Comparator

Our dedicated team has been providing support to contractors and agencies for over 30 years. We pride ourselves on service and go above and beyond, not only because we care, because we know that payroll is important to the UK’s flexible workforce. Our priority is ensuring you are paid correctly and efficiently. We offer same day faster payments as standard.

We use our expertise to provide a leading umbrella service which is SafeRec Certified and FCSA accredited. We make sure you are up to date with legislation changes and provide the support and knowledge you need to succeed. Our compliant Umbrella service is provided with a low fixed margin enabling contractors to take home as much as possible.

Big Fish Group Limited is a leading UK provider of umbrella PAYE and CIS payroll services, dedicated to serving contractors and recruitment agencies with unwavering reliability. We challenge the traditional stereotype of the sector by combining rigorous professional standards with a genuine passion for what we do. Founded on the principles of authenticity and dedication, we understand that credibility and compliance are the cornerstones of the recruitment industry. For agency partners, from boutique firms to multi-national MSPs, we offer a transparent, "straight-talking" partnership that prioritises your reputation and the welfare of your workforce. While we operate with energy and a personable approach, we never compromise on quality. We are committed to delivering the precise services our partners need, ensuring contractors are paid correctly and on time, every time. Commitment to Compliance

In an industry where regulatory adherence is paramount, Big Fish Group stands as a beacon of trust. We are proud to be FCSA-accredited and SafeRec-certified, ensuring our processes are independently audited and fully compliant with UK tax law and associated legislation. Our accreditations are complemented by our cloud-based payroll compliance portal, Lighthouse. Lighthouse provides our recruitment agency partners and end clients with direct access to and insight into every stage of our payroll process, as well as real-time visibility into our PAYE liability information. Our clients are never left wondering and can rest assured that their supply chain is secure, compliant, and meets the highest standards of integrity.

Big Fish: Not Your Average Umbrella

• Experienced Leadership: Founded and led by a team with over 30 years of combined experience in the payroll and recruitment sector.

• Unrivalled Availability: We understand the demands of the recruitment cycle. We provide exceptional customer service and support that extends beyond the 9-to-5. When we say 24/7, we mean it.

• Comprehensive Service Range: Expert provision of Umbrella PAYE and CIS payroll services tailored to the needs of the modern workforce.

• Reliability & Accuracy: A steadfast commitment to ensuring accurate, on-time payments for contractors, safeguarding agency relationships.

• Client-Centric Culture: A friendly, energetic team that prioritises the things that matter most to our customers, delivering solutions with a personal touch.

Payroll, compliance and onboarding for agencies, MSP's and end hirers, with unique financial wellbeing tools for workers.

Delivered via innovative software that fits seamlessly around your operation; brand your own user experience and configure your onboarding processes.

QPS Group are one of the only umbrella companies to offer full salary contracts, giving contractors stronger financial security and peace of mind. Unlike the usual minimum wage plus commission model, your full pay is guaranteed - meaning maternity, paternity and sick pay are based on your real earnings, not minimum wage. This also boosts your chances with mortgages, loans and insurance policies that rely on proof of stable income. Alongside this, QPS provide full FCSA and SafeRec compliance, plus access to perks and rewards - making sure you’re protected, supported and set up for the future.

Quick and simple telephone or mobile app registration. Same day payments with extended hours payroll. Instant updates via our mobile app making payroll transparent - Invoices, payments, and payslips can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Unbeatable service with extended opening hours and available LiveChat. PayePass and Professional Passport accredited providing the whole supply chain confidence with payroll standards. Access to a range of discounts from high street stores and retail brands such; Tesco, Expedia, Jet2 and many more.

Clockwork Contracting – Precision in Payroll, Excellence in Service

Clockwork Contracting is a proud, certified member of SafeRec—one of the first umbrella companies to achieve this certification. We are committed to continuous improvement, always seeking innovative solutions that elevate industry standards for the benefit of contractors and agencies alike.

Why Choose Clockwork?

Low Contractor Fees – Unlike many competitors, we keep costs fair by forgoing large sales teams, relying instead on the trust and recommendations of our clients and contractors. This means overheads are lower and savings can be passed to our contractors. Seamless Payroll Experience – Our focus is on delivering a smooth, efficient, and hassle-free payroll service from start to finish. Swift Problem Resolution – We understand that errors can be stressful. That’s why we prioritise rapid response times with short SLAs, ensuring that mistakes become swift solutions.

At Clockwork Contracting, we don’t just provide payroll services—we set the standard for reliability, efficiency, and professionalism.

Why should you choose Carrington? Because Carrington cares.

We are not sales driven; we are people driven. In our 20 years of Umbrella service our contractor base has grown largely through personal recommendation as well as a bedrock of contractors who just keep returning for our quality service, and we are therefore without a sales team or a sales pitch. We are committed to transparent, prompt and communicative service. There are no hidden charges; there is support with the complexities of the thorny issues such as holiday pay and expenses. Our company values, objectives and philosophy are a direct reflection of the kind of service culture we want to inspire where everyone involved is driven to create a world-class next-generation workforce. Our service has been shaped to our valuable flexible workforce and we aim to provide unrivalled customer care throughout their employment with us. Simply put we strive to be the best and offer the greatest value to our contractors.

With over 20 years’ experience, our focus on compliance is second to none. We’re renowned for delivering exceptional support and customer service with excellent reviews across Trustpilot and Google. We’re a leading umbrella company and provider of accountancy, tax, candidate screening and international payroll services.

Voted the UK’s Best Umbrella Company in The Contracting Awards multiple times, our award-winning umbrella company supports salary sacrifice contributions into a personal pension plan whilst passing back 100% of the employer NI saving to our contractors.

Since 2005, AZebra Group have delivered expert payroll solutions to contractors and businesses across multiple sectors. Our specialist services cover Umbrella, PEO - fully outsourced employment and CIS payroll models, designed to meet the needs of both contractors and agencies.

We take care of everything, from payroll to statutory compliance, so you don’t have to worry about administration. Our dedicated team provides clear communication and reliable support, making it easy to work with us.

AZebra Group is proudly accredited by the FCSA and SafeRec, demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards of compliance and ethical practice. We also partner with Brabners and Markel Tax, offering expert guidance on complex payroll and employment matters, giving agencies and contractors confidence and peace of mind.

We also invest in your agency and your contractors with exclusive benefits, including 750+ CPD courses, wellbeing & fitness resources and an interactive performance hub - all completely free!

Payments Pro is designed to ensure that you get the most reliable, most efficient, and most rewarding umbrella service on the market. We offer an unparalleled level of worker support and incentives that will help ensure that you never want to leave!