Why it pays to outsource an important job

Tuesday 24th March, 2026

Payday is one of the most important events of the month. Once the cash is in your account, you can breathe a sigh of relief that your mortgage and assorted direct debits will be paid, and you might even celebrate with a night out.

In contrast, late payment can cause all kinds of issues. That’s why Tim and Jo Wilkins at Cornwall Payroll Ltd take their job very seriously. They and their team moved to Truro Technology Park on Heron Way last summer, and now manage payroll duties for 300 clients with stunning views over green rolling fields on the opposite bank of Calenick Creek.  

Managing director Tim set up in business 10 years ago, having managed payroll in-house for large companies. “I’d always wanted to go out on my own and decided to specialise in payroll services,” he says.  

By happy coincidence, workplace pensions were made compulsory for SMEs in 2014: “These are intrinsically linked to payroll, and as a result a lot more companies decided to outsource that side of their business.” 

Tim was joined by wife Jo two years into the business. Today, their portfolio includes Hall For Cornwall, Carbis Bay Hotel, Rodda’s and Prima Bakeries. Paydays often take place at the end of the month, when it’s all hands on deck in the office; however, many employers pay weekly, allowing the Wilkins to spread the load throughout the month. 

Clients range in size from a care home group with 450 employees to start-up businesses with just a few people on the books. However large or small they are, they share the aim of concentrating on what they are good at and leaving payroll to the experts.  

Cornwall Payroll Ltd are three-times accredited by the Charted Institute of Payroll Professionals, and make it their business to keep up to date with ever-changing legislation (such as the increase in employers' National Insurance rates in April 2025).  

Why contract out your payroll rather than keep it in house? “Having one person dealing with payroll can cause problems if they are on holiday or off sick, as many companies discovered during the pandemic,” says Jo. “In contrast, we have a team so having one person off is less risky.” 

“Getting it wrong affects workplace morale,” adds Tim. "A workforce paid on time is a happy and effective workforce.”  

The company logo is a jigsaw piece. “We are the missing piece in your puzzle - the one that completes the picture,” smiles Jo.  

Cornwall Payroll Ltd, Office 2, Calenick House, Truro Technology Park, Heron Way, Newham, Truro TR1 2XN