An increasing number of businesses are now seeing the benefits of outsourcing their payroll function, leaving key staff free to focus on other more productive duties within the company.

This was certainly the case with Halesowen-based property investment and development company A&J Mucklow Group plc.

The Company’s payroll was previously dealt with in house but around five years ago, the company decided it would make sense to outsource this function.

Company accountant Gemma Lane said: “We are a relatively small company so we felt it would be more efficient and cost-effective to outsource our payroll to Nicklin.

“We have a very good relationship with Nicklin, particularly the payroll department. They are able to advise us accordingly when we have raised queries relating to changes in legislation.

“We are very happy with the service we receive from Nicklin. Everything is hassle-free and I would definitely recommend them to anyone else looking to outsource their payroll.”

“Exemplary” is how David Fellows, operations manager at Kingswinford-based Ripley Europe Ltd, describes the payroll services his company receives from Nicklin LLP.

Ripley began using Nicklin’s payroll services in 2011 after its American parent company, which took over what had previously been Abeco Engineering Ltd in 2000, felt it would be beneficial to outsource this important function. At the same time, the company’s own in-house accountant was about to retire.

David had no hesitation in choosing Nicklin, as the firm had already been looking after Ripley’s end-of-year audit for nearly a decade, on the strength of a recommendation.

“We were already very satisfied with the service we were receiving from Nicklin in others areas,” says David, “so it was logical for them to look after our payroll function too.”

Nearly three years later and David has no regrets about this decision, saying: “They have been extremely efficient and helpful. Support from their knowledgeable staff regarding any queries or advice is excellent and we are always kept up to date with any regulatory changes.

“I consider this to be a very cost-effective way of contracting out what can be a complex and time-consuming function and fully intend to continue using their services.

“I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone else.”

The history of Redditch-based Samuel Taylor Limited can be traced back as far as 1895. The company manufactures precious metal contacts and contact materials for electromechanical components, such as light switches.

As a world-class manufacturer with customers in over 20 countries, it is important to have professional services provided by good solid organisations. According to Robert Gordon, a director at Samuel Taylor, this is exactly what he receives from Nicklin.

The accountancy firm inherited Samuel Taylor when the previous long-term auditors retired six years ago. Nicklin takes care of the interim accounts, audit and some of the company and personal taxes, as well as providing strategic consultancy by acting as a sounding board for ideas.

“Nicklin provides a cost-effective service,” says Mr Gordon. “They are an excellent independent accountancy firm, providing better value for money than larger practices.

“I would be quite happy to recommend them, as they have been a good, solid organisation to deal with. Nicklin provides the core services and I never have any problems with them.”

Alastair Gordon, another director at Samuel Taylor would also recommend Nicklin, as they are a “good, sensible and reliable provider of advice”.

Nicklin stands out from the rest. Friendly and approachable accountants offering unlimited help, advice and support. A firm you can trust and rely upon.

In addition to the normal services I presume are expected, they have helped me understand the implications of accounts, cash flows and profit forecasts, which have been fundamental in monitoring the company’s growth.

Nicklin offer a helpful, knowledgeable and friendly service that is second to none.

They are a pleasure to deal with and remain professional whilst being friendly and approachable.