S4labour

S4labour offers a specialized workforce management software platform tailored for the hospitality industry, targeting clients such as pubs, restaurants, and retail operators. The company operates on a software-as-a-service (SaaS) business model, generating revenue by providing its client base of over 250 businesses, including notable names like JKS, Oakman Inns, and Revolution Bars, with tools to streamline operations.

Founded in 2010 by Alastair Scott and Philip Lunn, the Banbury, Oxfordshire-based company initially started as a labor optimization consultancy. This foundation was built upon the founders' extensive frontline experience in the hospitality sector. Alastair Scott, now CEO, previously worked at Mitchells & Butlers, where he focused on optimizing labor and deployments, and he continues to operate three hospitality venues. Phil Lunn, the CTO, also brings operational experience from brands like Mitchells & Butlers and Harvester restaurants. This hands-on industry background informed their pivot to a full-service SaaS platform in response to client demand for more efficient labor management tools.

The S4labour platform is an end-to-end solution designed to manage the complexities of a flexible workforce. Its core functionalities include labor deployment, digital rotas, payroll processing, and HR management. The system provides tools for rota planning, time and attendance tracking, holiday management, and compliance checks for right-to-work documentation. A key benefit is its ability to help managers forecast labor needs based on sales patterns, ensuring optimal staffing levels while controlling costs. The platform aims to reduce administrative time for managers, automate processes, and provide real-time visibility into labor costs and productivity.

A significant milestone was achieved in May 2025, when S4labour secured £4 million in growth capital from YFM Equity Partners. This Series A funding is intended to accelerate expansion, enhance product functionality in payroll and HR, and support strategic hires to target larger managed pub groups and hospitality chains. The company has demonstrated strong growth, with its annual recurring revenue increasing by over 50% in the three years leading up to the investment. The leadership team was strengthened in early 2024 with the addition of Mark Jensen, former VP Sales at Fourth, to drive the next growth phase.

Keywords: hospitality workforce management, labour deployment, rota scheduling, payroll software, HR management hospitality, staff scheduling UK, time and attendance software, hospitality operations, pub management software, restaurant staff planning, labour cost control, employee scheduling app, hospitality SaaS, workforce optimization, HR compliance hospitality, payroll bureau services, hospitality tech, shift planning, workforce analytics, employee productivity tools