As part of our ongoing efforts to recognise the top payroll providers across the UK, we are excited to announce the 2024 winners for East Anglia. This regional set of awards highlights the payroll firms that have excelled in delivering tailored services to businesses and individuals in this part of the country. With a focus on service quality, expertise, and client satisfaction, we have identified the top providers across key categories.
As part of our comprehensive review process, we examined over 100 payroll providers across East Anglia to identify those offering the highest level of service and expertise. These winners represent the best East Anglia has to offer, with each demonstrating exceptional performance in their respective fields. Here’s why they’ve been chosen as the best payroll providers for 2024 in East Anglia.
Best payroll provider for SMEs
Winner: Scrutton Bland
Locations: Ipswich, Colchester and Bury St Edmunds
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need a payroll provider that understands the unique challenges faced by growing businesses. Scrutton Bland stood out in this category due to its tailored approach to meeting the specific needs of SMEs in East Anglia. Offering a flexible service that scales with the business, they provide everything from payroll processing to compliance with ever-changing tax regulations.
What sets Scrutton Bland apart is their comprehensive service, which goes beyond just payroll processing. Their expert advisors ensure that businesses stay compliant with the latest employment law, reducing administrative burden and freeing up time for SMEs to focus on growth. Their focus on personal service, coupled with a deep understanding of the SME landscape, makes them the clear choice for this category.
Best payroll provider for startups
Winner: LB Group
Locations: Stratford, Ipswich, Colchester, Chelmsford
Startups require a payroll provider that can deliver high-quality service without the complexity and cost typically associated with larger payroll firms. LB Group has consistently demonstrated its ability to meet the payroll needs of early-stage businesses, offering bespoke solutions that are both affordable and scalable.
LB Group’s innovative approach to payroll is particularly beneficial for startups, which often need a high level of support as they navigate the intricacies of employment law and financial obligations. Their easy-to-use online platform, combined with personalised support from a dedicated team, ensures that startups can handle payroll efficiently while focusing on their core business goals. This balance of cost-effectiveness and expert support made LB Group our top pick for this category.
Best payroll provider for freelancers and sole traders
Winner: Aston Shaw
Locations: Cambridge, Dereham, Great Yarmouth, Ipswich, Kings Lynn, Norwich
Freelancers and sole traders have different payroll needs compared to larger organisations. Aston Shaw excels in providing personalised and streamlined payroll services to these individuals, offering a cost-effective solution without compromising on quality.
Their flexible payroll options are designed with the specific needs of self-employed professionals in mind, helping freelancers and sole traders stay on top of tax deadlines and National Insurance contributions, while ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations. Aston Shaw’s reputation for responsive, reliable service and its ability to simplify complex payroll processes make it the best choice for freelancers and sole traders across East Anglia.
Best payroll provider for charities and non-profits
Winner: CBR Business Solutions
Location: Norwich
Charities and non-profits face unique payroll challenges, often working with tight budgets and a mixture of paid staff, volunteers, and grant-funded roles. CBR Business Solutions has proven itself to be a leader in providing payroll services that meet the specific needs of the charity sector. They understand the complexities of non-profit payroll management, from dealing with Gift Aid and HMRC reporting to handling pension contributions and statutory obligations.
What sets CBR Business Solutions apart is their tailored approach for charities, offering flexible and cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality. Their in-depth understanding of charity operations allows them to offer guidance on compliance issues specific to the non-profit sector, ensuring that organisations remain on top of their financial obligations while freeing up resources to focus on their core mission.
Best payroll provider for breadth of expertise
Winner: Streets Chartered Accountants
Locations: Cambridge, Colchester, Newmarket, Mersea
Streets Chartered Accountants won the award for best breadth of expertise due to its extensive knowledge and experience across a wide range of sectors. Their team of payroll experts can handle everything from simple payroll services to more complex payroll needs, such as auto-enrolment, pensions, and international payroll management.
Their ability to provide a broad range of payroll services, combined with their in-depth understanding of sector-specific requirements, allows Streets Chartered Accountants to deliver a highly tailored service to businesses of all sizes. Their commitment to providing up-to-date advice, coupled with their vast industry experience, makes them an invaluable resource for any business looking for a comprehensive payroll solution.
Theresa Waddingham, Payroll, Partner at Streets, said:
“We pride ourselves on ensuring our team are well trained and well versed in all aspects of payroll compliance and advice to meet and support the needs of our clients whether they employ a large workforce or a handful of employees. We are therefore delighted to receive the accolade and recognition as being the ‘best payroll provider for expertise”.
Special award for length of service
Winner: Whitings LLP
Locations: Bury St Edmunds, Ely, Kings Lynn, March, Mildenhall, Peterborough, Ramsey, St Ives, St Neots, Wisbech
Established in 1928, Whitings LLP has built a legacy of trust and excellence in payroll services. With nearly a century of experience, they are the clear winner for best payroll provider for length of service. Over the decades, they have developed an unparalleled understanding of the payroll industry, adapting to changing regulations and technological advancements.
What truly sets Whitings LLP apart is their commitment to long-term client relationships, many of which span generations. Their ability to evolve while maintaining a high level of service is a testament to their expertise and dedication. Whitings LLP is the go-to choice for businesses seeking a payroll provider with a proven track record of reliability and excellence over many decades.
Our ranking criteria – How we selected the best payroll providers in East Anglia
The selection process for the Best Payroll Providers in East Anglia was thorough and based on several key factors to ensure that only the best payroll firms were recognised. Each provider was evaluated against the following criteria:
- Service quality and client satisfaction
We placed significant emphasis on feedback from clients, looking for payroll providers that consistently deliver high levels of customer service. Testimonials, online reviews, and client retention rates were all considered to gauge overall satisfaction. - Expertise and specialisation
Each provider’s depth of expertise in payroll management was carefully assessed. We examined whether they offer tailored solutions for different business types, from startups and SMEs to freelancers and large enterprises. The winners demonstrated a strong ability to meet the unique needs of their target markets. - Compliance and regulatory knowledge
Payroll is a complex area, subject to regular changes in tax laws and employment regulations. We prioritised providers who are known for staying ahead of regulatory changes and helping clients maintain full compliance with HMRC requirements. - Technological innovation
In an increasingly digital world, we looked for payroll providers that utilise modern, user-friendly technology. Those offering cloud-based platforms, self-service options, and automated payroll processing were scored highly for making payroll management more efficient and accessible for clients. - Cost-effectiveness
While service quality was paramount, we also considered cost-effectiveness, particularly for categories such as SMEs, startups, and freelancers. Providers offering transparent pricing and scalable solutions that represent good value for money were recognised. - Longevity and reputation
For categories such as “length of service,” we considered each provider’s history and track record of success. Longevity in the industry often indicates a strong reputation and deep experience, and this was factored into our decision-making.
By applying these criteria, we were able to identify payroll providers that not only excel in their specific categories but also offer outstanding service and expertise to their clients. These firms represent the best payroll solutions available in East Anglia for 2024.