What Payescape does

Payescape Limited is a UK-based, privately held Human Capital Management (HCM) provider founded in 2006 (firmographic record states 2005), headquartered in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland with a second UK office in Somerset. The company operates a cloud-based SaaS platform that integrates payroll, HR, and time and attendance into a single system, marketed under the PayEscape, HREscape, and TimeEscape sub-brands. Its customer base exceeds 1,500 UK businesses spanning small, medium, and large enterprises across more than ten verticals including healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, education, accountancy, and distribution. Notable named customers include McDonald's, Orange Mobile, and Straumann at the enterprise tier, alongside a long tail of SMB and mid-market accounts.

The technology stack is a UK-hosted cloud HCM built around native integration between payroll, HR, and time and attendance modules with real-time data synchronization. Time-and-attendance capabilities are powered through partnerships with UKG (InTouch DX terminals, UKG Ready Mobile, workforce management), NoahFace (facial recognition on iPads), and OLS (access control). Hardware revenue is generated alongside software via these channels. The most recent AI feature is PayAssist, an embedded NLP-powered payroll assistant that retrieves answers from the customer's own payroll data, accessible through the payroll portal and Employee Self Service. Payescape holds ISO 27001:2022 (UKAS accredited) and ISO 9001:2015 certifications, is FCA-authorized under Payment Services Regulations 2017 (register 821826) for payment services, and delivers services through CIPP- and CIPD-certified UK professionals operating under a 3-ring phone policy.

Revenue is generated through multiple streams: fully managed payroll outsourcing (managed services), partially outsourced payroll, software-only SaaS subscriptions, time-and-attendance hardware sales, HR consultancy from CIPD-qualified advisors, and stand-alone DBS background checks. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, offered on monthly rolling contracts with no long-term commitments and no annual indexation. The go-to-market is sales-led with a consultative enterprise field-sales motion, driven through a 'Book a Demo' CTA, direct phone and email contact with the UK-based sales team, and content marketing supported by guides, whitepapers, blog content, and customer case studies. The company reports a 98% client retention rate and serves customers in both the UK and Ireland, with Irish payroll compliance (PAYE, ROS, Revenue) extending its addressable market within the British Isles. Payescape acquired PayRun.io in May 2020 to broaden its product and customer base.

Name

Payescape

Legal name

Payescape Limited

Website

https://payescape.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Payescape is a UK-based cloud HCM provider offering integrated payroll, HR, and time and attendance software and managed services to more than 1,500 small, medium, and large businesses across the UK and Ireland, delivered by CIPP- and CIPD-certified UK professionals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Payroll and Human Capital Management Software

NAICS

Payroll Services (541214), Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services (54121), Professional Employer Organizations (561330)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372), Services-Help Supply Services (7363)

akta.pro primary industry

Human Capital Management (HCM) & Payroll Platforms (HDAEAEAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Payroll, Time & Attendance (BPACAPAB), Payroll Software & Payroll-as-a-Service (SaaS) (BPACAIAB), Payroll Outsourcing & Pay Administration (Multi-country/Managed Payroll) (BPACAKAD)

Keywords

• Payroll services
• Human resources software
• Time and attendance
• Human capital management
• Payroll outsourcing

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Fully Managed Payroll Services: End-to-end payroll outsourcing where PayEscape handles the entire payroll cycle from data validation to reporting, compliance, and employee queries. Delivered by CIPP-certified experts with cloud-based technology.
2. Software Only / In-House Payroll: Cloud-based SaaS payroll software for businesses that prefer to manage payroll internally. Provides secure, real-time access to payroll data without the need for on-premise systems.
3. Partially Outsourced Payroll: Shared approach where customers manage certain tasks in-house (such as data input or approvals) while PayEscape processes calculations and submissions.
4. HR Management Software: Cloud-based HR software subscription covering employee records, absence tracking, performance management, recruitment, and compliance reporting.
5. HR Consultancy Services: Professional HR consultancy services provided by CIPD-qualified consultants, including advice on employment law, disciplinary procedures, policies, and documentation.
6. Time and Attendance Software: Time and attendance software powered by UKG, with options for mobile, biometric, and facial recognition clock-in solutions. Can be sold standalone or integrated with HR and payroll.
7. Time and Attendance Hardware: Sale of hardware devices including NoahFace facial recognition systems, UKG InTouch DX terminals, UKG Ready Mobile devices, and OLS access control systems.
8. DBS Background Check Services: Stand-alone DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) employee background checking service with fully managed application process.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Payescape operates a cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) platform that integrates payroll, HR, and time and attendance into a single system for UK and Irish businesses. The company delivers these capabilities through three principal service models: fully managed payroll outsourcing, partial payroll outsourcing, and software-only in-house access, supported by optional time and attendance hardware, HR consultancy, DBS background checks, and an embedded AI payroll assistant (PayAssist).

Product overview

PayEscape is a cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) platform offering an integrated suite of payroll, HR, and time and attendance solutions for UK businesses. The platform operates as a unified system where the core PayEscape HCM Platform connects three primary product lines: Payroll Services (including Fully Managed Payroll, Outsourcing Payroll Services, and Software Only Payroll), HR Management (HREscape for HR software with modules for recruitment, absence management, and performance, plus HR Consultancy Services), and Time & Attendance Software (cloud-based software powered by UKG with scheduling, analytics, and employee self-service modules). The fully integrated HCM Software and Integrated HR and Payroll modules connect these core products, enabling real-time data flow across payroll, HR, and time tracking. Additional offerings include DBS Employee Background Checks, hardware solutions (NoahFace facial recognition, UKG Ready Mobile, UKG InTouch DX terminals, and OLS Access Control), and PayAssist AI payroll assistant. The system serves businesses of all sizes from small to large enterprises, with monthly rolling contracts and no long-term commitments.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HREscape: Cloud-based HR management system that centralises employee management, helping HR teams streamline processes and manage their workforce efficiently from anywhere. Includes features for monitoring holidays and absences, tracking working hours, managing recruitment and onboarding, performance and talent management.
• TimeEscape
• PayAssist

Products and services

• PayEscape HCM Platform Unified cloud-based Human Capital Management platform that integrates payroll, HR, and time and attendance with real-time data synchronization for UK and Irish businesses of all sizes.
• Fully Managed Payroll End-to-end payroll outsourcing in which Payescape handles the entire payroll cycle from data validation to reporting, compliance, and employee queries, delivered by CIPP-certified experts on cloud technology.
• Outsourcing Payroll Services Partial payroll outsourcing where customers retain selected tasks such as data input or approvals while Payescape processes calculations, HMRC submissions, and compliance.
• Software Only Payroll Cloud-based SaaS payroll software for businesses that prefer to manage payroll internally, providing secure real-time access to payroll data without on-premise systems.
• UK Payroll Services UK-specific payroll services delivering PAYE processing, HMRC submissions, auto-enrolment pensions, and statutory compliance for British employers.
• Irish Payroll Services Country-specific payroll services for Irish businesses, including Revenue Commissioners submissions, ROS compliance, and Irish employment law adherence.
• HREscape HR Management Software Cloud-based HR management system that centralises employee records, absence tracking, performance management, recruitment, onboarding, and compliance reporting for HR teams.
• HR Consultancy Services Professional HR consultancy provided by CIPD-qualified consultants covering employment law advice, disciplinary procedures, policy development, and compliance documentation.
• DBS Employee Background Checks Fully managed Disclosure and Barring Service background checking service supporting Enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment compliance for UK employers.
• Time and Attendance Software Cloud-based time and attendance software powered by UKG that tracks employee hours, manages absence, and integrates directly with payroll and HR systems.
• Time and Attendance Hardware Range of time clocking hardware devices including biometric terminals, mobile apps, and facial recognition devices integrated with Payescape's payroll and HR software.
• NoahFace Facial Recognition Facial recognition clock-in solution that transforms iPads into touchless time clocks with fast, secure biometric authentication, integrated with Payescape's time, HR, and payroll systems.
• UKG Ready Mobile Mobile clock-in app and hardware solution for remote, hybrid, and field-based teams with GPS punch validation and offline clock-in capability.
• UKG InTouch DX

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% client retention rate
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments11 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability4 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• UKGcoreTechnology or IntegrationUKG is a key technology partner powering PayEscape's time and attendance solutions. PayEscape partners with UKG to offer InTouch DX fixed biometric terminals, UKG Ready Mobile clock-in apps, and UKG workforce management platforms. This partnership brings cutting-edge time tracking technology integrated with PayEscape's payroll and HR systems.
• NoahFacecoreTechnology or IntegrationNoahFace is a technology partner providing facial recognition time clock solutions. The partnership transforms iPads into high-performing time clocks with touchless facial recognition. NoahFace integrates with PayEscape's time and HR systems, capturing clocking data that flows directly into payroll and HR records.
• OLS (Optimal Logistics Solutions)supportingTechnology or IntegrationOLS provides access control technology integrated into PayEscape's workforce management ecosystem. OLS access control systems include badges, biometric clock-ins, mobile credentials, CCTV, barriers, and turnstiles - all connected via cloud and integrated with PayEscape's HR and time tracking.
• CIPP (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCIPP is a professional body partnership providing payroll expertise credentials. PayEscape's services are delivered by CIPP certified professionals. The partnership ensures payroll experts maintain current knowledge of UK payroll legislation and best practices.
• CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCIPD is a professional body partnership providing HR expertise credentials. PayEscape's HR consultancy services are delivered by CIPD qualified professionals, ensuring HR advisors maintain current knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practices.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Moorepay: UK-focused payroll, HR, and pensions provider offering managed payroll, SaaS, and time & attendance. Directly comparable to PayEscape across both fully managed and software-only payroll models for UK SMBs and mid-market.
• IRIS Software Group: UK payroll, HR, and accountancy software provider with strong accountant-channel distribution. Closely comparable to PayEscape in target market (UK SMB/accountancy practices) and product scope (payroll + HR + compliance).
• BrightHR: UK HR and payroll SaaS with strong SMB focus, including HR software, payroll, and HR documentation tools. Competes with PayEscape in the lower-SMB segment on integrated HR + payroll value proposition.

Broad incumbents

• SD Worx: European payroll and HR services provider with established UK presence through its SD Worx UK operation. Comparable to PayEscape in payroll outsourcing and HCM software across European geographies.
• Xero (UK Payroll): Cloud accounting platform with Xero Payroll integrated into its UK SMB suite. Competes with PayEscape for the same UK small-business buyer, with cross-sell advantages via the Xero accounting ecosystem.
• Sage Group (Sage Payroll & HR): UK-listed incumbent serving SMBs with Sage Payroll, Sage HR, and Sage Intacct. Directly comparable to PayEscape across payroll, HR, and time tracking for UK businesses, but operating at much larger scale across accounting and ERP.
• Zellis (formerly NGA Human Resources UK): Major UK/European payroll and HR software provider serving mid-market and enterprise, including the Zellis HCM Cloud platform. Comparable to PayEscape at the enterprise end of the UK payroll market.
• ADP (UK operations): Global payroll and HCM leader with substantial UK presence across RUN Powered by ADP, ADP Workforce Now, and ADP Comprehensive Outsourcing Services. Direct overlap with PayEscape's managed payroll and HCM offerings, but at much larger scale.

Emerging players

• PayFit: European cloud payroll and HR platform serving SMBs across France, Spain, Germany, and the UK. Comparable to PayEscape in cloud-native payroll + HR value proposition for the SMB segment, with broader multi-country footprint.
• Employment Hero: Australia-headquartered SMB-focused HCM platform expanding into the UK with integrated payroll, HR, and benefits. Comparable to PayEscape in target segment (SMB) and integrated platform approach, though at earlier UK market share.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PayescapeUK
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCeQ2hZJBsRVN-hyUXFHYVJg
• Facebookfacebook.com/payescape/?locale=en_GB
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/payescape
• Instagraminstagram.com/payescape

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Payescape