Do I need to run payroll as a sole director in Surrey?
If you draw a salary from your limited company, yes — even if you're the only employee. Most owner-managed companies pay a small salary up to the National Insurance threshold and take the rest as dividends. Your accountant will register you as an employer with HMRC and run a simple monthly payroll.
What is RTI and why does it matter?
Real Time Information means HMRC must be told about every payment to every employee on or before pay day. Missing an RTI submission triggers automatic penalties starting at £100 per month. Outsourcing to a payroll bureau or accountant removes this risk almost entirely.
What is auto-enrolment and does my business need it?
Any UK employer with at least one staff member aged 22+ earning over £10,000 a year must enrol them in a workplace pension. Employer contributions start at 3%. Your payroll provider will handle assessments, opt-outs, contributions and re-enrolment every three years.
How are statutory sick pay and maternity pay handled?
Your payroll software calculates SSP, SMP, SPP and SAP automatically based on earnings and qualifying conditions. Small employers can reclaim a percentage of statutory maternity, paternity and adoption pay from HMRC — your accountant will set this up so you don't miss the reclaim.
Can I switch payroll providers mid-year?
Yes — most Surrey payroll bureaux can take over at any month-end. Your new provider will need your existing PAYE reference, year-to-date figures for each employee, pension scheme details and tax codes. The handover typically takes 2–3 weeks.