Van Elle selects MHR’s People First to modernise HR and payroll

With around 700 employees spanning salaried and daily-rate roles, Van Elle required a solution capable of managing complex payroll requirements including weekly and monthly pay runs, varied pay structures, and performance-related bonuses. The new system also needed to integrate seamlessly with their existing finance software to ensure smooth data flow across departments,

Their previous system lacked integrated tools for talent management, performance appraisals, and employee development, which limited the HR team’s ability to nurture and retain talent effectively. Recruitment processes were also fragmented, relying on multiple disconnected systems that created inefficiencies and administrative burden. Van Elle identified People First as the platform that could deliver a unified approach to HR, payroll and people management, improving employee engagement and operational efficiency across the business.

“We wanted a platform that not only fits the complexity of our payroll but also supports our long-term people strategy,” said Olivia Bestwick, HR Manager at Van Elle. “People First gives us a modern, unified system that we can grow with. It’s intuitive, flexible, and will bring everything into one place, which will really benefit our teams across the business.”

More than just a payroll solution, People First will empower Van Elle to enhance their people management from recruitment and onboarding to performance reviews and career development. The platform will support a consistent, connected employee experience throughout every stage of the employee lifecycle. 

For Van Elle, the move represents an investment in both technology and culture; creating a solid foundation to better attract, develop and retain talent in a competitive sector. By bringing HR and payroll together in a single system, the company will gain greater visibility of its workforce, reduce manual processes, and drive more informed decision-making.

At MHR, we’re proud to support Van Elle on their journey and look forward to helping them realise the full potential of People First.