Comparator

Over 30+ years of UK contractor and agency expertise with a strong compliance heritage as founding members of FCSA holding certifications for all 3 services (umbrella, PSC and CIS). Brookson offers comprehensive solutions, personal service, and expert guidance through every industry challenge. We offer regulated financial services, accountancy services, outsourced payroll, back office and legal services underpinned by technology to support your business and contractors. Brookson is your business partner, not just another umbrella company.

With over 20 years of experience, Parasol has grown from providing umbrella payroll services to offering comprehensive employment and payroll solutions. During this time, we’ve supported more than 250,000 professionals and partnered with over 3,000 recruitment agencies and end clients.

We understand the critical priorities for your candidates, clients, and agency: exceptional support, on-time payments, and full compliance with HMRC regulations. These are at the heart of everything we do and are reflected in the loyalty of professionals who choose us year after year, as well as our long-standing partnerships with some of the most recognised names in recruitment. As a founding member of the FCSA and a company created by a contractor for contractors, Parasol makes getting paid simple for the agile workforce. Since our launch in 2000, our goal has been to empower contractors to maximise their careers by offering complete peace of mind through accurate, compliant, and reliable payroll services.

Speedy Onboarding

Getting started is simple. Agencies provide basic details and terms; contractors complete a quick Right to Work check via Trust ID (just three minutes). We handle all paperwork and contracts for a smooth process.

Compliance-First

As an FCSA founding member, we set the gold standard in UK tax, employment, and regulatory compliance—giving agencies and contractors complete peace of mind.

Security & Stability

We safeguard your data with Cyber Essentials Plus certification and maintain strong financial stability to ensure uninterrupted payroll services.

Trusted Guidance

Our expert teams offer tailored support, onboarding assistance, and training workshops—the largest agency and employee support network in the sector.

I4 have been in operation since 2005 and have partnered with over 10,000 businesses and paid over 35,000 contractors. Our services offer temporary workers and freelancers an opportunity to retain the correct amount of their hard-earned cash, without any of the overheads or risks of running their own companies or falling foul of IR35 legislation. i4 will look after the calculation, deduction and payment of all statutory payments for you. Get organised on the go with innovative and convenient solutions that free up your time to focus on doing what you do best. We have recently partnered up with ANDREW NOLAN MORTGAGES LTD to help contractors secure mortgages as it can prove difficult.

With 26 years of payroll expertise, Sterling Solutions delivers compliant, efficient, and contractor-friendly service.

Why Contractors Choose Sterling • Pension Flexibility – Pay into a pension of your choice, not just the workplace scheme. • Fast, Easy Onboarding – Includes tailored payslip illustrations. • Expense Claims – Mileage reimbursement available (subject to assessment). • Comprehensive Insurance Cover – Personal Accident, Employers & Public Liability. • Optional Professional Indemnity Insurance • Holiday Pay – Paid upfront. • Sterling App – Manage your employment and payments on the go. • UKMC Mortgage Advice – Free, expert guidance. • VeriPAYE Audited Payslips – Every payment checked for accuracy. • Sterling Rewards – Discounts on shopping, travel, entertainment & more. • Medicash Health Plans – Support for everyday healthcare costs.

Ovio is the workforce partner that gets it. We support recruitment agencies, contractors and UK businesses with fully compliant payroll, workforce engagement solutions and funding, all delivered with a human touch.

Ovio was created to challenge the ordinary, to put people first, cut through complexity, and bring trust back to workforce solutions. We’re not just here to process payroll (thats the easy bit). We’re here to build something better: a company driven by values, fuelled by excellence, and united by a single rhythm.

Our platform, myOvio, is your visibility engine. We monitor contractor status, onboarding compliance, client approvals, payroll checks and supply chain health in real time. It’s everything you need to keep your staffing compliant, audit-ready, and confidence-fuelled.

NWM has industry heritage, being at the forefront of the Umbrella Payroll industry for 27 years with over £1bn in wages successfully paid to date and achieving No.32 in the UK Fast-Track 100. Our senior management have worked at NWM for two decades.

NWM is a trusted partner dedicated to providing outstanding payroll services tailored to the unique requirements of contractors across the UK. We are approved on the major MSP platforms such as Datum, Vistry, Pretium and HAYS.

Our FCSA accreditation (Umbrella, Self Employed/CIS) underpins our professionalism, passion, and stability. Every client receives the highest quality service they deserve.

Graham William’s our Chairman and owner is also a Council Member for the FCSA.

NWM have been certified ISO9001 since 2012. This validates our longstanding and ongoing commitment year after year, to the quality and standards we aim to achieve as a business.

With nearly 450 Google reviews rated at 4.7 our reputation among contractors and agency partners speaks volumes about our commitment to delivering outstanding service.

NWM are Cyber Essentials Certified supporting our customers in an ever-challenging digital world. This is another pillar of our business philosophy.

Value for money is central to our offering. Contractors regularly mention the cost of living. We understand they seek excellent service, but also fair, transparent pricing. NWM provides competitive rates combined with comprehensive support, ensuring clients receive maximum value. Transparent communication and straightforward margin structures mean contractors know exactly what they will be paid and can trust there are no hidden costs.

NWM process daily payroll with Thursday being our main schedule. This ensures contractors receive their wages on time and without hassle. This reliable Thursday payment helps agencies maintain smooth operations, and contractors can plan their finances and travel with confidence.

NWM stand out for our strong commitment to customer service. We believe every contractor is more than just a number, they are valued partners in our community. To demonstrate this, we call every contractor shortly after their first pay from NWM. This personal touch allows us to understand their individual circumstances, answer any questions, and ensure they feel supported from the outset. This proactive approach helps to build trust and confidence.

Our commitment to support and educate adds significant value. We have recently launched Recruitment Industry Specific training for Consultants through to Management level. We also update clients on legislative changes, industry best practices, new opportunities through newsletters, webinars, and one-to-one consultations.

NWM possess a deep understanding of the recruitment landscape. Our directors were previously highly accomplished recruiters in their own rights, we know exactly what is required from a recruiter’s perspective and have transferred this knowledge into our customer service. We have navigated through numerous industry changes and regulatory updates, enabling us to offer informed advice and tailored solutions. Our expertise allows us to anticipate the needs of our clients and contractors, providing proactive support that sets us apart from competitors.

Champion Contractors is a specialist division of Champion Chartered Accountants, providing accountancy and tax support services to freelance contractors throughout the UK.

We understand the unique needs of contractors and deliver a bespoke service, which is tailored to their specific requirements. We have over 50 years of recruitment and accountancy experience which you will benefit from when using our umbrella/employment solution or contractor specific accountancy services.

If you decide to join the Champion umbrella/employment solution, you will be entitled to statutory payments and insurances including a personal accident scheme at no extra cost. Other benefits include:

• Continuous employment for all of your assignments
• Fully accredited with FCSA
• The option to make ‘Salary Sacrifice’ Pension Contributions (NO extra admin charge)
• Same day payment as standard (NO extra admin charge)
• Free access to Champion Rewards - offers potential savings of up to £200 per month (NO extra admin charge)
• Champion Fuel Card – offers savings of up to 20p per litre at BP fuel stations (NO extra admin charge)
• The option to be paid Weekly or Monthly – you choose!
• Simple application process – online or over the phone
• No Tie in periods or exit fees

Along with partners from the employment law, insurance and financial service sectors, the Champion Contractors team proactively manage administrative burdens and assist clients to maximise their financial rewards, whilst ensuring that they remain compliant at all times.

We’re Focused – the award-winning umbrella and CIS company for contractors who want prompt and accurate payment every time. Voted Best Umbrella Company (500-1000 clients) at The Contracting Awards, we offer unmatched reliability, quick and easy onboarding, and a genuinely caring approach for total peace of mind.

From payroll to tax, benefits to pensions, we take care of everything. With Focused, contractors can be confident they’ve got their money, and we’ve got them covered. We keep things simple while truly caring about the wants and needs of our contractors and agency partners.

Here are just some of the benefits of working with Focused:

• Salary sacrifice for personal pensions - Helping contractors save for their future whilst also passing on the employer’s NI saving in the form of additional gross pay.

• Online personal portal – Easy access to payslips and submit timesheets where necessary.

• Award-winning support – A dedicated helpline for any questions, weekly payment SMS notifications and proactive welcome calls.

• Free employee rewards scheme – Access to personal accident insurance and exclusive offers and discounts at thousands of high-street brands.

Part of the Templeton Swiss group, based in the landmark 30 St Mary Axe in London, Templeton Brook offer prompt, efficient and reliant PAYE umbrella service. With decades of industry experience, we are composed entirely of seasoned payroll specialists who love their work. We know what it takes to work under pressure and how to offer a solution driven approach, and that's exactly what we do. Our mission is to provide each and every client with skilled and compliant payroll service in a timely and efficient manner. Each of our team members is dedicated to focusing on providing outstanding service, so that our workers can focus on their personal success. Our mission is based on the values we hold true: integrity, efficiency and excellence.

Since 2006, Liquid Friday has supported contractors and recruitment agencies with a clear commitment to doing business the right way. We provide PAYE umbrella and CIS payroll and a range of supporting workforce solutions, underpinned by award-winning customer service, innovation and strong financial stability. Stride, our industry-leading platform centralises contractor management, making onboarding, compliance and payroll faster and easier than ever.

As long-standing FCSA accredited members, compliance is embedded throughout our processes and customer journey. We enable agencies to move faster, reduce risk and deliver a better experience for contractors and clients alike. Known for our transparent, straight-talking approach and contractor-first ethos, Liquid Friday is a trusted and principled partner within the contingent labour market.