reviews to gauge the provider's reliability and effectiveness in delivering promised services. (If industry reputation holds the most weight for you, consider partnering with one of these top HR consulting firms around the world.)

Key Services

When selecting an HR consulting firm in London, keep an eye out for the following key services:

  • Recruitment and talent acquisition: Helps you find and hire the right candidates who fit your company culture and needs.
  • Employee relations management: Addresses workplace conflicts and improves communication between staff and management.
  • HR policy development: Creates clear guidelines and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance in your operations.
  • Performance management: Implements strategies to assess and enhance employee performance and productivity.
  • Compliance and legal support: Provides guidance on employment laws to avoid legal pitfalls and ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Diversity and inclusion programs: Develops initiatives to promote a diverse and inclusive workplace, enhancing team dynamics.
  • Remote work support: Offers tools and strategies to manage and engage remote teams effectively.
  • Leadership development training: Prepares your management team with the skills needed to lead and inspire employees.
  • HR audits: Review existing HR practices to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance.
  • Mediation services: Facilitates conflict resolution within your team, promoting a harmonious and productive work environment.

Benefits of Outsourcing

Partnering with an HR consulting firm in London offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Improved recruitment: Access expertise in finding and hiring the best candidates to fit your company's needs and culture.
  • Enhanced compliance: Get guidance on employment laws to avoid legal issues and ensure your business stays compliant.
  • Effective performance management: Implement strategies that help assess and boost employee performance and productivity.
  • Better employee relations: Address workplace conflicts and improve communication between staff and management.
  • Increased diversity and inclusion: Develop initiatives to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace, enhancing team dynamics.
  • Efficient remote work management: Gain tools and strategies for effectively managing and engaging remote teams.
  • Leadership development: Prepare your management team with the skills needed to lead and inspire employees.

Cost and Pricing Structures

HR consulting firms in London typically come at a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:

  • Retainer-based: Clients pay a monthly fee for ongoing HR support and services.
  • Project-based: Charges are based on a specific project or deliverable, with a one-time fee.
  • Hourly rate: Clients are billed for the actual time spent on their HR needs.
  • Subscription-based: Offers a set of services for a fixed monthly or annual fee.
  • Pay-as-you-go: Clients pay only for the services they use, as needed.

Key Factors That Influence Pricing

Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of HR consulting firms in London:

  • Customization level: The more tailored the services to your specific needs, the higher the cost might be.
  • Industry regulations: Compliance with complex industry standards can increase the cost due to the expertise required.
  • Number of employees: Larger teams may incur higher costs due to increased service demands.
  • Service scope: The breadth of services you require can impact the overall pricing.
  • Contract length: Longer contracts might offer discounted rates compared to shorter, more flexible agreements.

Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.

HR Consulting Firms London: FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about HR consulting firms in London:

How do I choose the right HR consulting firm for my business?

Choosing the right HR consulting firm involves assessing your specific needs and looking for a firm that specializes in those areas. Consider factors like the firm’s industry experience, the range of services offered, and their reputation.

It’s also important to evaluate their pricing structure and ensure it aligns with your budget. Ask for references or case studies to understand their success with similar businesses.

What kind of businesses benefit from HR consulting services?

HR consulting services benefit businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large corporations. Companies without a dedicated HR department often rely on these services to handle compliance, recruitment, and employee management.
Larger businesses may use them for specialized projects, such as implementing new HR policies or managing organizational changes. The key is to align the services with your specific business challenges.

How are HR consulting services typically delivered?

HR consulting services can be delivered in various ways, including on-site support, remote consultations, or a hybrid approach. Some firms offer ongoing retainer-based services, while others provide project-based solutions.
The delivery method often depends on the firm’s capabilities and your business needs. It’s important to discuss and agree on the mode of delivery that suits your operations.

Can HR consulting firms help with compliance issues?

Yes, HR consulting firms are well-equipped to help businesses navigate complex compliance issues.
They provide guidance on employment laws, health and safety regulations, and industry-specific standards.
By working with a consulting firm, you can ensure that your business stays compliant and avoids legal pitfalls. They also offer training and resources to keep your team informed about compliance requirements.

What should I expect during the onboarding process with an HR consulting firm?

During the onboarding process, expect to discuss your business’s specific HR needs and challenges.
The firm will likely conduct an initial assessment to understand your current HR practices.
They may offer recommendations and develop a tailored plan to address your needs. Effective onboarding will involve clear communication and setting expectations for the services to be delivered.

How can HR consulting firms improve employee engagement?

HR consulting firms can improve employee engagement by implementing strategies that foster a positive work environment. They may conduct surveys to gauge employee satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
By providing training and development opportunities, they help employees feel valued and motivated. These firms also assist in developing communication channels and feedback systems to ensure employees’ voices are heard.

What's Next?

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Finn Bartram
By Finn Bartram

Finn is an editor at People Managing People. He's passionate about growing organizations where people are empowered to continuously improve and genuinely enjoy coming to work. If not at his desk, you can find him playing sports or enjoying the great outdoors.