{"id":31420,"date":"2026-07-22T10:57:27","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T09:57:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=31420"},"modified":"2026-07-22T11:28:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T10:28:21","slug":"sme-workforce-pulse-how-to-recruit-for-an-expanding-business","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/sme-workforce-pulse-how-to-recruit-for-an-expanding-business\/","title":{"rendered":"SME Workforce Pulse research &amp; how to recruit for an expanding business"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/category\/growth-customers\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Growth &amp; Customers<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSME Workforce Pulse research &amp; how to recruit for an expanding business\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe latest SME Pulse data shows the East Midlands leading the UK on jobs and pay growth. Thinking of expanding there, or into any other new location? Here\u2019s how to choose well and hire well.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-22T10:57:27+01:00\">22 July, 2026<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"SME Workforce Pulse research &amp; how to recruit for an expanding business\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/sme-workforce-pulse-how-to-recruit-for-an-expanding-business\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/author\/keirthomasbryant\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/06\/keir-short-hair-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/06\/keir-short-hair-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2025\/06\/keir-short-hair.jpg 760w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Keir Thomas-Bryant<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In partnership with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/u42094680.ct.sendgrid.net\/ls\/click?upn=u001.N-2FlvnHzxAKevxi36kkRN6w4hcH42hdBAqZJnKGlyrfWXq34K6DRQKE7IsBlVyAqCE97r_jOFWpjKATmQTbR31WvvW-2BDCMIOiCnt1lgY-2Fm21-2BPqRtrxKxOfuppY8t3rqLfryx-2FPPzbfzdun5-2Bnohxy2-2BaNy-2FntXy50HCV5qgj3ykxeUbZLB3P7PJ8TZt7kylhRA5fvRn-2FHehIICb57qDngwe-2FAJKGT3O9HRdHd96XCYRCbNsGwPwrLPqwwa91hYpAgnMhSvIPFjFvQRQQOOVz6g4agwzsCynOhWEArxYM5GUs5gL8QMPvugDKf8Ni2E-2BHVKQrT76tIUsaxmpSaWJJy0-2FAIfA-3D-3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Smart Data Foundry<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cebr.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Centre for Economics and Business Research<\/a>, Sage has published its latest SME Monthly Workforce Pulse research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is drawn from anonymised payroll data from approximately 200,000 small businesses and provides unheralded insight into pay across the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The data is part of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/company\/sustainability-and-society\/tech\/data-for-good\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Data for Good<\/a>, Sage&#8217;s commitment to help Small and Medium Businesses thrive using anonymised insights from our data and enabling better decision making by stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>See also<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/sme-workforce-pulse-how-to-plan-pay-rises-you-can-keep-giving\/\">SME Workforce Pulse &amp; how to plan pay rises you can keep giving<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As such, smart managers and leaders can use SME Monthly Workforce Pulse to plan their next moves\u2014such as how to choose a new location with recruitment in mind, and how to get your first hires right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s what we cover in this article:<\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-smes-continue-to-show-resilience\" data-level=\"2\">SMEs continue to show resilience<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-yet-the-recovery-remains-uneven\" data-level=\"2\">Yet the recovery remains uneven<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-follow-the-talent-choose-your-location-around-the-people-you-need\" data-level=\"2\">Follow the talent: Choose your location around the people you need<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#do-the-sums\" data-level=\"2\">Do the sums before you commit<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#make-first-hire-count\" data-level=\"2\">Make your first hire count<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#get-the-practice-side\" data-level=\"2\">Get the practical side ready before the first payday<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#undefined\" data-level=\"2\">Frequently asked questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-smes-continue-to-show-resilience\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">SMEs continue to show resilience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/company\/sustainability-and-society\/tech\/data-for-good\/#latest-reports\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SME Monthly Workforce Pulse&#8217;s latest data<\/a> shows median gross pay rose 4.1% year-on-year to \u00a32,209, with take-home pay up 3.5% to \u00a31,804.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, higher inflation and slower pay growth are squeezing household finances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Headcount among micro businesses grew +0.5%, outpacing small and medium firms at +0.4% each. The \u00a310,500 Employment Allowance may be shielding the smallest employers from the full impact of the NICs rise, but this protection falls away as firms scale up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The East Midlands led regional SME growth, with headcount rising 1.5%\u2014three times the UK average while pay increased by 4.2%. This might partly reflect recent investment in the region\u2019s manufacturing, clean-energy and infrastructure economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On a sectoral basis, finance and insurance was the strongest sector for headcount growth at +1.3%, while Wholesale and Retail Trade led on earnings growth at +4.4%. This comes amid wider evidence of stronger recruitment across technology, security and transformation roles in the insurance sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-yet-the-recovery-remains-uneven\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Yet the recovery remains uneven<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Headcount among 65\u201375-year-olds rose 7.4%, alongside the strongest pay growth of any age group at 4.9%. Meanwhile, employment among 25\u201334-year-olds fell 1.8%, and workers aged 16\u201324 recorded the weakest pay growth at just 1.9%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accommodation and Food shed the most staff of any sector at -0.7%. Given the sector\u2019s role as an entry point into work, continued weakness could have wider implications for younger workers and local high streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All of this data can be put to use in your business right now if you&#8217;re thinking of expanding. Here&#8217;s what you need to bear in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-follow-the-talent-choose-your-location-around-the-people-you-need\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Follow the talent: Choose your location around the people you need<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The East Midlands story is a reminder that growth follows people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where investment creates jobs, skills gather\u2014and businesses that set up nearby benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So if you\u2019re weighing up an expansion, don\u2019t start with the property deal. It&#8217;s better to start with the local talent picture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">University towns and cities are a reliable signal. A strong local university\u2014especially one running courses aligned to your sector\u2014means a fresh intake of educated graduates entering the jobs market every year, plus placement schemes, careers fairs and research partnerships you can tap into. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Further education colleges matter just as much for skilled trades and technical roles, and many now co-design courses with local employers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And don\u2019t be put off by competitors nearby in the planned new location. In recruitment terms, they\u2019re often an advantage. Where similar businesses cluster, a pool of experienced people builds up, along with the suppliers, training providers and professional networks that support them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, check the practicalities: transport links, typical commuting patterns, and whether offering hybrid working would widen your catchment area beyond the immediate postcode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"do-the-sums\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Do the sums before you commit<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pay varies significantly across the UK, so benchmark local salaries before you set them. The SME Workforce Pulse data is an excellent starting point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pitch too low and you\u2019ll struggle to attract anyone, of course. Pitch too high and you may strain your cashflow\u2014and unsettle your existing pay structure. Regional data such as SME Pulse, official statistics, and live job adverts in the area will give you a realistic range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look beyond salaries, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Compare property costs and business rates between shortlisted locations, and investigate local support\u2014growth hubs, enterprise zones and local authority grants can meaningfully reduce the cost of setting up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And remember the full cost of employment: the \u00a310,500 Employment Allowance softens employer National Insurance for the smallest firms, but as our data shows, that protection falls away as you scale, so build the total cost of each new hire into your forecasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"make-first-hire-count\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Make your first hire count<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Wherever possible, anchor your expansion with an experienced local hire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This has to be someone who knows the market, brings a network, and can act as your champion on the ground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They might also tell you what a realistic salary looks like, where good candidates spend their time, and which local quirks a head-office job advert would miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then build your reputation as a local employer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Show up at regional business events, build relationships with nearby universities and colleges, and write job adverts that demonstrate you understand the area\u2014not a copy-and-paste from HQ. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a new location, you\u2019re an unknown quantity, so every early interaction with candidates shapes how the local market sees you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"get-the-practice-side\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Get the practical side ready before the first payday<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nothing undermines a new team\u2019s confidence faster than a late or incorrect first payslip. Before anyone starts, make sure contracts are issued, right-to-work checks are complete, pension auto-enrolment is set up, and your payroll is ready to run for the new location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your expansion takes you into Scotland or Wales, remember that income tax rates and bands differ from the rest of the UK. Good payroll software will apply the correct tax codes automatically, but it\u2019s worth knowing when you\u2019re talking take-home pay with candidates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Public holidays can vary too, of course. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s also the moment to check your HR processes scale: who onboards new starters at the new site, who answers their day-to-day questions, and how you\u2019ll keep a growing, more dispersed team feeling like one business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Get the admin humming in the background, and you\u2019re free to focus on what the expansion is really for: winning customers in your new market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-final-thoughts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The East Midlands exception revealed in the data shows what happens when investment, skills and opportunity line up in one place\u2014and there\u2019s no reason your business can\u2019t ride a similar wave elsewhere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choose your location around the people you\u2019ll need, benchmark the true cost of employing them, anchor your move with a strong local hire, and have payroll and HR ready from day one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do that groundwork, and expansion stops being a leap of faith and becomes what it should be: a confident next step for a growing business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784652141384\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How do I choose the best location to expand my business in the UK?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Choose a location based on access to the talent you need. Look for areas with universities or colleges teaching skills relevant to your sector, existing clusters of similar businesses, good transport links, and pay levels your budget can sustain. Balance this against property costs, business rates and any local grants or incentives available.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784652160294\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Is it a good idea to set up near a competitor?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Often, yes. Areas where similar businesses cluster tend to have a deeper pool of experienced candidates, plus established suppliers, training provision and professional networks. While you\u2019ll compete for some hires, you\u2019ll also benefit from a jobs market that already understands your industry\u2014which usually makes recruitment faster and easier than starting somewhere with no sector presence.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784652170673\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Should I hire locally or relocate existing staff when expanding?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A blend usually works best. An experienced local hire brings market knowledge, contacts and credibility, while seconding a trusted existing employee helps transfer your culture and ways of working. If budgets only stretch to one, prioritise the local hire for customer-facing growth roles and support them closely from your existing team.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784652182822\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Do I need a separate payroll for employees in a different part of the UK?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">One payroll can cover employees anywhere in the UK. However, if you hire in Scotland or Wales, employees pay income tax under Scottish or Welsh rates and bands, applied through their tax code. Modern payroll software handles this automatically, but you should factor it in when discussing take-home pay with candidates.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784652194767\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What support is available for businesses expanding into a new UK region?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Start with the local growth hub or council business support team for the area you\u2019re targeting \u2013 they can point you to grants, premises support and recruitment schemes. Enterprise zones and freeports offer incentives in some areas, while local universities and colleges often run funded placement, internship and apprenticeship programmes that reduce early hiring costs.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Better outcomes with Data for Good<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Sage is committed to unlocking the power of anonymised data to drive insight that supports better decisions. In partnership with Smart Data Foundry and CEBR, we translate anonymised data into independent evidence\u2011based insight that supports better decision\u2011making.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/company\/sustainability-and-society\/tech\/data-for-good\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-30420\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>View our latest reports<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1215\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/03\/Sage_BrandShootNC_Feb2024_Accountants_0233-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Female accountant working with a client\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2024\/03\/Sage_BrandShootNC_Feb2024_Accountants_0233-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/grow-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to grow your business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/recruit\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to recruit people\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/hr-processes-medium-businesses\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHR processes for medium businesses\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/hr-process\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHR processes for small businesses\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/tag\/hr-payroll-benefits\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHR, payroll and benefits\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-31374 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-growth-customers category-trends-insights tag-business-costs tag-business-performance tag-career-development tag-grow-business tag-work-life-balance business_type-small-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media card-post__media--video\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/07\/Maldiva-Aesthetics-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Tricia Jordan of Maldiva Aesthetics\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/07\/Maldiva-Aesthetics-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/07\/Maldiva-Aesthetics-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/07\/Maldiva-Aesthetics-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__play-video\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" class=\"card-post__play-icon svg-icon\" width=\"28\" height=\"28\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 33 36\"><path d=\"M3.947.936C1.889 1.016 0 2.661 0 4.878v27.11c0 2.956 3.36 4.896 5.999 3.463l24.965-13.555c2.715-1.474 2.715-5.451 0-6.925L6 1.416a3.96 3.96 0 0 0-2.052-.48Zm.032 2.6c.232-.001.475.058.713.187L29.66 17.28c.986.535.986 1.774 0 2.309L4.692 33.144c-.952.517-1.999-.088-1.999-1.155V4.878c0-.533.261-.95.642-1.17.19-.11.411-.171.644-.172\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M5.25 3C3.74 3 2.5 4.24 2.5 5.75v12.5C2.5 19.76 3.74 21 5.25 21h14c1.51 0 2.75-1.24 2.75-2.75V5.75C22 4.24 20.76 3 19.25 3zm0 1.5h14c.699 0 1.25.551 1.25 1.25v12.5a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25 1.25h-14A1.24 1.24 0 0 1 4 18.25V5.75c0-.699.551-1.25 1.25-1.25m.25.75a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-8.25 2.751A1.248 1.248 0 0 0 9 9.251v5.5c0 .442.231.849.613 1.074.389.231.846.237 1.239.021l5.001-2.751c.396-.219.646-.639.646-1.094s-.25-.876-.646-1.095l-.001-.001-5.002-2.751a1.25 1.25 0 0 0-.601-.153zM5.5 8.25a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-8 1.423L14.731 12 10.5 14.328zm-5 1.577a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-13 3a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm-13 3a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5H6a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5zm13 0a.5.5 0 0 0-.5.5v.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5.5h.5a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5v-.5a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-20T12:33:13+01:00\">20 July, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">4 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/clinic-newport-trusts-tricia-jordan-built-maldiva-aesthetics-from-dream-to-reality\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe Clinic Newport Trusts: How Tricia Jordan built Maldiva Aesthetics from dream to reality\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tDiscover how Newport entrepreneur Tricia Jordan built Maldiva Aesthetics through trust, community and customer care, growing a loyal client base while using Sage to simplify administration and support future growth.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-23063 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations category-trends-insights tag-accountant-payroll tag-hr-payroll-benefits tag-payroll business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-are-payrolling-benefits-in-kind\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-961279906-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"managing payroll tasks for the business\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-961279906-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-961279906-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-961279906-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-26T09:54:55+01:00\">26 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">12 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tPayrolling benefits in kind: What\u2019s changing from April 2027 and April 2028\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-30434 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-people-leadership category-trends-insights tag-ai tag-recruit tag-hr-processes-medium-businesses tag-hr-process tag-hr-payroll-benefits tag-looking-after-your-employees business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-is-ai-in-hr\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/06\/Ai-in-HR-infographic-image-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"A woman poses in front of the Sage glow line and a black background.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/06\/Ai-in-HR-infographic-image-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/06\/Ai-in-HR-infographic-image-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2026\/06\/Ai-in-HR-infographic-image-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-23T09:02:11+01:00\">23 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">10 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat is AI in HR and how can you use it responsibly?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-30414 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-free-guides-templates tag-accountant-payroll tag-hr-processes-medium-businesses tag-hr-process tag-hr-payroll-benefits tag-payroll business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business business_type-accountants industry-hr-and-people-management industry-professional-services\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/sme-workforce-pulse-how-to-plan-pay-rises-you-can-keep-giving\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-143917299-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-143917299-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-143917299-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-143917299-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M11.988 2.989a.75.75 0 0 0-.739.761v10.689l-1.72-1.72a.75.75 0 0 0-.957-.099.75.75 0 0 0-.315.776c.031.146.104.28.211.384l3 3a.75.75 0 0 0 1.06 0l3-3a.76.76 0 0 0 .231-.533.74.74 0 0 0-.22-.538q-.108-.106-.247-.164c-.139-.058-.191-.057-.291-.056s-.198.022-.29.061-.174.097-.243.169l-1.72 1.72V3.75a.76.76 0 0 0-.22-.541.76.76 0 0 0-.542-.22zM5.75 8.5C4.24 8.5 3 9.74 3 11.25v7C3 19.76 4.24 21 5.75 21h12.5c1.51 0 2.75-1.24 2.75-2.75v-7c0-1.51-1.24-2.75-2.75-2.75h-3a.76.76 0 0 0-.537.216.74.74 0 0 0-.223.535.76.76 0 0 0 .223.535.74.74 0 0 0 .537.216h3c.699 0 1.25.551 1.25 1.25v7a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25 1.25H5.75a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25-1.25v-7c0-.699.551-1.25 1.25-1.25h3a.76.76 0 0 0 .537-.216.74.74 0 0 0 .223-.535.76.76 0 0 0-.223-.535.75.75 0 0 0-.537-.216z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-23T09:00:00+01:00\">23 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tSME Workforce Pulse &amp; how to plan pay rises you can keep giving\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-30483 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-free-guides-templates category-people-leadership category-strategy-legal-operations category-trends-insights tag-business-performance tag-business-support tag-create-business-plan tag-grow-business tag-make-receive-payments tag-mtd-accountants tag-making-tax-digital-for-income-tax tag-payments tag-performance-management business_type-small-business business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/the-hidden-hours-behind-late-payments\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-607477465-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-607477465-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-607477465-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-607477465-1214x810.jpg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg role=\"presentation\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" class=\"card-post__meta-icon svg-icon\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path d=\"M11.988 2.989a.75.75 0 0 0-.739.761v10.689l-1.72-1.72a.75.75 0 0 0-.957-.099.75.75 0 0 0-.315.776c.031.146.104.28.211.384l3 3a.75.75 0 0 0 1.06 0l3-3a.76.76 0 0 0 .231-.533.74.74 0 0 0-.22-.538q-.108-.106-.247-.164c-.139-.058-.191-.057-.291-.056s-.198.022-.29.061-.174.097-.243.169l-1.72 1.72V3.75a.76.76 0 0 0-.22-.541.76.76 0 0 0-.542-.22zM5.75 8.5C4.24 8.5 3 9.74 3 11.25v7C3 19.76 4.24 21 5.75 21h12.5c1.51 0 2.75-1.24 2.75-2.75v-7c0-1.51-1.24-2.75-2.75-2.75h-3a.76.76 0 0 0-.537.216.74.74 0 0 0-.223.535.76.76 0 0 0 .223.535.74.74 0 0 0 .537.216h3c.699 0 1.25.551 1.25 1.25v7a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25 1.25H5.75a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25-1.25v-7c0-.699.551-1.25 1.25-1.25h3a.76.76 0 0 0 .537-.216.74.74 0 0 0 .223-.535.76.76 0 0 0-.223-.535.75.75 0 0 0-.537-.216z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-19T11:24:18+01:00\">19 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tThe hidden hours behind late payments\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The latest SME Pulse data shows the East Midlands leading the UK on jobs and pay growth. Thinking of expanding there, or into any other new location? Here\u2019s how to choose well and hire well.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":280,"featured_media":11497,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[15,35,240,41,234],"business_type":[4,3,115],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[67,68,69,70,71,72,73,74],"imagine_tag":[91,92,217,218],"coauthors":[369],"class_list":["post-31420","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-growth-customers","tag-grow-business","tag-recruit","tag-hr-processes-medium-businesses","tag-hr-process","tag-hr-payroll-benefits","business_type-small-business","business_type-medium-sized-business","business_type-accountants"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Keir Thomas-Bryant","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1169342765.jpg","imagine_tags":{"91":"Growing business","92":"HR and Payroll","217":"HR processes","218":"Top HR resources"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice UK","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31420","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/280"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31420"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31420\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31430,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31420\/revisions\/31430"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/11497"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31420"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31420"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31420"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=31420"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=31420"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=31420"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=31420"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=31420"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=31420"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=31420"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}