Meet Matthew Blane: Accounting & Payroll MD of the Year 2024

Honest Payroll’s Managing Director wins national recognition for leadership, innovation, and building one of the UK’s fastest-growing payroll and accountancy firms.

At Honest Payroll, we believe great leadership drives great service. That belief was recently recognised on a national stage, as our own Managing Director, Matthew Blane, was named Accounting & Payroll MD of the Year 2024 at the prestigious Managing Director of the Year Awards.

Based in Lancaster, Honest Payroll was founded in December 2022 with a clear mission: to raise the standard in umbrella payroll and deliver truly customer-first solutions for contractors, agencies, and clients across the globe.

In just 18 months, that mission has turned into a movement.

A Journey Built on Service and Vision

Matthew’s journey into payroll and accountancy began after a successful two-decade career in recruitment for the energy sector, working across the UK and internationally. His deep knowledge of contractor life, agency operations, and supply chains gave him a unique view of what great service—and poor service—really looks like.

“I’ve seen both sides of the industry,” Matthew says.
“I know what world-class customer service looks like for contractors, agencies, and clients—and I knew we could build a business that actually delivered it.”

That vision became Honest Payroll, a business built on the principles of transparency, individuality, and seamless service—a philosophy Matthew calls The Honest Journey.

Building the Right Team, the Honest Way

From day one, Matthew’s leadership style has been rooted in values. He looks beyond CVs when hiring—focusing instead on shared mindset, character, and cultural alignment.

“It’s about finding the right people, in the right seats, with the right attitude,” he explains.
“Experience matters but values matter more.”

Every team member is immersed in Honest Payroll’s values and three-year vision. Through regular strategy sessions, weekly check-ins, and an open-door culture, the business has developed a motivated, agile team that lives and breathes the Honest way of working.

Leadership That Drives Growth

Under Matthew’s leadership, Honest Payroll has:

• Launched a brand-new office in Dubai under Honest International
• Rolled out a complete brand refresh and website redesign
• Introduced a second service line, Honest Accountancy
• Been shortlisted for Best Umbrella Company at the Contracting Awards 2024

The internal structure mirrors the external momentum, with a clear three-year vision, broken into annual, quarterly, and weekly strategic milestones. Everything is tracked, measured, and delivered through clear communication and accountability.

“Our growth isn’t by accident – it’s by design,” Matthew explains.
“Structure, focus, and buy-in from the team are what make the dream work.”

A National Award, A Local Foundation

Being recognised as Accounting & Payroll MD of the Year 2024 isn’t just a personal accolade – it’s a reflection of the incredible team behind Honest Payroll, and the culture Matthew has built from the ground up.

“I’ve worked in businesses where they didn’t always get it right,” he says.
“Those lessons shaped how I lead today. People need to feel heard, valued, and part of something bigger. That’s how you build something great.”

And build something great he has.

The Road Ahead

Honest Payroll has bold goals: to become a top 10 payroll provider in the UK within five years, while continuing to expand internationally with new brands, new offices, and new partnerships.

“The future has never looked brighter,” Matthew says.
“We’re growing fast, and we’re doing it the right way—with our values intact and our team fully on board. Watch this space.”

What Honest Payroll Offers

Just a few of the services we provide:

• PAYE Employment: Including pension, holiday pay, statutory benefits, and expenses
• PEO Model: Fixed gross rate with no hidden deductions, for simple, compliant payslips
• CIS/Self-Employed: Flexibility for contractors, with full contract, insurance, and payment support
• Limited Company Support: Full compliance, self-billing, and insured contractor solutions