As 2024 comes to a close, we’re thrilled to reflect on a year of exceptional growth, innovation, and milestones here at Sapphire. True to our vision of becoming the most customer-focused business in the world, this year was defined by collaboration, agility, and a shared drive to unlock ambition – for our team, our customers, and the contractors we support.
Here are just some of the highlights from an extraordinary year:
✮ Celebrating employee ownership with milestone EOT bonuses
We’re proud to have shared £350,000 in Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) bonuses with our long-serving umbrella contractors. This industry-first initiative underscores our commitment to rewarding everyone who contributes to Sapphire’s success and reflects the unique strength of our employee-owned model.
✮ Reaching new horizons with Sapphire International
2024 marked a year of bold international expansion as Sapphire International established itself as a vital partner for recruitment agencies navigating overseas markets. With services spanning Denmark, Spain, Germany, and beyond, we’re helping clients tackle labour shortages and regulatory challenges with solutions that include employed contractor models, multi-currency payroll, and local compliance expertise.
✮ Introducing Platinum services
This year saw the debut of our Umbrella Platinum and CIS Platinum services, offering contractors peace of mind with personal accident cover, health plans, and financial support through early wage advances. These services are designed to ensure our contractors feel supported at every step, reinforcing our commitment to unlocking their potential.
✮ Driving industry insights with the Contractor Census
We introduced the 2024 Contractor Census, a comprehensive whitepaper offering insights into contractor trends, preferences, and priorities. With feedback from over 2,300 contractors, this resource empowers recruiters, businesses and contractors themselves to make informed decisions in a competitive market.
✮ Acquisition of Quartz: transforming back-office operations
The acquisition of Quartz and the establishment of our in-house software development team has revolutionised how we support recruitment agencies. Quartz’s cloud-based Pay & Bill platform streamlines timesheets, invoices, and payments, reducing back-office administration by up to 80% and providing actionable analytics for growth.
✮ Recognition for excellence
We’re thrilled to have been named the #1 Accountancy Firm to Work For in the UK by Best Companies and ranked as the 8th Best Small Business to Work For nationwide. We also received Highly Commended recognition at the Contractor Awards for our umbrella solution, reinforcing our position as a leader in compliance and customer satisfaction.
✮ Entering the German market with AUG licensing
We made a strategic move into Germany, launching a comprehensive AUG-licensed payroll service to simplify compliance for recruitment agencies. This tailored solution helps businesses place contractors confidently in Germany’s complex regulatory environment, paving the way for continued European expansion.
✮ A fresh look with our rebrand and website launch
We unveiled our new brand identity and website, designed to reflect the innovation and exceptional service that underpin everything we do. This transformation signals the next chapter of Sapphire as we continue to grow alongside our clients and contractors.
✮ Looking ahead to 2025
As we move into 2025, our focus remains steadfast: enabling every customer to unleash their potential. With the support of our incredible team, we’ll continue to innovate, grow, and create solutions that help businesses and contractors achieve their goals.
To all our clients, contractors, and partners – thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we’re unlocking ambition and shaping a brighter future.
