Independently checked, not just promised
Choosing an umbrella company is a compliance decision as much as a commercial one. That’s why we invite independent organisations to check how we pay people, how we treat them and how we run our business. Below, you’ll find what each accreditation means in practice for the contractors we employ and the recruitment agencies we work with, along with the awards we’re proud to have won or been shortlisted for.
Compliance & accreditations
Fair Tax Mark
The Fair Tax Mark is awarded by the Fair Tax Foundation, a UK social enterprise, to businesses that show they pay the right amount of corporation tax, at the right time and in the right place. Holding it means our financial statements have been reviewed and we’ve committed publicly to responsible, transparent tax conduct, which matters in an industry that has seen its share of non-compliant schemes.
Investors in People
We invest in people is the Investors in People accreditation for how well an organisation leads, supports and develops its team. It’s assessed independently, including a survey of our people, and renewed on a three-year cycle. We hold the Standard accreditation, the foundation level of the framework, and we’re working to build on it.
Fair work commitments
Living Wage Employer
We’re an accredited Living Wage Employer with the Living Wage Foundation. That means we’re committed to paying the real Living Wage: an hourly rate calculated independently each year on what people actually need to live on, not just the government minimum.
Living Hours Employer
Living Hours is the Living Wage Foundation’s standard for secure, predictable work. Accredited employers commit to contracts that reflect the hours people actually work, at least four weeks’ notice of shifts (with pay if a shift is cancelled within that notice), and a guaranteed minimum of 16 hours a week for anyone who wants it.
Living Pension Employer
The Living Pension is the Living Wage Foundation’s savings benchmark, designed to help people build a pension that gives them security in retirement. As a Living Pension Employer, we work to an annual savings target set by the Foundation, so saving for the future is built into how we look after our people.
Disability Confident
Disability Confident is the UK government scheme that helps employers recruit, keep and develop disabled people. Being part of it means we’ve committed to inclusive, accessible recruitment and to making sure everyone we employ has the support they need to thrive at work.
Memberships & partnerships
Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Birmingham is home, and we’re proud members of the city’s Chamber of Commerce. Membership connects us with businesses across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, and keeps us close to the local agencies and employers we work alongside.
JobsAware
JobsAware is a not-for-profit that gives workers free help and advice on job scams and labour market abuses, working with government departments including HMRC and the Home Office. As a JobsAware partner, we point contractors to an independent place to raise concerns and support the wider push to stamp out bad practice in our sector.
Treeapp
Treeapp is a certified B Corp that plants trees with reforestation projects around the world, tracking them through satellite imagery and on-the-ground monitoring. Our partnership with Treeapp is one small way we give something back to the planet as we grow.
Awards & recognition
UK Finance Awards 2026: Winner
Best Contractor Payroll Provider 2026. The UK Finance Awards, run by SME News, recognise businesses across the UK’s finance and professional services sector. Being named the country’s best contractor payroll provider is a proud moment for a team that only launched in 2024.
UK Enterprise Awards 2026: Winner
The UK Enterprise Awards, also run by SME News, celebrate the small and medium-sized businesses driving the UK economy. Winning in 2026 recognises the hard work our team has put into building a fair, transparent contractor payroll business from the ground up.
Business Awards UK 2026: Winner
Best Newcomer – Small Business. Business Awards UK celebrates small businesses across the country. Being named Best Newcomer recognises how quickly Odyssey has earned the trust of contractors and recruitment agencies since we opened our doors.
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Investors in People Awards 2026: Finalist
The Investors in People Awards celebrate organisations and individuals who are making work better, from leadership and development to wellbeing. We’re proud to be a finalist in 2026, with winners announced at the ceremony in London in November.
The Contracting Awards: 2026 Finalist
The Contracting Awards recognise the service providers going above and beyond for the UK’s contractor community. After being shortlisted in 2025, we’re delighted to be a finalist again in 2026, recognition from the sector we serve every day.
Phoenix Business Awards 2026: Finalist
Business of the Year. The Phoenix Business Awards celebrate standout businesses in our region. Reaching the final for Business of the Year reflects the progress we’ve made in a short time, and the people who made it happen.
Best Places to Work Awards 2026: Finalist
Best Company Overall (Small). Staged by Birmingham Business magazine, the Best Places to Work Awards recognise the organisations that make the region a great place to work. It’s a shortlisting that means a lot, because it’s about how our own people feel about working here.
Business Buzz Awards 2026: Finalist
The Business Buzz Awards celebrate the UK businesses, teams and people creating the most buzz in their local communities, with every entry judged independently by guest judges. Being named a finalist in 2026 is a proud moment for a young business built on doing payroll properly and treating people fairly. Winners will be revealed at the awards night on 26 November 2026.
Birmingham Awards 2026: Nominated
Now in their 11th year, the Birmingham Awards celebrate the people, businesses and organisations helping to shape the city. We’re proud to be nominated in 2026 alongside so many of Birmingham’s best.