Ciphr acquires Shape Payroll to enhance tech capabilities

HR and payroll software provider Ciphr has announced the acquisition of Shape Payroll, a cloud-based payroll platform used by 1,500 businesses across the UK. This strategic move aims to enhance Ciphr’s payroll business capabilities and expand its reach within the sector.

The acquisition is part of Ciphr’s broader strategy to strengthen payroll-focused activities. Based in Reading and backed by ECI, Ciphr processes over GBP £2 billion in payroll and BACS salary payments annually for its clients. Since April, the company has added over 20 new payroll customers, including those in payroll software, outsourced payroll, and payroll bureau services, and has significantly expanded its team of payroll experts.

The integration of Shape Payroll is expected to accelerate the development of Ciphr's payroll technology. Shape is known for its robust and intuitive API-led payroll solutions, making it a natural fit for Ciphr’s existing customer base, which includes medium and large-sized organisations. The founders of Shape Payroll, Alex and Cheri Bartlett, along with their team, will join Ciphr immediately, contributing their expertise to the growing firm.

Commenting on the acquisition, Sion Lewis, CEO of Ciphr, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. “We’re thrilled to welcome Alex and Cheri to the Ciphr team. Shape is a cutting-edge, API-first payroll solution that has a great reputation in the payroll sector. Building out Ciphr’s payroll business is a key focus for us this year, and part of our longer-term growth strategy. Shape is a perfect fit to take our payroll technology to the next level,” said Lewis.

Julie Lally, Ciphr’s Managing Director of Payroll, expressed her excitement about the acquisition. “Shape is a pioneering payroll technology company renowned for its innovative, API-first payroll solution and commitment to payroll technology excellence. This acquisition underscores Ciphr's commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and technological excellence as we continue to empower businesses with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape,” she stated.

For Shape’s customers, the transition to Ciphr promises to be seamless. The company has ensured that clients will continue to receive uninterrupted product access and dedicated support. Alex Bartlett, Co-Founder of Shape Payroll, shared his optimism about the future. “Cheri and I founded Shape with a vision to build the most flexible payroll software possible. We’re extremely excited about Shape becoming part of the Ciphr Group and taking the next step in this journey,” he noted.

Stephen Roberts, Partner at ECI, highlighted the strategic significance of the acquisition. “We’re delighted to welcome Alex and the Shape team into Ciphr. It’s another exciting development for Ciphr, further strengthening its payroll proposition to customers. We look forward to continuing Ciphr's organic and acquisitive growth journey,” he remarked.

Ciphr has established itself as a partner for medium and large organisations in the UK, providing integrated HR, payroll, learning, and recruitment software. The acquisition of Shape Payroll further cements Ciphr’s position in the industry, enhancing its capacity to support and empower payroll professionals through advanced technological solutions.

More than 800 organisations rely on Ciphr for their people management solutions, with notable clients including Volkswagen Group UK, the Natural History Museum, the Financial Conduct Authority, the University of Oxford, and Police Scotland. The acquisition of Shape Payroll is anticipated to provide these clients with even more robust and innovative payroll solutions.