The verdict in three sentences
For a London firm specialising in CFOs, finance directors and financial controllers (180 placements a year), a high-performing website costs GBP 10,000 to 21,000 excl. VAT and is delivered in 8 to 12 weeks. The ATS-connected job feed (GBP 2,600 to 6,000) and expertise pages per function attract passive candidates, the ones who never browse job boards. Roughly speaking, the cost per application is halved compared with paid ads at about GBP 350 each.
The budget for a finance search firm website
An executive search firm's website plays two roles: convincing leadership teams that it knows their market, and making a sitting finance director want to leave their details. The two audiences read different content.
| Item | 2026 range (GBP excl. VAT) | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 15 to 25 page site, editorial design | 5,200 to 9,500 | Firm, method, team, references |
| ATS-connected job feed | 2,600 to 6,000 | Automatic sync, filters by function |
| Expertise pages per function (CFO, FP&A, treasury, group reporting) | 1,300 to 2,600 | 4 to 8 pages with salary bands |
| Application form and CV upload, UK GDPR compliant | 700 to 1,300 | Consent, automatic deletion at 2 years |
| Downloadable salary surveys | 600 to 1,300 | Lead capture for clients and candidates |
| Total project | 10,000 to 21,000 | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Maintenance and hosting | 100 to 220 per month | Updates, security, support |
The ATS connection is the decisive item: without it, jobs are posted by hand and the site goes stale within weeks.
Own website or job boards: the cost per application
Job boards remain useful for volume, but senior finance profiles rarely respond to ads. An expertise-led site, promoted on LinkedIn and indexed by Google for Jobs through structured data, captures part of these candidates at lower cost.
| Channel | 2026 unit cost | Qualified applications per role | Cost per qualified application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generalist job board | GBP 350 per ad | 4 to 6 | GBP 60 to 90 |
| Specialist finance job board | GBP 500 to 800 per ad | 6 to 10 | GBP 70 to 95 |
| Sponsored LinkedIn job | GBP 260 to 700 per role | 3 to 8 | GBP 80 to 105 |
| Firm website with Google for Jobs | Amortised site cost | 5 to 9 | GBP 30 to 45 |
| Direct headhunting | 2 to 4 h of work | 1 to 2 | GBP 130 to 220 |
The site does not replace direct search, but it feeds the candidate database that makes the next assignments easier.
UK GDPR: what the site must provide for CVs
A search firm processes sensitive data: salaries, reasons for leaving, personal contact details. Under UK GDPR and ICO guidance, retention must be justified; most firms set 2 years maximum after last contact. The site needs explicit consent, a clear privacy notice, UK or EU hosting, automatic deletion and an on-demand removal link. These features are cheap at build stage, while retrofitting compliance often costs twice as much.
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Emma, partner at a finance executive search firm in London, posts 220 roles a year on job boards at GBP 350, or GBP 77,000. If the site, supported by Google for Jobs, removes 50% of those paid ads without losing applications, savings reach GBP 38,500 a year. For a GBP 15,500 site and GBP 1,900 of annual maintenance, payback comes in about 6 months.
FAQ
How much does a recruitment firm website cost in London in 2026?
Between GBP 10,000 and 21,000 excl. VAT depending on page count and ATS integration. Maintenance runs GBP 100 to 220 per month.
Which ATS can be connected?
Most ATS platforms expose an API or XML feed. The connection costs GBP 2,600 to 6,000 excl. VAT depending on API quality and filters required.
How long can a CV be kept?
Most UK firms set 2 years maximum after last contact, unless the candidate renews consent. The site can automate deletion and the renewal email.
Will the site appear in Google for Jobs?
Yes, if each role carries JobPosting structured data. Setup takes 1 to 2 days of development.
Should salary bands be published?
Yes, bands per function (for example GBP 150,000 to 220,000 base for a group CFO) attract candidates and show clients you know the market.
Let's scope your project. Expertise site, ATS-connected job feed and UK GDPR compliant CV upload: we quote your site, delivered in 8 to 12 weeks. 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.
