About us

Learn all about our mission, our values and our story so far…

We are ADVANCE

We are trusted experts in the workforce management market, providing ethical employment, accountancy and subcontracting solutions to the UK’s contractors and the recruitment businesses that find them work.

Our Mission

To be the leading provider of workforce management solutions for the UK’s temporary labour market by redefining the standards of compliance. We support our agency partners and contractors alike through absolute transparency, providing trusted knowledge, expertise and insights—all delivered through award-winning, world-class service.

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Our Values

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Passion

We genuinely care about our clients, partners, employees and subcontractors, and always seek to delight those with whom we work.

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Respect

We are honest and transparent, and value all individuals for their background, experience, approach and ideas.

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Teamwork

We encourage collaboration, whilst ensuring that individuals take ownership of projects and challenges.

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World-Class Service

We aim to provide a service so good that word-of-mouth recommendations are the norm.

Our Story

2010: The Vision

ADVANCE was established with a clear mission: to create a workforce management solutions business that provides recruitment agencies and contractors with a genuine sense of security, reliability and trust.

2011: Setting The Standard

Furthering our commitment to excellence, ADVANCE became an early adopter of FCSA Accreditation. We successfully implemented these rigorous standards across our Umbrella, Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) and Limited Company Accounting services.

ADVANCE employees talking

2010: The Vision

ADVANCE was established with a clear mission: to create a workforce management business that provides recruitment agencies and contractors with a genuine sense of security, reliability and trust.

2011: Setting The Standard

Furthering our commitment to excellence, ADVANCE became an early adopter of FCSA Accreditation. We successfully implemented these rigorous standards across our Umbrella, Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) and Limited Company Accounting services.

ADVANCE employees talking

2015 – 2016: Strategic Growth

In late 2015, Shaun Critchley joined the business to take ADVANCE to new heights. Leveraging his background as an advisor to trade bodies and his role in drafting the FCSA Code of Conduct, he led the business through a period of significant growth. Under his leadership, ADVANCE cemented its reputation as a trusted industry expert, consistently delivering excellence and attracting an expanding network of agency partners.

2021: Navigating Legislation

ADVANCE implemented significant enhancements to internal processes to ensure full alignment with IR35 legislation. Beyond internal compliance, we began providing expert guidance on best practice to agencies, successfully securing new contracts by supporting candidates operating inside IR35.

Man and woman working at their desk in the office

2015 – 2016: Strategic Growth

In late 2015, Shaun Critchley joined the business to take ADVANCE to new heights. Leveraging his background as an advisor to trade bodies and his role in drafting the FCSA Code of Conduct, he led the business through a period of significant growth. Under his leadership, ADVANCE cemented its reputation as a trusted industry expert, consistently delivering excellence and attracting an expanding network of agency partners.

2021: Navigating Legislation

ADVANCE implemented significant enhancements to internal processes to ensure full alignment with IR35 legislation. Beyond internal compliance, we began providing expert guidance on best practice to agencies, successfully securing new contracts by supporting candidates operating inside IR35.

Man and woman working at their desk in the office

2022: A People-First Evolution

Ownership of ADVANCE transitioned to an Employee-Owned Trust (EOT), marking a pivotal shift in our culture. As part of this evolution, Anna Sills, who joined the company in 2014, was appointed Managing Director, while Shaun Critchley transitioned to Chair of ADVANCE Group Holdings.

2025: Innovation and Readiness

In preparation for the Joint and Several Liability and Employment Rights Act 2024, the business underwent a strategic restructuring. This period was marked by the commissioning and development of our pioneering TRANSPARENCY Portal with Individual PAYE References.

Full office team working at their desk, either on the phone, smiling and typing or they are looking at reports.

2022: A People-First Evolution

Ownership of ADVANCE transitioned to an Employee-Owned Trust (EOT), marking a pivotal shift in our culture. As part of this evolution, Anna Sills, who joined the company in 2014, was appointed Managing Director, while Shaun Critchley transitioned to Chair of ADVANCE Group Holdings.

2025: Innovation and Readiness

In preparation for the Joint and Several Liability and Employment Rights Act 2024, the business underwent a strategic restructuring. This period was marked by the commissioning and development of our pioneering TRANSPARENCY Portal with Individual PAYE References.

Full office team working at their desk, either on the phone, smiling and typing or they are looking at reports.

2026: A New Era

Building on this momentum, ADVANCE successfully secured positions on several high-profile Preferred Supplier Lists (PSLs) as a direct result of the TRANSPARENCY Portal and its individual PAYE references. This milestone marks more than just a successful year; it signals a fresh chapter for the business. With our new Managing Director now at the helm, ADVANCE is entering a dynamic new era of workforce management. Under this energised leadership, the business is leveraging its reputation and legacy of thought-leadership to raise standards for the industry that go significantly above the fundamental government requirements.

ADVANCE TRANSPARENCY Portal on computer monitor screen

2026: A New Era

Building on this momentum, ADVANCE successfully secured positions on several high-profile Preferred Supplier Lists (PSLs) as a direct result of the TRANSPARENCY Portal and its individual PAYE references. This milestone marks more than just a successful year; it signals a fresh chapter for the business. With our new Managing Director now at the helm, ADVANCE is entering a dynamic new era of workforce management. Under this energised leadership, the business is leveraging its reputation and legacy of thought-leadership to raise standards for the industry that go significantly above the fundamental government requirements.

ADVANCE TRANSPARENCY Portal on computer monitor screen

Highly Recommended

Rated highly on Trustpilot and Google, our clients, contractors and employees are happy to recommend ADVANCE time and time again. See our Trustpilot reviews to find out for yourself.

Refer A Friend

Refer. Earn. Repeat.

If you know a contractor or worker who would benefit from our services, simply refer them to the ADVANCE team today. As a thank you for your successful recommendation, we will treat you to a £50 voucher once they are up and running. The more you refer, the more you can earn. It’s that easy. 

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