Expanding into the UK is an exciting opportunity, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between strict labour laws, tax compliance, and payroll management, businesses often find themselves stuck in red tape. This is where Employer of Record (EOR) companies come in. By acting as the legal employer for your staff, they take care of contracts, payroll, and compliance, allowing you to focus on building your team and growing your business.
To help you choose the right partner, here is an in-depth look at the top 10 EOR companies in the UK.
1) Deel
Deel is one of the best-known names in the global EOR market. They’ve built a strong reputation thanks to their polished technology platform, which makes onboarding and managing employees fast and simple. With Deel, businesses can access fully localised UK contracts, ensuring compliance with UK labour laws while still enjoying the efficiency of an international hiring system.
Their ability to manage both contractors and full-time employees under one platform makes them a popular choice for start-ups and scale-ups looking for flexibility. Deel also provides a transparent dashboard that gives businesses clear visibility into payroll and compliance, which is a major advantage when hiring across multiple countries.
2) Black Piano
Black Piano brings a unique proposition to EOR space by combining offshore hiring expertise with UK compliance. Based on a strong understanding of the UK market, they help businesses build cost-effective offshore teams in India without compromising on legal or operational requirements. This makes them particularly valuable for UK businesses that want to scale their workforce but need to balance costs with compliance.
Unlike larger global providers, Black Piano takes a more personalised approach, working closely with clients to create offshore teams that feel like an extension of their in-house staff. For companies that want to remain competitive while tapping into offshore talent pools, Black Piano provides an ideal mix of affordability, reliability, and support.
3) Remote
Remote is widely recognised for its strong focus on compliance, which is especially important in regions like the UK, where employment law can be complex. Their platform allows companies to manage payroll, benefits, and taxes efficiently while ensuring full adherence to GDPR and local legal frameworks.
Remote also stands out for its employee benefits packages, which give companies a way to remain competitive when attracting UK talent. Their pricing model is transparent, making it easier for businesses to budget effectively as they expand across multiple regions. Remote is particularly useful for companies that want to implement consistent HR policies across different countries without losing sight of local compliance.
4) Velocity Global
Velocity Global has built its reputation on providing flexibility to companies at different stages of growth. Whether you are a small business taking your first steps into the UK market or a larger enterprise setting up regional teams, they tailor their solutions to your needs. Their EOR services cover everything from payroll and compliance to employee benefits, making them a full-service partner for global expansion.
What sets them apart is their ability to offer custom solutions, particularly for companies experiencing rapid growth. This flexibility is valuable for businesses that cannot rely on a one-size-fits-all approach and need a partner that can adapt quickly as circumstances change.
5) Papaya Global
Papaya Global is best suited for large enterprises that need advanced payroll management across multiple regions. Their platform relies heavily on automation and data-driven insights, which provides businesses with better visibility and control over their payroll operations.
For UK businesses, Papaya Global ensures that all payroll processes are compliant with local regulations while also integrating seamlessly with global systems. Their analytics tools also help decision-makers monitor costs and performance across different countries. For multinational corporations that require sophisticated payroll solutions, Papaya Global offers a level of control and transparency that few competitors can match.
6) Oyster HR
Oyster HR has positioned itself as a people-first EOR provider. They focus heavily on creating a positive experience for employees, ensuring fair hiring practices and easy onboarding processes. This makes them especially appealing for companies that want to attract top talent in the UK without sacrificing compliance.
Oyster HR is also well-regarded for simplifying the complexities of cross-border hiring, offering clear contracts and strong support for employers and employees alike. Their emphasis on fairness and employee wellbeing sets them apart in an industry often focused primarily on compliance and costs. For companies that prioritise employee satisfaction as much as efficiency, Oyster HR is a strong choice.
7) RemoFirst
RemoFirst offers straightforward and affordable EOR solutions designed for small to medium-sized businesses. Their services cover all the essentials: payroll, benefits, and compliance without unnecessary complications, making them easy to use and budget-friendly.
For UK companies or foreign firms looking to establish a presence in the UK at a lower cost, RemoFirst provides a reliable entry point. They are especially suitable for creative agencies, start-ups, and SMEs that want to keep their operations lean while still meeting all legal obligations. Their affordability and simplicity make them a great choice for businesses that value clarity and efficiency.
8) Omnipresent
Omnipresent is a strong contender when it comes to handling the complexities of UK compliance. They have built a reputation for providing hands-on, personalised support to businesses navigating UK employment laws for the first time. Beyond payroll and contracts, they help companies with statutory benefits such as pensions and taxes, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Omnipresent also provides a strong HR advisory service, giving businesses the reassurance that they are making compliant and informed decisions. For companies that may be unfamiliar with UK regulations, Omnipresent’s expertise and attention to detail can be invaluable.
9) Multiplier
Multiplier is designed to help SMEs and fast-growing start-ups expand their workforce quickly and affordably. Their EOR services cover the essentials while keeping costs competitive, making them attractive for businesses operating on lean budgets.
In the UK, Multiplier supports everything from onboarding to payroll, giving companies the tools they need to set up new teams without the hassle of establishing a legal entity. Their strength lies in speed and affordability, which is particularly important for start-ups and scale-ups that need to move quickly to stay competitive.
10) Rippling
Rippling takes a unique approach by combining EOR services with HR and IT management. Beyond payroll and compliance, their platform allows companies to also manage employee devices, software, and access systems, creating a streamlined experience for businesses with global teams.
For UK companies, this integration means that HR and IT operations can be managed in one place, saving time and reducing administrative burdens. Rippling’s focus on automation and integration makes it especially appealing for technology-driven businesses that want to simplify operations and keep everything under one roof.
Conclusion
The best EOR partner depends on your business needs. By partnering with one of these top EOR providers, expanding into the UK becomes far less daunting, giving businesses the confidence to grow and thrive in a competitive market.
