Latest News

Keep on top of all your payroll activities & news with Carval's new payroll dashboard

March sees the release of the latest version of Carval's successful HR Unity software, which delivers unique levels of integration across human resources, payroll and time and attendance management. Besides containing everything you will need for this year's legislative changes, including RTI and auto-enrolment, there are some exciting new features to explore too. Top of this list is a new payroll dashboard to help users keep on top of all their payroll activities and news, including:

• Current position of all pay groups;
• RTI Dashboard offering advice, links and data validation;
• "Notice Board", featuring latest news from Carval and HMRC directly from their live feeds.

You can explore Carval's new payroll dashboard here.

Carval has moved!

Founded in 1986, Carval is a well-established player in the UK HR and payroll software market. Recent years have seen a sustained period of growth in terms of market-share, turnover and of course company size, resulting in a move to new larger offices. Our new address is:

Carval Computing Limited
Interchange Business Centre
Howard Way
Interchange Park
Newport Pagnell
Buckinghamshire
MK16 9PY

Christmas opening times

The Carval support desk will be open at the following times over the festive period:

24 Dec 09:00-13:30
25 Dec Closed
26 Dec Closed
27 Dec 09:00-17:00
28 Dec 09:00-17:00
31 Dec 09:00-13:30
01 Jan Closed.

National Payroll Week

Carval will be joining the CIPP and our payroll colleagues throughout the UK in celebrating National Payroll Week the industry’s most important week of 2012 taking place on the 3-7 September. We’ll be raising awareness of the profession with a bake-off and sharing the spoils with other businesses based at our Wrest Park training and customer support centre.

National User Group Meeting 2012 – Book Now!

Carval is pleased to announce that the National User Group Meeting will be held this year on 11th December at the Daventry Court Hotel. The event is free to attend, but places are strictly limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis so make sure you reserve your place early. The agenda will include:

• Focus on RTI
• Exploring the development roadmap and the opportunity for HR Unity software users to have a say
• Workshops and learning opportunities
• Guest speakers
• Networking opportunities
• Lunch
• Opportunity to explore partner solutions

Complimentary Payroll Clinic at Wrest Park -14/09/12

Whether you are a small business or have many hundreds of employees, paying your people accurately, on time and in line with ever-changing legislation can be an onerous task. Help is on hand. Carval is running a free Payroll Clinic at Wrest Park on 14th September and would like to invite you to pop-in for a coffee and a chat about your payroll worries, including:

• Managing your Pension Reform and Automatic Enrolment responsibilities;
• What HMRC’s Real Time Information scheme will mean for your business;
• How Carval’s payroll services and solutions could help you.
• For further details and how to book visit the Carval blog.

See Carval at BestBusinessExpo

Carval is looking forward to meeting local businesses at the Best Business Expo at Marston Vale Forest Centre on 10th October 2012.  If you are fed-up with the time, expense and hassle of managing your payroll in-house then pop along to the Bedfordshire Chamber of Business sponsored event for a chat about whether our outsourced payroll service could work for you.

CIPP Pensions Reforms and Automatic Enrolment roundtable

Carval was delighted to be invited to participate in the PayrollProfessional Pensions Reforms and Automatic Enrolment roundtable at the CIPP on 6th July. John Ovington, Carval's Sales and Support Director, joined representatives from the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals, The Pensions Regulator, large employers and leading payroll software suppliers for an animated discussion about the challenges of auto-enrolment. While you'll have to wait until September to read all the details we can sneakily reveal that we were rather surprised to discover that some of our competitors have not yet developed functionality in this area. Users of Carval's integrated HR and Payroll Software can be assured that their systems already include the functionality required to help them keep on top of their pensions auto-enrolment responsibilities. A full report on the event will be available in the September edition of PayrollProfessional magazine.

New "Take a Tour" demo dates released

Each month Carval invites you to sit back and relax and let us take you on a whistle-stop 30 minutes tour of Carval HR Unity, a modular yet completely integrated software solution covering Human Resources, Payroll and Time and Attendance Management in one flexible and easy to use system. Check out our blog for the latest dates.

Cost of RTI grossly underestimated says parliamentary report

An influential all-party parliamentary group says HMRC has grossly underestimated the cost of Real Time Information (RTI) to the payroll industry. PAYE at the Crossroads, which was written with considerable access to the Revenue's top brass, was launched last week by the All-Party Parliamentary Taxation Group (APPTG). It is suggested that one reason the cost of RTI has been underestimated is that HMRC does not fully understand the complexities of payroll practice in the UK. For example HMRC's estimated migration cost onto RTI of £85m does not include software upgrade and purchase costs. The APPTG found that, for example, up to 23% of micro businesses do not have any payroll software in place and so will be forced to buy new systems. Carval would like to assure users of their Uniwage Payroll Software that they will continue to receive legislative and functional upgrades, including the new functionality required for RTI, at no additional cost.

RTI pilot scheme update

Carval now has seven clients successfully live on HMRC's Real Time Information pilot scheme, with three more joining this month. Lots of our Uniwage Payroll software users have already signed-up to join the November scheme but we do still have some places available. If you think you might be interested in taking part in the November RTI scheme then please email Louise Morris who will be happy to provide you with more information.

Trends and key questions from the CIPD HR Software Show

The Carval team made the annual pilgrimage to the CIPD HR Software Show last week in its new home in Olympia's recently-opened West Hall. Our stand was incredibly busy on both days with buyers looking for HR Software and integrated Payroll and Time and Attendance systems. There was a recurring theme to the questions that savvy buyers were asking. Read more on the Carval Blog.

User Group Meeting 2012: Date for your diary!

Carval's Annual National User Group Meeting and Christmas get together is to be held on 11th December 2012 in the Midlands. So whether you use our Unistaff HR Software, Uniwage Payroll Software or Unitend Time and Attendance Software, pop the date in your diary and watch your Carval CommUnity monthly e-newsletter for further details! (Please contact us to check you're on the mailing list.)

Integrated HR Software and Recruitment Webinar

So much time, effort and resource goes into recruiting a new employee. But what happens to all the information that you have gathered during that process? Discover how Carval's integrated approach to recruitment and human resources not only improves efficiencies but helps you make intelligent use of the data you already hold on your new employee. Sign-up for our free webinar "Closing the gap between applicants and employees" on 10/07/12 11:30-12:00. Book now.

Zot Engineering chooses Carval Time & Attendance Software

Welcome to our new Carval Unitend Time and Attendance software users at Zot Engineering Limited! The Edinburgh-based manufacturing company has chosen Carval to provide a T&A system to integrate with their existing Sage Payroll Software.

See Carval at Best Business Expo

Carval is looking forward to meeting local businesses from Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire at the Best Business Expo in Luton on 14th June.  If you are fed-up with the time, expense and hassle of managing your payroll in-house come and chat to Carval about the benefits of an outsourced payroll or bureau service.

CIPD HR Software Show – Book Now!

A quick reminder that you can see Carval Computing Limited at the CIPD HR Software Show on 20-21 June 2012 at Olympia London. Visit Carval on stand H16 to discover how our uniquely integrated HR Unity Software can transform Human Resources and Payroll in your organisation.

Welcome to Anderson Barrowcliff LLP!

Carval is delighted to welcome new client Anderson Barrowcliff LLP.  The firm of chartered accountants based in the Tees Valley, has recently selected Carval's RTI-ready Uniwage Payroll Software for its bureau operation.

See Carval at HR Performance & Finance Software Show 2012

Carval will be exhibiting their integrated HR and Payroll Software at HR Performance 2012 in its new venue at ExCeL, from 21-22 November. The event, which is cited as being the only major one in London covering all aspects of human resources, is aimed at HR professionals and other decision makers with HR responsibilities as part of their role. Now in its second year, it highlights the parallels between business and high performance sport. In keynotes and seminar sessions, well known sports personalities share their experience from training, competitions and talent recruitment to inspire HR professionals and managers to 'make the boat go faster'. And HR experts introduce case studies and offer best practice advice, based on real live observations.

Free payroll software webinar – book now!

Carval Computing Ltd invites you to a free webinar that will demonstrate how the latest payroll software and HR technology can:

• drastically reduce the administrative burden on your HR and Payroll departments by devolving responsibility for key tasks to employees and managers;
• ensure compliance with the latest legislation;
• improve data accuracy and policy adherence;
• simplify and automate accurate statutory payments;
• reduce the payroll paper trail with the use of e-payslips, P60s and P11ds and
• provide instant access to accurate data as you need it.

To reserve your free place please email us specifying your name, company name, email address and a contact number. Alternatively call us on 01525 863869.

Charity Perthyn selects Carval's integrated HR and Payroll software

Welcome to our new Carval HR Unity software users at Perthyn! The registered charity, which provides support to people with learning disabilities across England and Wales, has chosen Carval to provide an integrated HR and Payroll system with Employee Self Service. The organisation identified a need to replace its ageing HR system with an integrated HR and Payroll software solution that would better suit its needs. Carval's solution offers the flexibility to manage a mobile workforce of almost 800 employees, primarily care and support workers, where many employees have more than one post.

Payroll software webinar: how to maximise accuracy and minimise effort

Carval Computing Ltd invites you to a free webinar that will demonstrate how the latest integrated payroll software and HR system technology can:

• drastically reduce the administrative burden on your HR and Payroll departments by devolving responsibility for key tasks to employees and managers;
• ensure compliance with the latest legislation;
• improve data accuracy and policy adherence;
• simplify and automate accurate statutory payments;
• reduce the payroll paper trail with the use of e-payslips, P60s and P11ds and
• provide instant access to accurate data as you need it.

To reserve your free place please email us specifying your name, company name, email address and a contact number. Alternatively call us on 01525 863869.

RTI: Free guide to getting your business ready for the changes to PAYE

HMRC is introducing a new way of reporting PAYE: Real Time Information, or RTI. The structure of PAYE will remain unchanged, but RTI will change the way in which employers and pension providers submit PAYE details to HMRC. Under RTI, information about PAYE payments will be submitted each time a payment is made as part of the payroll process, rather than at the end of the year as they are now. Every time you pay your employees/pensioners the payroll software or service will send the necessary information to HMRC electronically. Some Carval payroll software users are already live on RTI as part of HMRC's pilot scheme. Most employers will be legally required to use RTI from April 2013, and all employers will be required to report RTI before October 2013. HMRC will tell you when your business will need to make this move, but you can start to get your business ready now by following some simple steps:

Download HMRC's free guide: Getting your business ready for RTI

HMRC RTI pilot: Carval payroll software users go live!

The 18th May deadline for End of Year filing may be hurtling towards most payroll departments but not for the Carval Uniwage payroll software users that went live on HMRC's Real Time Information (RTI) pilot scheme last week. Carval has five clients participating in this phase of the RTI pilot scheme and we can confirm that both Employer Alignment Submissions (EAS) and Full Payment Submissions (FPS) went through with no problems. Carval's next pilot is due to start in July and while this is now full there are still places available in our November RTI scheme. If you use Uniwage Payroll software and think you might be interested in taking part then please get in touch via our support desk and we will be happy to provide you with more information. Read more on the Carval blog.

Integrated HR and T&A system for Tone Leisure

Welcome to Tone Leisure! We're delighted that the social enterprise, which operates 12 leisure facilities across Somerset and the South Ham district of Devon on a not-for-profit basis, has chosen Carval to supply an integrated HR and time and attendance management system. The organisation has 600 employees, ninety-five per cent of whom are hourly paid. Many employees work in multiple posts and are also on annualised hours contracts. After an exhaustive search which started at the Softworld HR and Payroll exhibition, the project team identified Carval HR Unity as being the only software that could cope with the complexity of their workforce management requirements. Carval's solution also includes web-based manager and employee self-service and a dynamic interface with Sage payroll software.

Fisher German LLP selects Carval HR software

We're very pleased to announce that Fisher German LLP has chosen Unistaff human resources software from Carval's integrated HR Unity range. The firm offers professional services and support in all aspects of land and property management and employs over 250 people across 14 offices throughout the UK. To source a suitable solution Fisher German worked with a specialist HR consultancy and visited the CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition, which offered the opportunity to review many market-leading HRIS in one day. Phase one of the project is to implement Carval's HR software and to benefit from the solution's standard dynamic interface with Sage payroll software. The clients then plans to roll-out employee self-service in phase two.

See Carval at the CIPD HR Software Show 2012!

Carval Computing Limited is exhibiting at the CIPD HR Software Show on 20-21 June 2012 at Olympia London. Visitors to the event are invited to visit Carval on stand H16 where they can use a tablet to take the latest Manager and Employee Self Service solution for a spin and see just how easy it is to use.  The company is also offering those planning a trip to CIPD HRSS 2012 the chance to pre-book time with a consultant to discover how Carval's uniquely integrated HR and Payroll Software and Time and Attendance System can transform Human Resources in their organisation.

Achievement for All 3As selects Carval HR Software

Carval is delighted to have been selected to provide a Human Resources system to independent charity Achievement for All 3As. The HR software solution will include Employee Self Service to help the not-for-profit organisation manage their rapidly growing pool of part-time employees and secondees across the country efficiently and make sure they keep on top of vital CRB checks.  Achievement for All 3As manages a government-funded school improvement framework that aims to raise the aspirations, access and achievement of pupils identified with SEND and which has achieved great success in a two-year pilot. You can read more about the organisation's excellent work here.

Kittiwake Developments Limited

Maritime specialists Kittiwake Developments, based in Littlehampton, has chosen HR Software and Employee Self Service from Carval Computing Limited. The company, which provides solutions for condition monitoring of in-service oils and fuels in ships, needed a system that not only covered core HR, but that would support them in delivering sophisticated competency and objective learning management to their highly technical team. Kittiwake selected Carval's Unistaff HR Software following a visit to the annual CIPD HR Software Show as it addressed their dual need for comprehensive human resources management with training and development management in one integrated package.

Carval to deliver public sector payroll solution at Harlow Education Consortium

The Harlow Education Consortium (HEC) has selected Carval's Uniwage Payroll Software to deliver payroll services to a number of its membership of 39 schools, colleges and children's support service organisations within the boundaries and surrounding area of Harlow District Council. Uniwage met the organisation's dual need for a multi-company payroll system suitable for a bureau environment with the flexibility to manage the complexities of a public sector payroll and pensions, including the ability to aggregate NI for employees with multiple contracts.

Online training for Carval HR Unity users coming soon!

Starting this summer Carval's Training Department will be offering a series of free online training workshops or "webinars" meaning getting the most from your Carval HR Unity system will soon be even easier! The webinars will last between 30 minutes and 1 hour and will focus on specific areas of Carval's HR software. Carval has already used this medium to deliver training to our payroll software users who are part of the HMRC RTI Pilot scheme and we are now developing a broader program to benefit all system users. We'll be publishing a schedule of training webinar events via our client e-newsletter soon. 

Seetec selects Carval's integrated HR, Payroll and Time Management software

Seetec, one of the UK's largest and most experienced providers of Government funded employment and skills training programmes, has selected HR Unity software from Carval Computing. The new system will enable Seetec to maximise efficiencies across Human Resources and Payroll through process automation, including the planning and management of employee working times and rolling-out web-based self service to almost 900 staff across its national network of training centres.

Carval's HR software gets employees online at Lincolnshire engineering company

Carval is very pleased to welcome on board new client On Line Design & Engineering Limited. The company, which employs over 600 people in all disciplines and branches of Engineering, is implementing Unistaff HR Software and Unity Online Employee Self Service from the Carval HR Unity software range. Carval's HR system offers On Line Design and Engineering an affordable route into HR and Payroll software integration via a standard dynamic interface with the company's existing Sage installation.

Carval webinar: HR technology & employee engagement - Devolving responsibility to the front line

Book you place now on Carval's latest integrated HR Software webinar! The free online session, being held on Tuesday 8th May from 11:30-12:00, will demonstrate how implementing Manager and Employee Self Service software can:

• drastically reduce the administrative burden on your HR and Payroll departments by devolving responsibility for key tasks to employees and managers;
• improve employee engagement by providing personnel with instant access to tailored information as they need it;
• reduce or even eliminate the HR paper trail and
• improve data accuracy and policy adherence.

To reserve your free place please email us specifying your name, company name, email address and a contact number.

North Devon Hospice

Carval has been selected to supply a HR system to North Devon Hospice following a competitive tender exercise. The organisation provides specialist care and support to those with a life-threatening illness and to their loved ones, completely free of charge throughout North Devon. Carval is delighted to have been able to support the hospice in rolling out Self Service to not only its employees but the many volunteers who work so hard to provide this valuable service in Carval's home county.

Celotex Limited

Welcome to new Carval client Celotex Limited! The thermal insulation specialists have selected Unistaff HR Software and Unity Online Employee Self Service from the Carval HR Unity range to streamline the management of their 150 employees. As Carval's HR Software features a dynamic interface with Sage Payroll software as standard the solution will enable the company to increase administration efficiencies by eliminating the need for duplicated data entry.

Carval sponsors National Housing Federation HR in Housing Conference & Exhibition 2012

Carval is delighted to be sponsoring the National Housing Federation's HR in Housing Conference and Exhibition 2012 on 16 May 2012 at Inmarsat, London. Carval is a leading supplier of integrated HR Software, Payroll Software and Time and Attendance Systems with many years of experience in working with registered social landlords including Local Authorities, Housing Associations and ALMOs. Visitors to the  National Housing Federation event will be able to explore Carval's specialist solutions for this sector, including: Tools to manage flexible working arrangements; Competencies & objectives; Online risk assessments; Multi-posts with split costing and aggregation of NI; Spinal column points; Continuous service; Capability & conduct and much more. Read more about Carval's work with Housing Associations here.

UK Coal selects Carval HR Unity integrated HR and Payroll Software

UK Coal, Britain's biggest producer of coal, has chosen Carval Computing Limited to supply integrated HR and Payroll Software with Employee Self Service to support management of its 2,900 employees. The Group has three deep mines located in Central and Northern England, six active surface mines and substantial land and property interests. In addition UK Coal utilises waste gas from mines to generate electricity, and has received planning permission for the development of the Group's first two wind farms.

Aquarius Action Projects

Carval is proud to have been selected to supply an integrated Payroll and HR System to addiction charity Aquarius Action Projects. The Midland's based organisation strives to help people overcome the harms caused by alcohol, drugs and gambling and works closely with families and friends to lessen the impact caused by a habit of a loved one. Carval's solution includes training & development, recruitment, reporting, absence management and rolling out web-based self-service to the charity's 230 employees and managers.

Americana International Limited

Americana International Limited, home of fashion brands Bench, Hooch and Million Dollar, has selected Carval's integrated HR Unity software to support HR operations at its Manchester head office. The company, which has close to 500 employees in the UK, was seeking to bring payroll back in-house and this presented the opportunity to integrate HR and Payroll and capitalise on increased efficiencies. A detailed specification was drawn-up which encompassed HR, Payroll, Expenses and Benefits, recruitment, training and performance management, plus a Time and Attendance solution to assist with planning rotas. With a geographically dispersed workforce the company was also keen to include functionality such as workflow and document management, Manager and Employee Self Service, e-payslips and surveys. The company selected Carval HR Unity software, which includes all the required functionality and is totally integrated too. The solution provides HR, Payroll, Time and Attendance and Expenses management on a single SQL database. This will maximise efficiencies, ensure real-time data accuracy and offer Americana International unrivalled cross-function reporting opportunity.

Carval Uniwage Payroll Software achieves HMRC Payroll Standard accreditation for the last time

Carval Computing Limited's Uniwage Payroll Software has once again achieved recognition under HMRC's Payroll Standard and Pensioner Payroll Standard accreditation schemes. April 2012 sees a sad farewell to The Payroll Standard, which has traditionally helped employers to identify payroll software products or services that have been tested by HMRC and proved to have the essential features necessary to calculate PAYE, NICs and Statutory Payments and to perform a range of other payroll functions. HMRC has taken the decision to replace the current Payroll Standard accreditation with an alternative ‘PAYE Recognition' scheme which it hopes will provide the flexibility to work with a broader range of payroll software developers.  Like the accreditation schemes before it, the new scheme will also give employers some assurance about the values being calculated for tax, National Insurance contributions and statutory payments. Carval Uniwage has been deemed to meet the PAYE Recognition requirements for the payroll values check for the 2011/12 tax year. Read more.

Carval Uniwage payroll software users get set for RTI

Carval Uniwage v4.21 will go on general release at the end of this month and for the first time includes RTI functionality. Real Time Information (RTI) is a priority Government programme aimed at improving the operation of Pay As You Earn (PAYE). Under RTI, employers and pension providers will tell HMRC about tax, NICs and other deductions when or before the payments are made by submitting this information online in "Real Time".  HMRC currently envisage that all employers and pension providers will have joined the RTI system by October 2013. To make sure that the service is thoroughly tested and issues are resolved, HMRC is piloting the RTI service with volunteer software developers and employers for a year, starting in April 2012. Several Carval clients have been approved for HMRC's April pilot and many others have expressed an interest in joining the extended RTI pilot in July and November. Any Uniwage users who still wish to join the extended pilot must contact Carval by 17th February (for the July pilot) or 23rd April (for the November pilot). You will be required to complete a short questionnaire which will be returned, by us, to HMRC. Please note that expression of interest is no guarantee of joining the extended pilot, although it is very likely. Read more.

CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2011: See how Carval's new HR software keeps users more aware and even more responsive

Carval invites visitors to CIPD Annual Conference and Exhibition 2011, to be held at Manchester Central on 8 to 10 November, to discover how Carval's uniquely integrated HR software and Payroll solutions can transform Human Resources in their organisation. Carval's flexible, future-proof and easy-to-use solutions add real value by maximising efficiencies and providing the tools and accurate information required for effective, informed HR management and employee engagement. The uniquely integrated HR Unity Software range covers HR, Payroll, Time & Attendance, Self Service and more. Carval is on Stand Number 7115. Visitors to the show will be able to see an integrated version of the HR Unity range in action.

Carval's latest integrated HR software creates ripples at Softworld!

Visitors to Softworld HR & Payroll 2011 were queuing to see the latest version of the HR Unity range from Carval! The new release incorporates a host of new features aimed at maximising management control and effective employee engagement across all aspects of HR, Payroll and Time & Attendance. Of particular note is a new dashboard interface which provides all an organisation's users with at-a-glance access to accurate employee metrics and KPI data from the moment they log on. The new version also incorporates enhanced workflow and process automation functionality to free up management time.

Commenting on the launch Carval's Sales and Support Director John Ovington noted, "The latest version incorporates numerous new features that further enhance the HR Unity range. At Carval such development is always user led. The Dashboard, for example, is an ideal tool to exploit the unique levels of integration Carval offers across the HR Unity range by offering a single view of all the key indicators and metrics at a glance. The degree of integration we offer, which is unparalleled in this market, also allows us to optimise the workflow dynamic. Just these two features alone enable users to be even more aware of data and to respond more rapidly to what that data tells them. Our initial research has suggested that this latest version will further strengthen Carval's market position." Read more about Carval's latest software.

Webinar: Managing employee time and attendance to maximise productivity 15/11/11 11:30-12:00

Carval Computing Limited, the integrated HR, Payroll and T&A software specialist, invites you to a free webinar that will demonstrate the measurable benefits to your business of implementing Time and Attendance software. The insight given will help you in developing the business justification for investing in T&A technology. See for yourself how a time and attendance system can:

• drastically reduce absence and lateness;
• give supervisors the tools and real-time information required for decisive management;
• provide accurate payroll and billing data for both employees and agency workers;
• support the introduction of workforce efficiency programs such as demand scheduling;
• reduce legislation non-compliance risks and
• eliminate data entry effort and inaccuracies with in-built integration to HR and Payroll.

To reserve your free place please email us specifying your name, company name, email address and a contact number. Alternatively call us on 01525 863869.

National Auto Parts selects Carval for integrated HR, Payroll, Time & Attendance and Access Control at new site

National Auto Parts, specialists in clutch and brake components for cars and light commercial vehicles, has chosen to implement Carval HR Unity software at their new site in Nottingham. The company, which has just over 100 employees, including both site-based staff and a team of delivery drivers, discovered that Carval's HR Unity software was a clear choice for an integrated HR, Payroll and Time & Attendance solution. Carval was able to not only offer a flexible, functionality-rich and completely integrated system but also a phased approach to implementation that addressed their business requirements. Read more in our mini case study.

Just Retirement looks to the future with Carval's integrated HR & payroll solutions

The Just Retirement Group is one of the UK's leading providers of retirement products. The company has selected Unistaff HR and Uniwage Payroll from Carval's HR Unity Software range, along with Unity Online Manager and Employee Self Service. Just Retirement has experienced rapid growth since its launch in 2004 and with further expansion in the workforce over the next 3 years anticipated the company's existing separate HR and Payroll solutions were coming under pressure, simply no longer offering the functionality and flexibility required by the business. The main focus for Just Retirement was to find a solution that offered the highest level of integration between the HR and Payroll solutions along with a sufficient level of functionality to enable the business to continue to grow and adapt over the next stage of its development. The unique levels of integration offered by Carval's solution, with all modules operating from a singe SQL database, will not only maximise efficiencies at Just Retirement but offer powerful cross-function reporting capability to provide instant access to accurate analytical data. In addition the flexibility offered by Carval HR Unity, together with a future-proof upgrade path, reassured the company that the solution would continue to meet the their requirements for years to come. Read more in our mini case study.

Carval showcase latest integrated HR software at new HR Performance event

Carval invites visitors to the new HR Performance event, to be held at Olympia on 4 and 5 October, to discover how Carval's uniquely integrated HR software and Payroll solutions can transform Human Resources in their organisation. Carval's flexible, future-proof and easy-to-use solutions add real value by maximising efficiencies and providing the tools and accurate information required for effective, informed HR management and employee engagement. The uniquely integrated HR Unity Software range covers HR, Payroll, Time & Attendance, Self Service and more. The Olympic-themed HR Performance event includes key note sessions featuring leading figures from the sporting world.

Carval provides cure for HR and training team at Salts Healthcare

Carval is delighted to announce that Salts Healthcare, one of the oldest family-owned companies in the UK, has selected Unistaff HR Software from the Carval HR Unity range to address its dual need for a HR system and Training and Development solution. Salts Healthcare, a rapidly expanding company who manufacturer and supply stoma care and orthotic products, has offices in the UK, Ireland and Europe and approximately 500 employees. Read more in our mini case study

Technology specialists IDG UK choose Carval for future-proof HR software

IDG, the world's leading technology media, events and research company, has chosen Carval's Unistaff HR Software and web-based Employee Self Service to support their UK-based operations. IDG were very focused on the need for the chosen solution to offer benefits over the long term and not just in response to their immediate requirements. Carval's integrated approach gave IDG confidence that as the demands on HR changed the solution would be able to offer the functionality to manage and cope with this change. IDG's online network includes more than 450 websites spanning business technology, consumer technology, digital entertainment and video games worldwide. They also publish more than 300 magazines and newspapers in 85 countries. Read more in our mini case study.

Webinar: Recruitment technology – closing the gap between applicants and employees 13/09/11 11:30-12:00

Carval invites you to explore how technology can help you seamlessly manage the recruitment process and onboarding of new employees. This webinar will illustrate Carval's joined-up approach to Recruitment and Human Resources including:

• collecting applicant data direct from your website and ultimately using this to create an employee record;
• ensuring applicants have the right skills for the job;
• managing selection, communication and interview processes;
• onboarding successful applicants without loss of information or the need for duplicated data entry;
• controlling policy adherence, the induction process and probationary reviews;
• creating vacancies automatically as employees leave and
• performing vacancy cost control and analysis.

Who is this webinar for? Anyone interested in implementing an HR System that features fully integrated Recruitment functionality.
To reserve your free place please email us specifying your name, company name, email address and a contact number. Alternatively call us on 01525 863869.

Meet Carval at Softworld Select

Carval is attending Softworld Select which takes place at Wetherby Racecourse on Wednesday 14 September. The event offers delegates a unique opportunity to attend several pre-arranged meetings in one day and view product demonstrations from a shortlist of potential suppliers. Because there are only limited places available, attendance is by invitation only. This will allow the Softworld team to individually tailor each delegate's timetable and provide a truly personal service.

Lessons in Integration: An Insider's Guide to HCM Solutions

While many HR and Payroll solution providers make bold statements about the integrated nature of their systems in reality unless you push and prod further you will not discover that their interpretation of integrated is far different from the one commonly accepted within the technology and business arena.

Carval's free whitepaper "Lessons in Integration: An Insider's Guide to HCM Solutions" will help you avoid the pitfalls.

New article on Carval's blog: Outsourced v in-house payroll - the pros & cons

Carval provides both HMRC-accredited payroll software and a range of payroll services - which is right for you? The reason organisations traditionally outsource payroll can be summed-up in one word: cost. But there are many aspects to consider when making the decision as to whether to process payroll in-house or to outsource. Read more on Carval's blog

Carval joins Bedfordshire & Luton Chamber of Commerce

Carval Computing Limited has joined Bedfordshire and Luton Chamber of Commerce and is offering fellow members special introductory rates on our outsourced payroll service suitable for businesses of every size.

Webinar: Payroll – Maximise accuracy & minimise effort 09/08/11 11:30-12:00

Carval Computing Ltd invites you to a free webinar that will demonstrate how the latest payroll software and HR technology can:

• drastically reduce the administrative burden on your HR and Payroll departments by devolving responsibility for key tasks to employees and managers;
• ensure compliance with the latest legislation;
• improve data accuracy and policy adherence;
• simplify and automate accurate statutory payments;
• reduce the payroll paper trail with the use of e-payslips, P60s and P11ds and
• provide instant access to accurate data as you need it.

To reserve your free place please email us specifying your name, company name, email address and a contact number. Alternatively call us on 01525 863869

Carval to engineer HR and Payroll integration at Barrett Steel

Barrett Steel Ltd , the UK's largest independent steel stockholder, has chosen Carval Computing Ltd to supply integrated HR, Payroll and Time & Attendance software. The system will support management of 900 employees across a country-wide network of 25 depots, manufacturing and distribution facilities. The decision to replace the company's existing Sage HR and Personnel and Captor T&A systems with a single integrated solution was driven by the need to overcome the reporting and data synchronisation issues associated with managing systems that did not talk to each other. Carval HR Unity was selected as its unique levels of integration ensure real-time data accuracy and offer unrivalled cross-function reporting opportunity.

Webinar: Employee engagement: Devolving responsibility to the front line 12/07/11 11:30-12:00

Carval Computing Ltd invites you to a free webinar that will demonstrate how implementing Manager and Employee Self Service software, like Carval Unity Online, can:

•  drastically reduce the administrative burden on your HR and Payroll departments by devolving responsibility for key tasks to employees and managers;
• improve employee engagement by providing personnel with instant access to tailored information as they need it;
• reduce or even eliminate the HR paper trail and
• improve data accuracy and policy adherence.

To reserve your free place please email us specifying your name, company name, email address and a contact number. Alternatively please call us on 01525 863869.

See Carval at CIPD HR Software Show: Pre-book your HR, Payroll or T&A System demo now!

Visitors to the CIPD HR Software Show, running from the 15-16 June at Olympia, are invited to pre-book a free demonstration of the latest version of Carval Computing Limited's successful HR Unity software. Carval's solutions are future-proof, flexible, easy-to-use and backed-up with a hefty dose of practical experience to add real value by maximising efficiencies and providing you with the tools and accurate information required for effective, informed HR management and employee engagement. Payroll bureau and outsourcing services are also available. To arrange a demonstration at CIPD HRSS please email us or telephone 01525 863869. Alternatively visit our website to book a free demonstration at a time to suit you.

Carval getting Human Resources into optimum health at Higher Nature

Higher Nature, suppliers of natural vitamins, and supplements, has chosen Carval to help get its HR systems into shape. As an expanding business with approaching 100 employees the company found that they had outgrown the basic personnel functionality available in their payroll software and needed a specialist HR solution. High on Higher Nature's key requirements list were absence management with real time reporting and trend analysis, plus appraisal and disciplinary management with automated reminders to ensure policy adherence.  Going forward the company also wanted a system that would help manage their recruitment process. Higher Nature selected Unistaff HR software from Carval as it provides comprehensive functionality across all aspects of human resources management and also offers dynamic integration with the company's Sage payroll software.

Webinar: Managing employee time and attendance to maximise productivity 14/06/11 11:30-12:00

Carval Computing Ltd, the integrated HR, Payroll and T&A software specialist, invites you to a free webinar that will demonstrate the measurable benefits to your business of implementing Time and Attendance software. The insight given will help you in developing the business justification for investing in T&A technology. Explore the technologies available and see for yourself how a time and attendance system can:

• drastically reduce absence and lateness;
• give supervisors the tools and real-time information required for decisive management;
• provide accurate payroll and billing data for both employees and agency workers;
• support the introduction of workforce efficiency programs such as demand scheduling;
• reduce legislation non-compliance risks and
• eliminate data entry effort and inaccuracies with in-built integration to HR and Payroll.

To reserve your free place please email us specifying your name, company name, email address and a contact number. Alternatively call us on 01525 863869.

Carval scoops top business award!

Carval Computing Limited was recently named Small Business of the Year at a high-profile black-tie ceremony compered by TV star Angela Rippon. The awards, held at Boringdon Park, near Carval's home town of Plymouth, were presented by The Herald newspaper in conjunction with the Chamber of Commerce, to highlight the best in the city's business world. The award was presented to Carval's founder and Technical Director Chris Sweby in light of the company's exceptional performance and investment in employee development. Carval, which has Investors in People status, has grown profits by 303 per cent and turnover by 19 per cent over the last year, passing the £1million mark. It has also extended its products to include HR & Payroll software hosting and a payroll bureau service.

John Ovington, Sales Director at Carval said "We have achieved a clear and measurable increase in our presence in the marketplace and a marked increase in our average value sale and client size". He added: "In addition Carval has made a considerable commitment to improving our employees' work experience." The firm increased holiday allowances by two days, introduced a company healthcare scheme, a green car scheme, home working options, and moved to nicer offices.

Carval Computing Limited was founded in 1986 and is based at Tamar Science Park and Wrest Park in Bedfordshire. The firm develops, sells and supports specialist software for human resources and payroll professionals. The software is used by more than 260 businesses, public sector and not-for-profit organisations.

BSG builds learning and development capabilities with Carval HR Software

BSG Property Services Ltd, a first class property maintenance service and refurbishment company with 30 years experience of working in the Social Housing sector, is implementing Unistaff HR Software from the Carval HR Unity software range. The BSG Property Services group, which has head quarters near Sandy, Bedfordshire and includes Lee Roofing Ltd and Lysander Scaffolding Ltd, offers a full range of building and maintenance services as a single solution to public and private sector clients. A key driver for the project was the requirement to manage the diverse training and development needs of 250 dedicated craftsmen, engineers and operatives. BSG chose Carval's HR Software as it included a fully-integrated learning and development module as part of the core solution making it not only cost-effective but enabling joined-up processes across the employee life-cycle.

Day Lewis Pharmacy adds Carval Time and Attendance Software

Day Lewis plc is the largest independent pharmacy group in the UK with branches throughout the South East, South West and South Midlands. The company has been using Carval's HR and Payroll Software for some years but has recently gone to add integrated T&A software from the Carval HR Unity range to support management of employees at their state of the art warehouse facility. Day Lewis plc use Carval's integrated HR System to pay and manage over 4,500 employees and locums across 165 stores, a large head office in Croydon, a wholesale business and other related group companies. The company has had Investors in People status since 2000 and is committed to the development of staff via comprehensive and innovative training programs that seek to allow them to maximise their potential and actively encourages CPD work. 

Orbital Marketing Group choose Carval for totally integrated HR, Payroll and T&A

Orbital Marketing Services Group Limited has chosen integrated HR, Payroll and Time and Attendance Software from the Carval HR Unity Software suite to simplify the management of 600 employees across nine companies and divisions. Orbital Marketing provides communication, logistics and promotional solutions to a wide range of UK and international organisations and has particular experience in the travel and education sectors.

Each company or division in the Orbital group has its own operational resources but is supported by centralised functions for HR, Finance, Facilities Management and IT. With no HR system in place the project was to find multi-company HR software which not only met the needs of a growing company but that also included comprehensive Time and Attendance functionality. This would enable Orbital to replace their existing T&A system with a single integrated solution.

The project team approached Carval Computing Limited on the recommendation of their Group HR Manager, who had previous experience of using Carval's solutions and identified HR Unity as being the only system that could offer the degree of integration she required across Human Resources and Time and Attendance management. Carval also appealed to the project team as the solution offers a standard dynamic interface to Sage Payroll. However, having seen the flexibility offered by Uniwage, Carval's integrated HMRC-accredited payroll software, the decision was taken to implement the entire Carval HR Unity solution including web-based Employee Self Service to maximise efficiencies across HR and Payroll.

Liebherr Sunderland moves to Carval Payroll Software

Liebherr Sunderland Works Ltd. has chosen to add integrated HMRC-accredited Payroll Software to their existing HR and Time & Attendance system with access control from Carval. The new payroll system replaces Sage and will automate the upload of accurate data from the Time and Attendance system without the need for any manual data entry or reconciliation. This will significantly reduce time spent on administration and allows a clearer view of key absence and attendance data. Read more about Liebherr's project in our Case Study.

New Housing Association selects Carval's integrated HR & Payroll Software

Plymouth Community Homes is a new not-for-profit housing association, created to take over the ownership and management of Council homes in Plymouth. PCH have 550 employees and have selected integrated HR and Payroll Software with Employee Self Service from the Carval HR Unity software range.

Cosworth Ltd choose high performance HR System from Carval

Cosworth Ltd is a leading provider of high performance technologies in a diverse range of industries including Aerospace, Defence, Energy, Marine and Automotive. They have chosen integrated HR and Time & Attendance software with Employee Self Service from Carval Computing Ltd to simplify the management of their 400 employees.

Carval to streamline HR and Payroll at Thomas Sabo

Thomas Sabo Limited isspecialises in high-end silver jewellery, watches and beauty products. The company has appointed Carval to supply integrated HR, Payroll and Time & Attendance Software with Employee Self Service to support the management of 200 employees working across retail, travel retail and wholesale channels in the UK.

Carval Computing Limited shortlisted for Small Business of the Year!

HR and Payroll Software company Carval Computing Limited has been shortlisted for the Small Business of the Year title in The Herald Business & Abercrombie Awards 2011

First Great Western is sponsoring the award which will be presented, at a black-tie event at Boringdon Park, Plympton, on April 14.

Carval Computing Limited was founded in 1986 and is based at Tamar Science Park, Plymouth and Wrest Park in Bedfordshire. The firm develops, sells and supports specialist software for human resources and payroll professionals.  The software is used by more than 260 businesses, public sector and not-for-profit organisations.

Carval, which has Investors in People status, has grown profits by 303 per cent and turnover by 19 per cent, passing the £1million mark. It has also extended its products to include software hosting and a payroll bureau service.

A spokesman said Carval also received special recognition from HMRC for the accuracy of its payroll software.  He said the firm "achieved a clear and measurable increase in our presence in the marketplace" and "achieved a marked increase in our average value sale and client size".

He added: "In addition Carval has made a considerable commitment to improving our employees work experience."

The firm increased holiday allowances by two days, introduced a company healthcare scheme, a green car scheme, home working options, and moved to nicer offices.

Meet Carval at Softworld Select, Ascot Racecourse 25 May 2011

Carval Computing Limited will be show-casing their market-leading HR Unity Software at Softworld Select at Ascot Racecourse on 25 May 2011. This business-focused day that will allow IT buyers to compare product demonstrations from several HR and payroll software and service providers. It offers decision makers an efficient way to determine which supplier best meets requirements. The event is different from Softworld's traditional trade show format. Instead of walking around exhibition stands, delegates will view product demonstrations in one to one meeting rooms.  Each delegate will have an individually tailored timetable of meetings to attend. It has been designed as the ideal format for people who have a specific requirement for a new business system and aim to commence the project in the next 12 months. Register for Softworld Select

Carval Exhibiting Integrated HR and T&A Software at Sage Visions 2010

Carval Computing Ltd will be exhibiting at Sage Visions 2010 at The Concept Centre, Millbrook on Wednesday 3 November. We would like to encourage Business Partners attending the event to visit our stand to discover Human Resources (HR) Software and Time & Attendance Software systems from the Carval HR Unity range that integrate dynamically with Sage Payroll. We look forward to seeing you on the day.

Carval Constructing Future-Proof Human Resources at Murphy Limited

Murphy Limited provides expert engineering services to the Utilities, Construction and transportation industries. Currently, The Group employs approximately 850 people at eight sites across the UK, including London, Manchester, Sheffield and Leeds. The company has chosen Unistaff and Uniwage, integrated HR Software and Payroll Software from the Carval HR Unity range, together with Unity Online Employee Self-Service.

See Carval's latest HR Software at Softworld HR & Payroll Solutions 2010

Carval are inviting visitors to the Softworld HR & Payroll Solutions exhibition to pre-book a free, no obligation demonstration of the latest release of the popular Carval HR Unity Software range. HR Unity is one of the few truly integrated HR, Payroll and Time & Attendance solutions available on the market today i.e. it operates from a single database and is written by a single supplier. The event is on 19th & 20th October at ExCeL London.

Prostate Cancer Charity Chooses Carval HR Software

The Prostate Cancer Charity has chosen HR Software with Employee Self-Service from the integrated Carval HR Unity software range to support the management of its 80 employees. Established in 1996, the Prostate Cancer Charity has grown to be the UK's leading voluntary organisation working with people affected by prostate cancer. Their mission is to fight prostate cancer on every front – through research, support, information and campaigning.

Meet Carval at the 26th IPP Annual Payroll Conference & Exhibition

Carval are looking forward to meeting IPP members at their Annual Conference on the 5th & 6th October at St Johns Hotel, Solihull. Delegates are invited to explore Carval's HMRC Payroll Standard and Pensioner Standard accredited Payroll Software, along with integrated HR Software and Time & Attendance System from the Carval HR Unity software range.

Charity Diverse Abilities Plus Selects Carval Integrated HR & Payroll Software

Dorset-based charity, Diverse Abilities Plus (formerly Scope) has selected integrated HR Software and Payroll software from the Carval HR Unity range, along with web-based Employee Self-Service. The new HR System will support efficient human resource management across the charity's schools, day centres and supported living facilities. Diverse Abilities Plus is a charity providing people-centred support and services for children and adults, who have physical and/or learning difficulties, many of which are profound or complex.

Meet Carval at Softworld Select, Wetherby Racecourse

Carval are pleased to be attending Softworld's regional meetings-based events on 28th September at Wetherby Racecourse. Softworld Select is a new event format focused on demonstrating the latest HR and payroll software and services. It offers delegates a unique opportunity to attend several pre-arranged meetings in one day and view product demonstrations from a shortlist of potential suppliers. Because there are only limited places available, attendance is by invitation only. This will allow the Softworld event team to individually tailor each delegate's timetable and provide a truly personal service.

Carval Launch New Payroll Bureau Service

Carval Computing Ltd is delighted to be able to offer users of their successful Unistaff HR Software the option of a Payroll Bureau Service delivering traditional or secure e-payslips. The service is provided by Carval's own IPP qualified payroll team and will utilise the bureau interface available as standard in the Unistaff module. Where Carval's Unity Online Employee Self-Service software is used, clients' employees will also be able to access current and historic payslips, P60s and P11Ds via a secure browser.