In a competitive talent acquisition market, companies may initially choose to handle recruitment internally, aiming to save costs and maintain control. However, this approach can lead to prolonged vacancies, increased workload, and missed opportunities. Here’s why saying “no agencies” might not be the best strategy for your recruitment efforts.
Time and Resource Efficiency
Recruiting the right candidate is time-consuming. From crafting job descriptions to screening CVs and conducting interviews, the process can drain internal resources. The average time to fill a vacancy in the UK is 42 days. At Bond Williams, we streamline this process using our expertise and networks, allowing your team to focus on core business activities.
Access to a Wider Talent Pool
We have access to extensive databases and passive candidates – those not actively job hunting but open to the right opportunity. This is crucial in a market where 37% of UK employers report “hard to fill” vacancies.
Expertise and Market Knowledge
As specialist recruiters, we offer deep market insights, including salary benchmarks and hiring trends. For example, the UK recruitment market is valued at £141 billion, contributing £43 billion to the economy annually. Our knowledge ensures your offers are competitive and aligned with market expectations.
Quality Over Quantity
Posting a job repeatedly may increase applications but not necessarily quality. We focus on delivering a curated shortlist of thoroughly vetted candidates, saving you time and increasing the likelihood of a successful hire.
Mitigating Hiring Risks
With 95% of UK businesses admitting to making at least one bad hire annually, the risks are real. We manage these risks by maintaining close relationships with candidates and understanding their motivations, reducing last-minute dropouts and counteroffer issues.
Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run
While internal hiring may seem cheaper, the average cost of hiring an employee in the UK is £6,125, and a bad hire at manager level can cost up to £132,000. Our services help avoid these hidden costs by ensuring faster, more accurate placements.
Specialised Recruitment Strategies
At Bond Williams, we go beyond job adverts. We use in-house databases, social media, vast professional networks, headhunting, and talent mapping to ensure no stone is left unturned.
Avoid Over-Promise and Under-Deliver
Generalist agencies may offer low fees but often fail to deliver. At Bond Williams, we’re not the cheapest but we are specialists who consistently deliver results.
Real-World Success Stories
We’ve seen clients spend up to 18 months trying to recruit independently, only to turn to us and fill the role within weeks. One client struggled for six months to hire a Finance Director. After partnering with us, we filled the role swiftly and efficiently saving them time, money, and stress.
The Bigger Picture
- 59% of UK businesses use recruitment agencies.
- There are over 1.4 million active job postings in the UK.
- Skill shortages cost UK businesses £6.6 billion annually.
- The unemployment rate stands at 4.6%, while economic inactivity is at 21.3%.
Are You Ready to Rethink Your Recruitment Strategy?
If you’re on your second round of advertising and still not getting the response you need, it’s time to consider a smarter approach.
Partner with Bond Williams, trusted recruitment specialists and let’s find the right candidate together.



