Got a small team? Maybe just one or two employees—or a few subcontractors here and there? You might think payroll’s too small to worry about outsourcing. But the truth is, even micro-businesses are realising that running payroll in-house is costing them more time (and stress) than it’s worth.
In 2025, more small businesses than ever are handing it over to the pros—and here’s why it makes sense to do it sooner rather than later.
1. Payroll’s Not “Small” Work
—Even for Small Teams
One staff member or ten—doesn’t matter. Payroll still means:
- Calculating pay and tax deductions
- Keeping up with Real Time Information (RTI) submissions to HMRC
- Auto-enrolment pensions
- Statutory payments (sick pay, maternity, holiday leave)
- Payslips, reports, and deadlines
And if you get it wrong? That’s late fees, unhappy staff, and HMRC chasing you down. Not exactly fun.
2. It Takes Up More Time Than You Think
Even if you’ve only got one or two employees, the hours you spend sorting payroll each month can add up fast. And let’s be honest—you didn’t start your business to be a part-time payroll clerk.
Every hour you spend messing with payslips or fiddling with pension enrolment is an hour you’re not:
- Serving clients
- Growing the business
- Actually making money
Outsourcing payroll gives you that time back.
3. The Rules Keep Changing (and Getting Tighter)
HMRC isn’t exactly known for keeping things simple. Payroll rules and reporting requirements shift regularly. And with more digital regulations (like Making Tax Digital) rolling in, it’s only getting more complex.
Miss a submission? Use the wrong code? It’s not just a slap on the wrist—it could mean penalties or employee complaints. Outsourcing means someone else stays on top of all that for you.
4. Your Team Might Be Small—But They Deserve to Be Paid Right
When your team trusts you to pay them properly and on time, you’ve got to deliver. Messy payroll can affect morale, trust, and even your reputation.
By outsourcing, you make sure:
- Payslips are accurate and on time
- Deductions are correct
- Compliance is handled professionally
You stay the boss, but with backup.
5. Scaling Gets Smoother When You’re Already Set Up
Planning to grow this year? Great. But if payroll’s already a headache with one or two employees, it’s only going to get messier as you expand.
Get a system in place now—while things are still manageable—and your future self will thank you. You’ll have a team of pros ready to handle the extra workload, no drama, no delays.
So, Why Are Micro-Businesses Outsourcing Payroll in 2025?
- It saves time
- It reduces admin stress
- It keeps them compliant
- It helps them grow with confidence
You don’t need a big business to benefit from payroll support. You just need to know when your time is better spent elsewhere—and for most business owners, that time is now.
Need a Hand with Payroll? Buzz Has You Covered.
At Buzz Accounting, we help small and micro-businesses take payroll off their plates—so they can get back to running the business, not chasing payslips.
✅ Simple setup
✅ HMRC compliance sorted
✅ Accurate, on-time payments
✅ Support when you need it
👉 Book a quick call today and let’s get your payroll sorted before it becomes a full-time job.