10 Best HR Consulting Firms London Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best services providers from the 20 we reviewed.
Get free help from our service advisors to find your match.
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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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 demo available | Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people | Website | |
2 | Best for HR outsourcing | Free initial consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
3 | Best for flexible HR packages | Free initial consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
4 | Best for rapid response services | Free initial consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
5 | Best for compliance-focused services | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
6 | Best for tailored HR strategies | Trial offers and consultations available | Pricing starts at £300 per month | Website | |
7 | Best for financial sector expertise | Free initial consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
8 | Best for small business support | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
9 | Best for sustainable HR solutions | Free HR consultation available | Pricing starts at £599 per month | Website | |
10 | Best for employment law support | Free initial consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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HiThrive
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Guru
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Absorb LMS
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
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.
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
Avensure provides HR outsourcing and employment law services, focusing on compliance and risk management.
They serve small—to medium-sized businesses that need expert HR support without the overhead of an in-house team.
I picked Avensure: Avensure offers HR outsourcing services ideal for maintaining compliance and managing risk effectively.
Their focus on providing tailored support helps you easily navigate complex employment laws.
With their expertise, you can handle HR issues efficiently, allowing you to focus on core business activities.
Standout Services: Avensure’s health and safety management ensures your workplace complies with regulations, reduces risks, and promotes a safe environment.
Moreover, their HR audits provide a comprehensive review of your HR practices, identifying areas for improvement and ensuring compliance with current laws.
Target industries: Retail, hospitality, construction, healthcare, and education.
Specialties: HR outsourcing, employment law, compliance, risk management, and health and safety.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good for small to medium businesses
- Efficient risk management
- Expertise in employment law
- Tailored HR support
- Focus on compliance
Cons:
- No international reach
- Focus on specific sectors
- May not suit large enterprises
- Limited to UK-based clients
- Pricing not readily available
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
Pace HR offers HR consultancy services with a focus on employee relations, compliance, and training. They cater to small and medium-sized businesses seeking prompt and effective HR support.
Why I picked Pace HR: Pace HR excels in rapid response services, ensuring your HR issues are addressed quickly and efficiently. Their expertise in compliance helps you navigate complex regulations with ease.
Standout Services: Pace HR’s HR policy development provides your business with clear guidelines and procedures, ensuring consistency and compliance across your operations.
Additionally, their mediation services help resolve conflicts within your team, promoting a harmonious work environment and reducing potential disruptions.
Target industries: Retail, education, healthcare, finance, and technology.
Specialties: Employee relations, compliance, training, HR policy development, and mediation services.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good for small to medium businesses
- Tailored training programs
- Effective mediation services
- Strong compliance focus
- Fast response to HR issues
Cons:
- No international services
- Focus on specific industries
- May not suit large enterprises
- Limited to UK clients
- Pricing details not available online
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
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
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
Fitzgerald HR offers a full suite of HR consultancy services, including outsourcing, talent planning, and employee relations.
They primarily serve small—to medium-sized businesses and focus on aligning HR strategies with unique business goals.
Why I picked Fitzgerald HR: Fitzgerald HR’s tailored HR solutions are ideal for small businesses needing personalized support.
They integrate closely with your team, offering responsive services that address specific HR challenges. Their focus on alignment with your business culture makes them a strong partner for enhancing your HR functions.
Standout Services: Fitzgerald HR offers learning and development programs to help your team acquire new skills and improve performance.
They also provide organizational development to support your business in structuring effectively to meet strategic goals and adapt to change.
Target industries: Retail, healthcare, education, technology, and professional services.
Specialties: HR outsourcing, talent planning, employee relations, learning and development, and organizational development.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports small businesses effectively
- Strong focus on culture alignment
- Responsive service
- Close integration with your team
- Personalized HR solutions
Cons:
- Focus on specific industries only
- Services may require a long-term commitment
- May not suit large enterprises
- Limited to UK-based clients
- Pricing details not readily available
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
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
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:
- HR Team Services
For remote team management
- OutThere RPO
For recruitment process outsourcing
- Lotus HR
For diversity and inclusion
- The HR Consultancy Ltd
For small business HR advice
- HR Bridge Consulting
For cross-border HR support
- HR Revolution
For startup HR packages
- Disruptive HR
For innovative HR strategies
- Tell Jane
For confidential whistleblowing services
- Sarah Smith HR Consultancy
For public sector HR solutions
- Hunter Adams
For interim HR management
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:
Factor | What to Consider |
Business Objectives | Ensure 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 SLAs | Check if the services offered meet your needs and if the service level agreements guarantee timely and effective delivery. |
Support Availability | Find 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 Structure | Look for transparent pricing that fits your budget. Consider whether the provider offers flexible packages that can scale with your business growth. |
Communication and Reporting | Evaluate how the provider communicates and reports on HR metrics. Regular updates and clear communication channels can help you stay informed and in control. |
Industry Experience | Consider providers with experience in your industry to ensure they understand specific challenges and can offer tailored solutions. |
Scalability | Choose a provider that can grow with your business, offering services that adapt to changing needs and expanding operations. |
Reputation | Research client testimonials and reviews to gauge the provider's reliability and effectiveness in delivering promised services. |
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?
What kind of businesses benefit from HR consulting services?
How are HR consulting services typically delivered?
Can HR consulting firms help with compliance issues?
What should I expect during the onboarding process with an HR consulting firm?
How can HR consulting firms improve employee engagement?
What's Next?
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