The verdict in three sentences
For a corporate group website, the digital agency excels at design, brand and experience (day rate 550-900 GBP, project 30 000-55 000 GBP), while the software house dominates on IT, ERP and SSO integration (day rate 500-850 GBP, project 40 000-70 000 GBP). The right choice depends on the project's centre of gravity: brand showcase or portal integrated into the information system. A 12-16 week timeline agency-side versus 16-24 weeks software-house-side reflects this difference in technical complexity.
Two models, two strengths
The CIO must identify where the main risk lies: aesthetics and conversion, or integration and security. The table below contrasts the two profiles on the criteria that matter for a group.
| Criterion | Digital agency | Software house |
|---|---|---|
| Day rate 2026 | 550 - 900 GBP | 500 - 850 GBP |
| Project budget | 30 000 - 55 000 GBP | 40 000 - 70 000 GBP |
| Timeline | 12 - 16 wks | 16 - 24 wks |
| Main strength | UX, brand, content | ERP/SSO integration |
| CMS / headless | Excellent | Good to excellent |
| IT integration | Limited | Strong |
| Maintenance | 1 000 - 2 000 GBP/mo | 1 200 - 2 200 GBP/mo |
An agency often bills a higher day rate but delivers faster on editorial scope; a software house amortises its complexity over heavy integrations (AD directory, SAML SSO, ERP connector).
Strengths, risks and integrations
The choice comes down to the risk profile. Here is a synthetic reading of each model's strengths and watch points for a multi-subsidiary group.
| Dimension | Agency: strength / risk | Software house: strength / risk |
|---|---|---|
| Design & brand | Strong strength / - | Medium / sometimes subcontracted |
| ERP/SSO integration | Risk: subcontracting | Strong strength / - |
| Content governance | Strength / - | Good / less specialised |
| Multi-site scalability | Good / - | Strong strength / - |
| 3-year total cost | Controlled / - | High / possible overruns |
For a group whose site must connect to the internal directory, a CRM and SSO, the software house reduces integration risk. For a group betting on image and recruitment, the agency maximises brand impact.
Mini case study
James, CIO of a London group with 4 subsidiaries, is undecided. The site must connect to SSO (Azure AD) and display a partner area. Agency option: 44 000 GBP + 6 000 GBP SSO subcontracting = 50 000 GBP, 14 weeks. Software house option: 58 000 GBP SSO included, 20 weeks. Over 3 years, agency maintenance 1 500 GBP/month vs software house 1 900 GBP/month. The total ownership gap reaches about 28 400 GBP in the agency's favour, but James picks the software house: SSO criticality and IT maintenance justify the premium and the timeline.
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FAQ
Agency or software house for a corporate site: how to decide?
Ask which risk dominates. If it is brand and content, the agency; if it is IT integration (ERP, SSO, directory), the software house. For mixed projects, an agency + software house duo is common.
What day rate to expect in 2026?
Digital agency: 550 to 900 GBP depending on seniority and city. Software house: 500 to 850 GBP. Expert profiles (architect, lead dev) sit at the top of the range in both cases.
Why is the software house often slower?
IT integrations (SAML SSO, ERP connectors, security testing) add 4 to 8 weeks. That is the price of a portal genuinely connected to the information system.
Can you combine agency and software house?
Yes, and it is common for groups: the agency leads design and CMS, the software house handles integrations. A client-side project manager is then needed to coordinate the lots.
What maintenance budget should we plan?
Agency maintenance 1 000 to 2 000 GBP/month, software house 1 200 to 2 200 GBP/month. The software house charges more for critical integration maintenance but guarantees availability.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your integration needs (SSO, ERP, CRM) and your brand priority, and we will steer you to the safer model and price both scenarios. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.