National Payroll Week 2025 | Why having a specialist Payroll team is crucial for your business

3 September 2025

At Affinia, we recognise that payroll is a cornerstone of business integrity, built on trust, accuracy, and compliance.

As we celebrate National Payroll Week 2025, we’re highlighting the vital role payroll professionals play in keeping operations smooth, employees supported, and businesses protected.

Whether you’re a growing SME or an established enterprise, having a specialist payroll team isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a strategic necessity.

Payroll: More than just numbers

Payroll is one of the most complex areas of business operations. From PAYE and pensions to statutory leave and HMRC submissions, the risks of getting it wrong are high. Mistakes can lead to financial penalties, reputational damage, and employee dissatisfaction.

That’s why businesses are increasingly turning to specialist teams like those at Affinia and our trusted partners, to manage payroll with confidence and clarity.

Investing in sector expertise: Spotlight on Education

Following our recent acquisition of Baxter & Co, Affinia has made a significant investment in expanding our Education sector expertise.

We recognise that payroll in education brings a distinct set of challenges. From the complexities of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme to managing term-time contracts, supply staff arrangements, and sector-specific regulations, schools and academies need specialist support to get it right.

Leading the focus

Leading this focus is Laura Kemp, one of our senior payroll specialists, whose career has been dedicated to supporting educational institutions. Laura has extensive experience working directly with schools, academies, and multi-academy trusts, giving her a deep understanding of the sector’s intricacies. She has also completed the CIPP education training course, ensuring she is fully equipped to manage the unique demands of education payroll with accuracy and care.

Laura’s expertise means our education clients benefit from a partner who not only understands the technical requirements but also appreciates the day-to-day realities of running payroll in a school environment. Her tailored approach ensures compliance, accuracy, and peace of mind for those leading educational organisations.

Contact Laura

Why having a dedicated payroll team is essential:

Compliance without compromise: Our experts stay ahead of changing legislation, ensuring your organisaion remains compliant with HMRC, pension regulators, and employment law.

Accuracy that builds trust: Timely and correct pay isn’t just a legal requirement – it’s the foundation of employee confidence and financial wellbeing. Our team ensures every detail is right, every time.

Strategic Insight: Payroll data can unlock valuable trends in workforce costs, retention, and planning. We help you turn numbers into actionable insights for smarter decision making.

Scalable support: As your business grows, so do your payroll needs. Our team adapts with you, offering flexible solutions that evolve in step with your organisation.

Peace of mind: With a specialist team in place, we handle the complexity behind the scenes so you can focus on what you do best – running your business.

Whether you’re a growing SME or an established enterprise, having a specialist payroll team isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s a strategic necessity.

Celebrating payroll professionals

National Payroll Week is a chance to recognise the unsung heroes who ensure your team is paid accurately and on time. At Affinia, we’re proud to work alongside payroll specialists who bring clarity, confidence, and care to every client interaction. Their expertise is what turns a complex process into a seamless one.

If you’re considering outsourcing your payroll or want to explore how a specialist team could strengthen your organisation, we’re here to help.