UK Enterprise Awards 2026

Founded by CEO Daniel White, Odyssey Contractor Solutions (Odyssey) services cover everything from CIS payroll for construction subcontractors to a fully managed umbrella payroll for agency and temporary workers. Built to fix problems seen within the industry, Daniel and the team at Odyssey believe payroll should be seamless and transparent, built around the needs of both agencies and the workforce. That’s why the firm combines industry-leading technology with personalised support, helping clients reduce administration, ensure compliance, and guarantee on-time payments. “We’ve taken a different approach,” begins Daniel. “Everything we do is structured, clear, and built around compliance from the ground up. We combine strong systems with real human support, so clients get both accuracy and accountability without feeling like they’re dealing with a faceless payroll provider.” At its core, Odyssey is about doing things properly and making sure people actually understand what’s happening with their money. With core values of transparency, compliance, and accountability, the company’s mantra is simple: Get it right, keep it clear, and don’t cut corners. “There’s a lot of noise in this industry, but when you strip it back, what people really want is trust,” Daniel continues. “They want to know they’re being paid correctly, that everything is compliant, and that if something goes wrong, someone will actually take responsibility. “For us, transparency means no grey areas. Compliance means doing things properly, even when it’s harder. And accountability means owning outcomes, not passing them on.” Staying ahead of the curve in such a stringent industry is not without its pitfalls. For example, the umbrella sector is increasingly shaped by regulatory scrutiny, due diligence requirements, and higher expectations from agencies and contractors. Staying ahead requires both technical capability and operational discipline. Rather than trying to stay ahead of the market, Daniel has focused on building for where the market is heading. “Our approach is designed to remove risk before it becomes a problem,” elaborates Daniel. “Structured onboarding, real-time payroll checks, clear documentation - everything is built to be controlled, not reactive. “What sets us apart is that we operate with the discipline of a large provider, but without losing the responsiveness of a smaller one. Clients get proper governance, but they also get access, speed, and clarity.” Perhaps the biggest shift in the industry right now is accountability. Agencies are being asked tougher questions about who they work with, whilst contractors are more aware of what to look for. Plus, HMRC scrutiny is encouraging higher standards across the industry, creating a clearer distinction between compliant providers and those operating outside best practice. For Odyssey, that shift has been positive. Daniel has built the business around compliance and clarity from day one, so the direction of the industry is reinforcing what the firm already does. Being UK-based also means Odyssey is operating in the middle of the regulatory environment that shapes the industry. This gives the company and its team a deeper understanding of the challenges agencies and contractors face every day. As with many new start-ups, a business only works if the people behind it take pride in what they’re doing and, to this extent, Daniel looks for individuals who embody Odyssey's values: people who are accountable, detail-focused, and understand that accuracy isn't optional in this environment; it's essential. Whilst technical knowledge also matters, mindset matters more. “As we grow, we’re very conscious of not losing the standard we have set,” Daniel tells us. “Growth is important, but not at the expense of service or compliance. If we can’t maintain both, we won’t push it.” Despite having been in business for less than two years, Odyssey is quickly establishing itself within the umbrella payroll provider sector, having recently been recognised in the UK Enterprise Awards, where it was awarded the title of Best Nationwide Payroll Solutions Provider 2026. Over the next 12–24 months, the focus for the organisation is now on strengthening what it has already built, which means better systems, more visibility, and continuing to improve how it supports both agencies and contractors. Daniel explains that he’s investing heavily in automation to genuinely reduce risk, but always keeping the human side of the business intact, as well as investing further in education to help clients understand payroll, compliance, and what best practice looks like in the sector. “The goal isn’t just to grow,” he states. “It’s to set a standard that others have to catch up to.” Contact: Daniel White Company: Odyssey Contractor Solutions Ltd Web Address: www.odysseycs.co.uk Since launching in 2024, Odyssey Contractor Solutions has rapidly established itself as the trusted payroll partner for contractors, freelancers, and recruitment agencies across the UK. Leveraging deep expertise in sectors such as construction, healthcare, education, logistics, and engineering, they deliver compliant, reliable, and efficient payroll solutions tailored to today’s flexible workforce. We learn more from Daniel White. Best Nationwide Payroll Solutions Provider 2026

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