Three shortlists. Three wins. Ascend Payroll came home from the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) Awards with every award we were up for.
We picked up Payroll Service Provider of the Year (up to 20,000 payslips per month), Project of the Year for Service Providers, and the CIPP Spotlight Award for our own Josh Donner.
For a business that’s only 18 months old, it’s a night none of us will forget. The CIPP Awards are judged by people who know payroll inside out, so recognition from them carries real weight. We’re still a little starry-eyed.
Payroll Service Provider of the Year
This is the big one for any managed payroll bureau, and it is fiercely competitive.
The judges said: “Ascend Payroll demonstrates a highly differentiated, quality-led approach to managed payroll, combining a nine-person team with deep technical expertise, structured development, and a strong culture of continuous learning and collaboration.”
That’s exactly what we set out to build. Small enough to know every client by name. Expert enough to get every payslip right.
“When we launched Ascend, we made a simple promise. Payroll should be something our clients never have to worry about. To be named Payroll Service Provider of the Year after just 18 months tells us we’re keeping that promise.
Our clients trust us with their people every single payday, and this award belongs to them as much as to us. I couldn’t be prouder of this team.”
Stewart Waddell, CEO, Ascend Payroll
Project of the Year for our Quality Framework
Our Quality Framework is the engine room of Ascend. It sets out how we check, review, and sign off on every payroll, so accuracy happens by design and never by luck.
The judges called it an “ambitious and well-managed governance project that demonstrated strong leadership, planning and execution.”
Governance might not sound glamorous. For our clients, though, it means fewer errors, clear accountability, and complete confidence that the numbers are right.
“From day one, we wanted quality built into the foundations of the business. Most bureaus bolt it on later. The Quality Framework gives every client the same rigorous standard, whatever their size or sector, and it gives our team a clear structure to grow into.
Seeing it recognised by the CIPP is a proud moment. It shows the payroll profession values doing things properly, and that’s the standard we’ll keep raising.”
Richard Rowell, Chairman, Ascend Payroll
CIPP Spotlight Award for Josh Donner
The Spotlight Award shines a light on individuals making a real difference in payroll. This year, that light landed on our Operations Director, Josh Donner.
The judges said Josh “leads by example, takes accountability, and remains hands-on”, describing his entry as “a great submission”. Anyone who’s worked alongside him already knew that. Now it’s official.
“I’m a bit lost for words, which anyone at Ascend will tell you is rare. Payroll is a team sport, and I get to work with people who care about getting it right every time. I’ve learned so much in the last 18 months, and this award is really a reflection of the culture we’ve built together. Walking up on stage was special. Walking up on stage three times as a team was something else.”
Josh Donner, Operations Director, Ascend Payroll
What does it mean for our clients?
Winning awards is lovely, but what matters more is what sits behind them.
These three wins recognise the things our clients feel every payday –
- A team that knows their business
- A framework that keeps every payroll accurate
- People who take ownership when it counts.
It’s what we mean by “payroll, perfected.”
A huge thank you to the CIPP, the judges, and everyone who made the evening so special. Thank you to our clients for trusting us and to our fellow finalists for raising the bar across the industry.
And to the whole Ascend team: you did this. We’re 18 months in, and we’re only getting started.
If you’d like to find out what award-winning managed payroll looks like for your business, get in touch with the team.
