Payroll is one of the most critical functions of any business, but it can also be one of the most time-consuming. For payroll processors in the UK, finding software that balances compliance, ease of use, and advanced features is essential. Over the years, Sage Payroll has established itself as a reliable option, offering features like leave management, integrated HR tools, and automatic pensions enrolment.
However, many payroll professionals are now making the switch to BrightPay cloud. Why? BrightPay offers a cutting-edge, cloud-based solution with enhanced flexibility, real-time collaboration, and advanced reporting capabilities.
*Did you know that BrightPay has been awarded Payroll and HR Software of the Year for four consecutive years at the prestigious LUCA Awards.
Why payroll processors are making the switch to BrightPay cloud
With powerful automation, seamless cloud access, and an intuitive interface, BrightPay is designed to streamline your payroll processes and save you valuable time. Let’s explore 10 reasons businesses are switching Sage Payroll for BrightPay:
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Cloud accessibility for ultimate flexibility
BrightPay’s cloud-based platform means payroll data is accessible anytime, anywhere, on any device. Whether working from the office, home, or on the go, team members can log in and manage payroll tasks with ease.
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Real-time multi-user collaboration
One of BrightPay’s standout features is its multi-user accessibility. Multiple users can access and edit the same payroll file simultaneously, with changes visible in real time. This feature is invaluable for payroll teams that operate across different locations — ensuring smooth workflows and reducing errors due to miscommunication.
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Secure cloud storage & robust data protection
Your payroll data is securely stored on Microsoft Azure servers, safeguarding against data loss. With top-tier security measures in place, your sensitive information stays protected, giving you and your clients peace of mind.
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Enhanced employee self-service portal
While Sage Payroll offers a basic self-service feature for employees to access payslips and P60s, BrightPay takes it further with its employee portal. Employees can not only view payslips and payroll documents but also request annual leave, update personal details, and access leave calendars — streamlining communication between employees and HR teams.
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Batch payroll processing
BrightPay’s batch payroll processing lets you handle multiple clients simultaneously, ideal for single-director or static payrolls. Finalise payslips, check coding notices, and submit RTI/CIS filings to HMRC — all in one go — saving time on repetitive tasks.
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Built-in automation and time-saving features
BrightPay automates many tasks that would otherwise require manual input, such as:
- Automatic payroll backup and data storage
- Direct integration with HMRC for real-time information submissions
- Direct pension contributions to providers like NEST, The People’s Pension, and Smart Pension
These time-saving features allow payroll processors to focus on more strategic tasks, boosting overall productivity.
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Comprehensive reporting and integrations
BrightPay offers over 100 customisable reporting options, enabling payroll processors to analyse payroll data in-depth and share insights with stakeholders. Additionally, it provides integration with top accounting platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, and even Sage Business Cloud Accounting — bridging the gap between payroll and finance processes.
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Direct payments with Modulr integration
Forget about delays and errors when paying employees or HMRC. BrightPay’s integration with Modulr allows same-day, 24/7 payments in just 90 seconds. Sage Payroll lacks this level of integrated, fast-payment capability.
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Download compliant coding notices from HMRC
BrightPay enables you to effortlessly download and apply fully compliant coding notices from HMRC, ensuring accuracy and compliance with ease.
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Free ongoing support
Bright provides free ongoing support to our customers as standard. This means that BrightPay users can call or email our support team without a paid support plan or subscription.
Why BrightPay? A multi-award-winning solution
Still unsure about leaving Sage Payroll? Remember, you’ll be upgrading your payroll software to a 5-time winner of Payroll and HR Software of the Year at the LUCA Awards, who prioritises reliability and innovation. But don’t just take our word for it — here’s what some of our customers have to say about BrightPay:
Howard Sherbourne, Director at Numbers R Us, shares:
“I find BrightPay cloud very user-friendly. I use it for clients’ payrolls, and I am more than happy with it. Downloading monthly payroll journals to Xero at the touch of a button saves me a lot of time. It really is a no-brainer!”
Howard Sherbourne | Director at Numbers R Us
“I’ve worked in payroll for 35+ years and used many, many different payroll systems; in house, Sage and Iris among them. I’ve just switched to BrightPay for all my bureau payrolls and wish I’d done it years ago! It’s the best system I’ve used, without a doubt. The software is so easy to use, robust and flexible, it’s great.”
Clare | Ryefield Accountants
“When you have done something idiotic and screaming for help, it is so absolutely lovely to have a kindly person like Caroline at the other end of the phone to calm you down with a little gentle humour, then quietly and efficiently provide you with just the solution you needed. Genuinely the nicest bunch I have ever dealt with, and the software is user friendly!”
Shelley Elsden-Smith | Elsden Transport
Dreading the migration? We’ve made it easy
A leading reason many payroll processors avoid switching software is the stress and effort that comes with the migration process. But when it comes to migration to BrightPay, it couldn’t be simpler. Our dedicated migration team is here to ensure a smooth, hassle-free transition, helping you move your data seamlessly and get set up with ease.
Experience the future of payroll with BrightPay cloud — smarter, safer, and more efficient. Make the switch today!
