Sapphire

Sapphire, accounting and contracting for contractors and businesses in the UK

Sapphire is a British accounting and contracting firm whose activity is divided into two areas: Sapphire Contracting and Sapphire Accounting. The company presents itself as an employee-owned company, a model which, according to its own description, means the team has a direct interest in the quality of the service provided. Its registered office is at Bramhall House, in Stockport (Cheshire).

Contracting services

The contracting area works with freelancers, contractors and recruitment agencies. It covers four main options:

• Umbrella: employment with payroll managed by the firm.
• CIS: the scheme applicable to the construction sector.
• PAYE: conventional payroll taxation.
• Limited Companies: support for limited companies.

The company states that it is accredited by the FCSA (Freelancer and Contractor Services Association) and that its payroll is fully compliant with regulations. Among the conditions it mentions for contractors are secure employment, access to private pension options and fast onboarding.

Accounting services

Sapphire Accounting is aimed at ambitious businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups at any stage of development. The firm describes this service as a different approach from the usual one, focused on meeting the accounting and tax needs of growing businesses. The team includes specialists in accounting, tax and umbrella solutions, and serves both limited companies and sole traders.

Payroll transparency portal

The company has launched a payroll transparency portal that provides access to HMRC-confirmed payroll records and audit trails. The portal is designed for both contractors and agencies and MSPs, who can obtain payroll evidence instantly.

Structure and management team

The firm operates under several companies registered in England and Wales, including Ciessem Investments Limited, Sapphire DNP Limited, Saser Limited, Sapphire Accounting Limited and Sapphire Quartz Limited. Its management team includes Mark Connor (CEO), Alex Moore (Commercial Director), James Shaw (Operations Director), Paul Bygraves (Sales Director), Anthony Stevens (Business Change Director), Loui Aylward (Head of Business Partnerships), Maria Dawson (Head of Payroll and Compliance), Ben Fitzgerald (Head of Contractor Accounting), Kris Simpson (Head of International), Helen Grey (Business Development Director), Hayley Brassington (Head of Internal Finance), Jake Darlington (Head of SME Accounting) and Gem Wilson (Executive Assistant).

Awards and recent activity

The company notes that it is considered one of the best companies to work for in the UK and holds the 3 Star World Class Workplace accreditation. Ben Fitzgerald was named Best Contractor Accountant at the Contracting Awards 2025. Sapphire has also obtained SafeRec Umbrella certification and has surpassed £1 million in contractor profit-share bonuses, according to its own news history.

Clients and sectors

Sapphire states that it serves thousands of businesses and contractors across the country and works with recruitment agencies in some of the UK's fastest-growing sectors. Its activity is aimed at contractors, company directors (PSCs and SMEs), recruitment consultants, sole traders and agencies.

Location and contact

Bramhall House, 14 Ack Lane East, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire, England, SK7 2BY · Phone: 01625 539997 · Email: agencysupport@sapphireorg.co.uk