Yankee Candle’s UK business replaced fragmented, manual HR and payroll systems with ADP’s managed payroll solution to support rapid growth and rising regulatory demands. Today, a centralised, integrated HR and payroll system reduces errors, simplifies workplace pensions reform compliance and frees the HR team to focus on higher‑value work.
Yankee Candle at a glance:
- Founded in 1969.
- Products are sold in nearly 50 countries worldwide.
- 255 employees on the UK payroll, including remote and home workers.
- UK head office and warehouse in Bristol, supporting seven UK retail outlets.
Having reviewed our own needs, I knew that ADP’s integrated managed service would address all our requirements and bring real benefits to Yankee Candle.
Rachael Merrett,
Financial Controller
Yankee Candle
About Yankee Candle
Founded in 1969 in Massachusetts, Yankee Candle is a leading manufacturer and retailer of scented candles, candleholders, and accessories, known for its focus on quality ingredients and craftsmanship. Its products are sold in nearly 50 countries worldwide through its own brand of gift shops and catalogues, as well as online.
From Bristol, the UK head office and warehouse manages the international distribution of candles and home fragrance scents and stocks of seven UK retail outlets. The UK payroll currently covers 255 employees, including remote and home workers, and the workforce is expanding rapidly as the business grows.
Inefficient manual payroll and HR systems holding back growth
Yankee Candle’s UK operation had relied on two separate manual HR and payroll systems for several years. Regular re‑keying of data and duplicate calculations made processes labour‑intensive and increased the risk of human error. As the workforce expanded, the old‑fashioned systems could no longer keep pace with the needs of the rapidly growing business.
Key outcomes include:
- Fragmented HR and payroll data, with two manual systems and extensive re‑
- High error risk from duplicate calculations and inevitable human errors.
- Growing compliance burden from workplace pensions reform and future legislation.
- Complex US reporting needs, requiring data in formats compatible with international systems.
Yankee Candle therefore wanted an integrated, centralised HR and payroll management system to modernise processes, improve control over employee information, reduce inaccuracies and support UK workplace pensions reform compliance while staying ready for further regulatory change.
ADP managed payroll solution with integrated HR and self‑service
Following an extensive review of the market, Yankee Candle selected ADP for its managed payroll solution with integrated HR functionality. Delivered as a secure Software as a Service (SaaS) platform, ADP’s managed payroll solution can be accessed online by authorised employees from anywhere at any time, offering flexibility and stronger control over HR and payroll data.
Rachael Merrett, Financial Controller, already knew ADP from a previous company and was aware of its strong reputation. After reviewing Yankee Candle’s needs, she concluded that ADP’s integrated managed service would meet all requirements and bring clear benefits to the organisation.
ADP’s managed payroll solution was chosen for:
- Integrated HR and payroll system – a single, centralised platform instead of dual manual systems
- Managed payroll service – expert support and processing to reduce in‑house workload
- Self‑service HR and payroll tools – enabling employees to view and update their data and access e‑payslips online
- Support for remote workers – easy access to HR details for staff based away from the head office
The self‑service and e‑payslip functionality was a standout differentiator, reducing administrative effort for HR, engaging employees through increased control of their information and supporting a growing remote workforce. Over time, the platform can also support further initiatives such as time and labour management for time and attendance.
Rolling out ADP with confidence
The implementation of the ADP payroll solution was straightforward and completed within Yankee Candle’s desired timescales. Both organisations committed sufficient time to the project to ensure a smooth transition from the legacy systems.
Implementation highlights:
- Clear project governance, with regular meetings to keep milestones on track.
- Accessible ADP project team, on hand throughout to answer questions and support the in‑house team.
- Deadlines met with time to spare, giving HR and payroll confidence in the new managed payroll solution.
Improved control, efficiency, and employee experience from ADP managed payroll solution
Since moving to ADP’s managed payroll solution, Yankee Candle has gained far greater control over HR and payroll data and a clear reduction in payroll errors. Real‑time visibility allows the team to spot and correct issues straightaway, rather than discovering them later in the pay cycle.
Key outcomes include:
- Fewer payroll errors and stronger data control, thanks to integrated systems and real‑time information.
- Reduced administrative burden, with manual re‑keying and duplicate calculations significantly cut back.
- Empowered employees and remote workers, who can manage personal data, submit holiday bookings and access e‑payslips online.
- Stronger reporting to US head office, with data that is easier for US teams to read, monitor and moderate.
- Increased compliance confidence, as ADP manages HMRC and RTI submissions as part of the managed payroll service.
HR and payroll impact with ADP managed payroll solution
- Stronger control over HR and payroll data and fewer payroll errors.
- Less manual administration for HR and payroll teams.
- Real‑time information improving oversight and reporting.
- Self‑service tools freeing up HR to focus on value‑adding work.
- HMRC and RTI submissions handled by ADP to support compliance.
Now that we have ADP’s payroll solution up and running, we are able to spot any errors straightaway, rather than further down the line.
Rachael Merrett
Service, partnership, and the future
Beyond the technology, Yankee Candle emphasises the quality of ADP’s service. The team sees ADP as an extension of its in‑house HR and payroll function, always available at the end of the phone to lend advice and support and to manage HMRC and RTI submissions to keep the business compliant.
We really see ADP as an extension of the in house team and this is a huge benefit for us. We know that they are always at the end of the phone to lend advice and support, plus they take care of our HMRC and RTI submissions to ensure we remain compliant.
Rachael Merrett
The relationship between Yankee Candle and ADP continues to strengthen, with plans to explore additional solutions such as time and labour management to streamline time and attendance and further enhance employees’ work‑life experience.
Building a future-ready culture with a growth mindset and an openness to change is essential.
