Handle paydays the right way with these 5 best payroll services in Liverpool
Running a business in Liverpool is exciting, but let’s face it, dealing with payroll rarely is.
Between navigating HMRC rules, making sure staff are paid on time, and keeping up with pension auto-enrolment, payroll can quickly become a major headache. Especially if you’re trying to juggle it all yourself or rely on clunky systems that don’t scale as your business grows.
That’s where expert local help comes in. Whether you’re managing a hospitality team or growing a small business, Liverpool has payroll providers who can take the weight off your shoulders.
In this article, we’ve reviewed five standout payroll services based right here in Liverpool. We’ll walk you through their strengths, specialities, and what kind of business each one is best for.
How much do payroll services cost in Liverpool?
Payroll services in Liverpool typically cost about £4 to £10 per payslip. Some firms charge a flat monthly fee starting around £25 to £50 for smaller teams. However, extras like pensions, P60s, or director payroll may come with added fees.
1. E&P Services
Location: Office 2.2, Box Studios, 17 Boundary St, L5 9UB
Contact: +448440570275
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM
If you’re a contractor, freelancer, or running a recruitment agency in Liverpool, E&P Services is one of those firms that comes up again and again for good reason.
They’ve built their whole setup around fast, reliable payroll, with weekly or monthly runs, proper RTI submissions, and all the usual HMRC boxes ticked.
One thing that really stands out is that they guarantee payments by 9 AM every Friday, which is a lifesaver if you’re juggling rotating staff or agency shifts.
They’re also FCSA-accredited, so they’re not cutting corners when it comes to compliance. Meaning, IR35, pensions, sick pay, and contracts are properly handled.
The only downside is that pricing isn’t listed upfront, so you won’t find a simple rate or package on their website. You’ll also need to contact them directly just to get a custom quote, which might not suit those who prefer instant, transparent pricing.
Highly Recommended
“E&P Services comes highly recommended. We’ve relied on their expertise since our inception, and even as our company matured and we attempted to manage our payroll internally, unforeseen challenges arose. In a last-minute scramble, we turned to E&P to resume their services, and they swiftly stepped in, preventing the catastrophic scenario of late paydays from becoming a reality. Their responsiveness and reliability have been invaluable to our operations.”
- Shannon Alexander, Google Review
Very professional and reliable
“David and his team are very professional and reliable, trustworthy and are exceptional good. I have recommended E&P to friends who have small businesses and they have worked with David to support their payroll amongst other services they can help with.”
- Christopher Seils, Google Review
2. Jonathan Ford & Co. Limited
Location: Liverpool Innovation Park, Maxwell House, 360 Edge Ln, L7 9NJ
Contact: +441514264512
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Jonathan Ford & Co. is the kind of firm that values clarity, structure, and long-term relationships with clients, especially local Liverpool SMEs.
Their service covers all the essentials. These include weekly or monthly payslips, RTI submissions, and PAYE management, all handled in-house by a qualified team.
Plus, they’re particularly strong when it comes to statutory leave, like SSP, SMP, and SAP, and are good at flagging what applies to your team.
We like that they also prepare the full range of year-end paperwork. This include P60s, P45s, and P11Ds, which is useful if you’re handling both employees and directors.
However, the service is structured around traditional payroll cycles. It may not be suitable for businesses with rapid staffing changes, zero-hour contracts, or seasonal surges.
There are also no online dashboards, so most updates happen via email or phone. It works for most, but may feel slow if you’re making constant changes.
Answered every query promptly
“Although I am reputedly good with words, I have an innate fear of anything involving numbers and consequently the selection of the right Accountants was vital to me. We have been with Jonathan Ford & Co now for three years. During this time, they have always answered every query promptly and in full, in a manner and at a level at which my non-mathematical brain can comprehend. In addition to that, having moved our business from the retail to creative sector, Jonathan and his team have provided brilliant insights into the special rules and considerations which now apply to me. I give Jonathan Ford & Co my highest possible personal recommendation. They are the best of the large number of Accountancy firms with whom I have dealt over the past thirty years and you can engage them with complete confidence that you have made the right decision.”
- Amanda Prowse, Google Review
Professional and effective
“I am so pleased that I discovered this brilliant team of people at Jonathon Ford Accountants. It took me a few years as a working musician before I stumbled across their website. Both Louise (who deals with my accounts) and Jonathon are not only professional and effective in their work, but they manage to do it with such care for their clients. Nothing is too much trouble and they are always at the end of the phone to answer the smallest of queries – I think this absolutely makes the company. All of the team are extremely personable and make you feel as though you are safe in their hands! I would strongly recommend them to anybody, but in particular to any musician or actor who is searching for an accountant who understands their industry.”
- Jennie Sawdon, Google Review
3. Bibby & Co.
Location: Penny Lane Business Centre, 374 Smithdown Road, L15 5AN
Contact: +441512846189
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Bibby & Co. is a local firm that keeps things simple and cost-effective, ideal for small businesses that want reliable payroll without the hefty cost. With just £5.50 + VAT per payslip, they offer some of the lowest pricing locally.
Plus, they cover the payroll needs well, like the weekly or monthly runs, RTI filing, and auto-enrolment pension support.
What we really like is the dedicated payroll manager. You’re not routed through generic support lines, and updates feel faster and more personal. Reports can also be tailored to your business, which is a bonus if you want more than just the standard templates.
Beyond payroll, it’s great knowing that they also offer bookkeeping, VAT returns, self-assessment filing, and support for limited company accounts.
However, like many traditional payroll firms, they don’t offer real-time dashboards or automation. Since most tasks are handled manually via email, it’s ideal for stable teams, but slower for fast-moving ones.
Highly recommended
“I’ve been a client at Bibby&co for over 10 years and I wouldn’t go anywhere else… I originally chose them as a Liverpool based accountant firm that had been highly recommended and I have not been disappointed…. during all the years I have been with them nothing I have asked has ever been too much and I can honestly say without there support during this pandemic my business would not have survived. The guys at Bibby&co take care of my payroll… book keeping … tax preparation and the advice has been second to none. A huge thank you to Anton and the lovely team at Bibby&co”
- Laura Martin, Google Review
Professional and friendly service
“Unfortuntely I had to change my accountants in the past more times than I can remember until one of my friends told me to get in touch with Bibby & Co. From the very first day I realised I was dealing with a firm that wanted to help grow my business. For the first time my accounts and returns where submitted to HMRC well before any deadlines. They reduced my tax bill and also offered great advice on certain aspects of my business. They give such a professional and friendly service that I am proud to recommend them to my friends and to anyone who needs an accountant.”
- Adrian Smith, Google Review
4. HER Accountants
Location: 3 Desford Rd, Aighburt, L19 3RB
Contact: +447743339750
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
HER Accountants is a firm that works well for startups, freelancers, and small teams who want tech-enabled payroll support. They run a monthly payroll through Xero or Sage, which means your data stays in sync with your accounting records.
So, things like expenses, tax, and payroll all sit in one place. That’s a huge plus if you’re already using Xero or plan to, as it streamlines admin and makes year-end reporting much easier.
However, while Xero is powerful, you’ll need to stay on top of your bookkeeping or pay extra for it to stay seamless.
Even so, they also cover core payroll tasks with accurate deductions and secure records.
But what we love is their availability. Weekday evenings and weekends aren’t off-limits, so support is there when most firms are closed.
There are a few trade-offs, though. They don’t offer weekly payroll, which could be limiting if you have shift workers or a fast-changing roster.
Very smooth transition
“Friendly, professional and highly recommended. HER accountants have helped me every step of the way in setting up my freelance business. Having been employed in the past I had no previous experience of accounting. Helen and Hannah have provided valuable professional advice and friendly guidance, including help with the all the paperwork and a much appreciated Quickbooks tutorial. With their help I’ve experienced a very smooth transition from employee to business owner.”
- Michelle Wall, Google Review
Highly recommended
“Claire and Helen have been completing my tax return and accounts for years. I must stress them out as I always leave it until the last min before I provide the data required to complete them. That said they don’t complain and if possible complete the accounts and tax return before the deadline. I would recommend them and value their efforts.”
- William Thomas, Google Review
5. Evans & Co Hospitality Accountants
Location: 177 Green Ln, Stoneycroft, L13 6RQ
Contact: +441518323887
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Evans & Co. is one of the few firms on this list that truly handles the unique needs of bars, cafés, and restaurants.
They handle all the moving parts. These include weekly wage runs, tips, tronc, bonuses, pensions, and RTI filing, with the accuracy and speed that fast-paced venues need.
Payroll is processed through Xero, which syncs smoothly with POS systems and bank feeds, helping you track labour costs in real time.
What really sets them apart is the training they offer for in-house teams and their Profit First approach. It actively helps clients improve cash flow and long-term profit.
However, this niche focus is also the catch. If you’re not in hospitality, much of what they offer might not apply. And while they do the payroll heavy lifting, there’s no self-service portal for staff, and everything depends on using Xero, which might not suit every business.
Truly understands numbers and pressure
“Gareth has a rare and incredibly valuable combination of experience as both a chef and a hospitality accountant. He truly understands the numbers and the pressures of running a kitchen or venue day-to-day. That unique perspective means his advice is always practical, relevant, and actionable. He’s sharp and genuinely invested in helping his clients succeed. I’d recommend him to any hospitality business that wants to get on top of their numbers and actually use them to grow.”
- Oliver Taylor, Google Review
Worth every penny
“Historically I’ve not had the best experience with accountants, but it was third time lucky when I found Evans + Co and I’ll never look back. Worth every penny, always available with support and always going the extra mile. Gareth is someone I truly trust to take care of my company accountants, and who I know always has our best interests at heart.”
- Jen W, Google Review