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The Access Group Acquires IFS Employee Benefits

The Access Group, a leading provider of business management software to organisations across the UK, Ireland, the US and Asia Pacific, announced that it has acquired IFS Employee Benefits, a specialist payroll and pension bureau, enhancing its managed services capabilities for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Growth M&A

Posted 02/10/2025

Access serves businesses with solutions across multiple industry verticals, including construction, manufacturing, professional services, and other sectors that require comprehensive business management support. 

Established in 1995, IFS Employee Benefits has developed into a trusted payroll and pension services provider serving over 600 SME customers across the UK. The Gloucestershire-based business specialises in outsourced payroll and pension administration services, supporting companies with staff remuneration, taxation compliance and auto-enrolment pension management. IFS Employee Benefits works with various business organisations including the Federation of Small Businesses, reflecting its focus on delivering quality services to the SME community. 

Matthew Crook, General Manager of People Software at The Access Group commented: "IFS Employee Benefits represents an excellent strategic fit with our People Software division. Since being established in 1995, the business has developed strong relationships within the SME community. We look forward to IFS Employee Benefits customers benefiting from our continued investment in technology innovation and service development, and we are pleased to maintain our focus on delivering reliable, competitive payroll and pension services for the benefit of valued customers." 

Sam Baker, Partner at IFS, commented: "Joining Access represents an important development for IFS Employee Benefits. We have been impressed by their focus on customers and commitment to supporting business growth, and we are confident that our customers will benefit from Access's technological expertise and continued investment in service innovation." 

Matthew Crook added, "This acquisition supports our development strategy and focuses on delivering services that meet the needs of our expanding customer base and we are delighted to welcome IFS Employee Benefits customers, partners and employees into The Access Group." 

 

About The Access Group  

The Access Group is one of the largest UK-headquartered business management software providers. It provides solutions that empower more than 160,000 small and mid-sized organisations in commercial and non-profit sectors across Europe, USA and APAC, giving every employee the freedom to do more of what's important. Its innovative cloud solutions and integrated AI software experience across multiple Access products transform how business technology is used. Access employs over 8,400 people, continuously driving product innovation and customer service excellence. 

For more information, visit www.theaccessgroup.com or follow us @TheAccessGroup 

 

About IFS Employee Benefits 

IFS Employee Benefits is a specialist bureau established in 1995, providing outsourced payroll and pension services to over 600 SME customers across the UK. Operating with established partnerships with Federation of Small Businesses and as one of the preferred suppliers to Tax-Assist, IFS Employee Benefits delivers comprehensive payroll management using the Access PayCircle platform. With a track record of high customer satisfaction and retention, IFS Employee Benefits serves customers across various sectors with efficient, reliable payroll processing and pension administration services.