Software Firm Snaps Up Payroll Bureau

Longwell Green payroll software company QTAC Solutions has boughtLawrence Hill firm CRM Payroll Bureau.

QTAC Solutions provides the software that calculates NationalInsurance and income tax deductions for individuals' pay, while CRMPayroll Bureau, which has been renamed The Payroll Bureau at QTAC,prepares pay slips and payments for employees.

Peter Prater, managing director of QTAC, said: "The acquisitionwill enable QTAC to remain on track as one of the fastest growingindependent companies in the payroll sector." QTAC Solutions wasfounded in 1994 after Mr Prater came up with the idea for thesoftware while working as a contractor for a chartered accountant.

Now the company, which has a workforce of 12, supplies itssoftware to more than 3,000 customers, including the Inland Revenueand UK chartered accountants.

The payroll marketplace is dominated by leader Sage, but Mr Pratersaid: "I think there is always going to be room for a small nichemarket company." The Payroll Bureau@QTAC currently handles thepayroll for more than 4,000 employees in about 25 companies.

Clients include a charity and Countryside Properties, whichemploys over 1,000 staff.

CRM Payroll's Bureau manager Debbie Cousins will manage thebureau, which has three members of staff, from QTAC's Longwell Greenoffices.