Struggling to find the best payroll partner in London? Let this map and guide simplify your search. If you’re a business owner navigating payroll regulations, taxes, pensions, and compliance in the UK especially in the capital then choosing the right payroll service company is crucial. London’s fast-paced business scene demands reliable, efficient, and tech-savvy payroll partners who can handle everything from RTI submissions to auto-enrolment and accurate employee payments.
To make your search easier, we’ve created an interactive map highlighting the Top 10 Payroll Service Companies in London, backed by expert research, client reviews, and proven performance. From local specialists to global providers, these companies offer tailored solutions for small startups to large enterprises.
Whether you’re switching from in-house processing or upgrading from an outdated system, this guide will help you make an informed choice. Scroll through the map, explore each provider’s profile, and discover which payroll company best fits your business needs.
What Should You Look for in a Payroll Service Company in London?
When evaluating payroll providers, it’s essential to consider more than just the cost. A reliable company should be HMRC-compliant, offer transparent pricing, and support seamless integration with your existing systems.
Technology plays a key role in today’s payroll operations. Many modern businesses in London require cloud-based systems that offer real-time reporting, employee self-service portals, and GDPR-compliant data security. Furthermore, businesses should seek a provider that understands the nuances of the UK payroll system including PAYE, pensions auto-enrolment, and statutory payments and offers customer support that is both responsive and knowledgeable.
Ultimately, the ideal payroll partner should function like an extension of your internal team, helping your business stay compliant and your employees paid on time.
Why Do Small Businesses in London Rely on Payroll Outsourcing?
For small businesses, the resources required to manage payroll efficiently are often lacking. Keeping up with legislation, calculating deductions, and filing reports to HMRC all take significant time and attention time that could otherwise be invested in growth and customer service.
Outsourcing payroll allows small business owners to delegate these tasks to experts who specialise in compliance and accuracy. It also reduces the risk of costly errors, such as late filings or incorrect tax deductions, which can lead to penalties. Furthermore, outsourcing eliminates the need to hire an internal payroll professional, lowering overhead costs and improving operational efficiency.
This strategic approach frees up capacity for business owners and managers, allowing them to focus on scaling their operations and enhancing customer experience.
Which Are the Top 10 Payroll Service Companies in London?
1. Moorepay – “Payroll and HR made simple for UK SMEs”
Moorepay is a leading provider of payroll services in London, trusted by thousands of small and medium-sized businesses for its cloud-based managed payroll and HR solutions. The company helps you automate PAYE processing, manage pensions, and stay compliant with UK legislation while reducing administrative workload.
With an easy-to-use platform and dedicated payroll experts, Moorepay ensures accuracy in every pay cycle and supports your business as it grows, making it a reliable long-term payroll partner.
Expertise
Integrated payroll and HR solutions for growing UK businesses.
Ideal For
SMEs looking for a complete people management and payroll partner.
Pricing: Personalised plans; HRMS module from ~£1.90 per user/month
- Website: https://www.moorepay.co.uk
- Phone: 0345 184 4615
- Address: 64 baker street london W1U 7EB
- Email: Via website contact form
2. ADP UK – “Global payroll power with local expertise”
ADP UK is a global payroll leader offering highly scalable solutions for London businesses with complex needs. The company delivers advanced automation, accurate RTI submissions, and secure payroll processing while integrating payroll with HR and workforce management systems.
With strong data security and international reach, ADP helps you manage both UK and global payroll operations efficiently, making it a trusted choice for organisations seeking enterprise-grade reliability.
Capability
Enterprise payroll with automation and global reach.
Recommended For
Mid to large companies with complex or international payroll needs.
Pricing: From ~£50 per run; fixed plans £200–£1,000+ per month
- Website: https://uk.adp.com
- Phone: 0800 1707 677
- Address: 102-116 Windmill Rd, London, Essex CR0 2XQ, GB
- Email: contact form
3. PayCheck Limited – “Personal payroll with professional care”
PayCheck Limited provides fully managed payroll and pension services for SMEs across London, supporting businesses with workforces ranging from a single employee to several thousand.
The company focuses on accuracy, HMRC compliance, and personalised service, giving you dedicated support to handle PAYE, auto-enrolment, and reporting while building long-term relationships that ensure your payroll runs smoothly every month.
Focus
Managed payroll and pension administration.
Perfect For
Businesses wanting personalised payroll support.
Pricing: Bespoke pricing based on workforce size and needs
- Website: https://www.paycheck.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0) 20 7866 4600
- Address: First Floor, Battersea Studios, 2 82 Silverthorne Rd, Nine Elms, London SW8 3HE
- Email: Contact Form
4. PayFit – “Smart payroll for modern businesses”
PayFit is a cloud-native payroll provider designed for small and growing London businesses that want automation and simplicity. The platform delivers real-time payroll updates, automatic compliance with UK regulations, and integrated HR tools for managing leave and employee records, helping you reduce errors and run payroll efficiently even without specialist knowledge.
Strength
Cloud automation with real-time payroll and HR tools.
Great For
Startups and small teams wanting easy digital payroll.
Pricing: From ~£34/month; Standard ~£65/month; Premium ~£126/month
- Website: https://www.payfit.com
- Address: 27-31 Clerkenwell Close, London EC1R 0AT
- Email: legal@payfit.com
5. IRIS Payroll – “Trusted payroll expertise for UK industries”
IRIS Payroll is a well-established provider offering flexible payroll solutions for SMEs, accountants, and industry-specific needs such as CIS in construction. The company combines robust software with managed services to ensure accurate processing, HMRC compliance, and sector-focused support, making it a dependable choice for businesses requiring tailored payroll expertise.
Specialism
Industry-focused payroll with CIS capabilities.
Best Match
SMEs and accountants needing tailored payroll.
Pricing: Custom quotes; software from ~£1.25 per employee
- Website: https://www.iris.co.uk
- Phone: 0344 815 5676
- Address: Heathrow House, Bath Rd, Hounslow TW5 9AT
- Email: sales@iris.co.uk
6. Sage Payroll – “Payroll software backed by a UK icon”
Sage Payroll is part of the trusted Sage ecosystem, delivering reliable payroll solutions for UK SMEs who value simplicity and integration with accounting software. The platform supports digital payslips, automatic updates for HMRC changes, and seamless links to Sage accounting tools, helping you manage payroll accurately within a familiar business environment.
Advantage
Seamless payroll within Sage accounting systems.
Ideal User
SMEs already using Sage products.
Pricing: From ~£7 per employee/month
- Website: https://www.sage.com
- Phone: +44 800 923 0344
- Address: The Shard, 32 London Bridge Street London SE1 9SG
7. SD Worx – “European payroll with enterprise strength”
SD Worx is a major European payroll and HR provider offering comprehensive services to London businesses operating across borders. The company delivers multi-country payroll coordination, workforce management platforms, and compliance support, enabling you to manage complex European payroll requirements through one unified system.
Expertise Area
Multi-country European payroll solutions.
Best Fit
Businesses with operations across Europe.
Pricing: Bespoke based on service scope
- Website: https://www.sdworx.co.uk
- Phone: +44 800 048 2737
- Address: 16 St John’s Ln, London, EC1M 4BS
- Email: info.uk@sdworx.com
8. MHR (People First) – “Precision payroll for data-driven teams”
MHR delivers payroll and HR solutions focused on accuracy and workforce insights for medium to large organisations. With a 99.98% accuracy guarantee, advanced analytics, and integrated people management tools, MHR helps you control payroll costs, maintain compliance, and make informed decisions about your workforce.
Core Strength
High-accuracy payroll with analytics.
Recommended Choice
Medium to large businesses needing insight-driven payroll.
Pricing: Estimated £200–£1,000+ per month
- Website: https://www.mhrglobal.com
- Phone: 0115 945 6000
- Address: Century House, 1 The Lakes, Northampton, England, NN4 7HD
- Email: info@mhrglobal.com
9. TopSource Worldwide – “Global payroll made affordable”
TopSource Worldwide specialises in international payroll and Employer of Record services for UK businesses expanding overseas. The company supports compliance across multiple countries while keeping costs manageable, allowing you to hire and pay global teams confidently without building complex internal payroll structures.
Key Offering
International payroll and EOR services.
Suited For
SMEs expanding globally.
Pricing: Personalised quotes
- Website: https://www.topsourceworldwide.com
- Phone: +44 (0)203 137 0217
- Address: 71-75 Shelton St, London WC2H 9JQ
- Email: Contact Form
10. Direct Payroll Services Ltd – “Local payroll experts you can trust”
Direct Payroll Services Ltd is a London-based provider focused on delivering accurate and dependable payroll for small and medium-sized businesses.
The company manages RTI submissions, pensions, and UK tax obligations with a hands-on approach, offering personal support and cost-effective solutions that make it a trusted local payroll partner.
Main Service
Managed payroll with RTI and pension support.
Best For
London SMEs wanting local, personalised service.
Pricing: Fixed-fee packages on request
- Website: https://www.directpayrollservices.co.uk
- Phone: 020 7403 0150
- Address: 16 Crosby Rd, London SE1 3XJ
- Email: info@directpayrollservices.co.uk
How Can Outsourcing Payroll Improve Your Business Operations?
Outsourcing payroll can significantly enhance your business’s internal processes. By transferring the responsibility of payroll to a trusted provider, businesses eliminate repetitive administrative tasks, gain access to specialised expertise, and reduce the chances of errors that could lead to penalties or disputes.
Additionally, most payroll providers offer detailed reporting tools and dashboards that give business owners better visibility into payroll expenses and employee data.
This supports strategic decision-making and allows managers to plan more effectively. The streamlined processes and peace of mind that come with professional payroll handling can contribute to higher overall productivity and employee satisfaction.
Are Cloud-Based Payroll Systems a Smarter Option for Modern Businesses?
Cloud-based payroll systems offer the flexibility and accessibility that modern businesses increasingly require. These platforms enable you to manage payroll from anywhere with internet access, making them ideal for remote teams and hybrid work models.
Security is another key advantage. With built-in encryption, secure backups, and regular updates, cloud-based platforms help protect sensitive employee information while staying compliant with GDPR and HMRC regulations. Most providers also offer employee self-service portals, allowing staff to view payslips, update personal details, and access tax documents at their convenience.
These systems are scalable, easy to integrate with accounting and HR software, and reduce the administrative burden typically associated with traditional payroll methods.
What Costs Are Involved in Hiring Payroll Services in London?
Payroll service costs vary depending on the size of your team, the complexity of your payroll needs, and the range of services provided. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect to pay in London:
| Business Size | Average Monthly Cost | What’s Included |
| Sole Trader | £15–£30 | Payslips, RTI submissions, PAYE, year-end filing |
| Small Business (1–10 employees) | £50–£100+ | RTI, auto-enrolment, reporting, support |
| Medium Business (10–50 employees) | £150–£300+ | Full service with compliance checks and reporting |
| Larger Business (50+ employees) | Custom pricing | Bespoke payroll, HR integration, audit support |
Be sure to ask for a breakdown of costs to avoid hidden fees related to setup, support, or year-end filings.
Can Payroll Services Handle HR, Pensions, and Compliance Tasks?
Many payroll service providers now offer bundled solutions that go beyond basic salary processing. These packages often include HR support, employee onboarding tools, auto-enrolment pensions, and compliance audits.
By managing these processes together, providers help streamline HR workflows, ensure consistency across employee records, and improve compliance with UK employment law. Some even offer employee portals where staff can manage leave requests, view contracts, or access workplace documents all from one central platform.
This integration not only simplifies operations but also enhances the employee experience.
What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Payroll Company?
One of the most common mistakes businesses make is selecting a provider based solely on price. While cost is important, the cheapest option may not always deliver the features or support needed for effective payroll management.
Another mistake is overlooking data security and compliance. Make sure the provider is GDPR-compliant and has clear policies for data storage, access, and breach prevention. It’s also risky to work with a provider that lacks system integration, especially if you rely on tools like Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage.
Lastly, insufficient customer support can turn a payroll issue into a full-blown crisis. Always check response times and the availability of account managers before making your decision.
What’s the Right Time to Switch Your Payroll Provider?
Businesses should consider switching providers when their current system no longer meets their needs. Common triggers include frequent payroll errors, poor customer support, or limited functionality that doesn’t scale with business growth.
Switching is less disruptive than many expect. Most modern payroll companies offer migration support, data transfer tools, and onboarding specialists to help you transition smoothly. The ideal time to make a switch is at the end of a financial quarter or before the start of a new tax year, as this minimises complications with reporting and submissions.
Conclusion
Selecting the right payroll service provider in London is more than a convenience it’s a strategic decision that can protect your business from compliance risks, improve efficiency, and enhance employee satisfaction. With so many professional options available, you don’t have to manage payroll alone.
Whether you’re a small business or a growing enterprise, investing in a trusted provider ensures peace of mind and frees you to focus on growth. The top 10 companies listed above represent the best of what London has to offer, combining technology, expertise, and service to meet the needs of modern businesses.
FAQs About Payroll Service Companies in London
What is the main advantage of outsourcing payroll in the UK?
The biggest advantage is compliance. Outsourcing ensures accurate submissions to HMRC, reduces penalties, and frees up internal resources.
Is it better to use a local payroll provider in London?
Yes, local providers often understand regional regulations, employment trends, and offer more personalised support for London-based businesses.
How quickly can a business get started with a payroll service?
Most providers can onboard new clients in one to two weeks, depending on data availability and system compatibility.
Are payroll services only for large businesses?
Not at all. Many payroll providers offer plans tailored to freelancers, sole traders, and small teams starting with just one employee.
Can I switch payroll providers mid-year?
Yes, switching mid-year is possible. The new provider will coordinate with your current system to transfer historical data accurately.
Will my employees still get payslips and tax documents?
Absolutely. Providers issue digital or printed payslips and prepare all necessary year-end tax documents, including P60s and P45s.
How do I ensure data is safe with a payroll service?
Choose providers that are GDPR-compliant, have ISO certifications, and use encryption and secure cloud-based platforms for data storage.