Our blogs

Why staying with a struggling payroll provider is risking your business

Why sticking with a struggling payroll provider is riskier than you think

It starts small. An email takes a day longer to get answered. Your regular contact has “moved on to new opportunities.” You get introduced to someone new – again. They seem capable enough, but you can tell they’re still getting...

Agency Worker Regulations

A guide to Agency Workers Regulations

If you’re hiring temporary workers through agencies, you need to understand the Agency Workers Regulations 2010. These rules aren’t just bureaucratic red tape, they’re designed to ensure temporary workers get fair treatment. Getting it wrong can lead to tribunal claims,...

The 60 percent tax trap

The hidden 60% tax band – the uk’s stealth tax on £100k+ earners

If you’re earning over £100,000 in the UK, you might be surprised to discover you’re facing an effective tax rate of 60% on a portion of your income. This isn’t an official tax band you’ll find on HMRC’s website, but...

Care sector - retention through payroll

Care sector – retention through payroll

Why getting payroll right is your best staff retention strategy The care sector is haemorrhaging talent. With turnover rates spiralling and agency costs crushing margins, providers are scrambling for solutions. However, while most focus on recruitment drives and retention bonuses,...

Why service excellence creates believers

Why service excellence creates believers

At Ascend, we’ve always believed that the way we serve our clients matters just as much as the services themselves. It’s not just about processing payroll; it’s about how we make people feel throughout their entire journey with us. Recently,...

Onboarding payroll issues

Common payroll onboarding mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Switching payroll providers is a significant decision and, when done correctly, can transform your business operations. However, the payroll onboarding process is fraught with potential complications that can lead to compliance issues, financial penalties, and employee dissatisfaction. At Ascend Payroll,...

Ascend Payroll launch Multi_Level Approvals on Elementary

Multi-Level Payroll Approvals – your path to a smoother payday

Managing payroll is always critical, but when your organisation runs multiple payrolls (say, across different sites, departments, or branches), the approval process can quickly become a confusing maze of emails, spreadsheets, and internal sign-offs. This complexity isn’t just time-consuming; it...

Christmas payroll and RTI submissions

Christmas payroll – why getting your RTI date right could save your employees from a benefits nightmare

Summer may only just be ended (with some of us still hanging onto our flip flops and shorts in denial), but Christmas is nearly here, and you know what that means – it’s time to sort out those festive pay...

Tom Spencer

Introducing Tom Spencer to Ascend Payroll

We are excited to introduce Tom Spencer, who has joined our growing team as Senior Payroll Professional. Having worked alongside Tom for over six years, we know exactly what an incredible addition he’ll be to the Ascend family. From chef...

Amy Smith

Meet Amy Smith, our new Deputy Head of Payroll Services

A big hello to Amy Smith, who has joined the Ascend team as Deputy Head of Payroll Services. Amy is an experienced payroll professional and someone we have worked with before, so we know what a great fit she will...

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