Tronc works fine at one site — until you add another. Running a Tronc scheme across a single venue is manageable. Once you add location number two, things start slipping. By the third, you’ve lost control. Managers use their own methods, payrolls are out of sync, and HMRC compliance gets buried under day-to-day chaos.
And when a staff dispute breaks out or HMRC checks the books, you’re the one answering for it. The NIC savings your FD was counting on? Gone — invalidated by employer interference or a poorly documented system. You don’t need another software tool. You need a structure that actually works across your sites.
Our Services
We build and manage Tronc schemes that support multiple venues. Whether you’re running five pubs or fifty restaurants, we give you a Tronc system that keeps staff happy, satisfies HMRC, and protects the NIC exemption you’re entitled to. Our model is fully hands-on, with every piece documented and audit-ready.
Multi-Site Scheme Implementation
We create a central Tronc framework that can scale to each site in your group. This includes defining qualifying tips, setting distribution rules, establishing decision-making separation, and aligning everything to HMRC’s E24 guidelines and the Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023
Independent Troncmaster Oversight Across Locations
NIC savings hinge on independence. We act as the designated Troncmaster across your venues, maintaining full operational control of allocations. We handle staff questions, process disputes, and ensure the employer has no involvement — a critical requirement for compliance.
NIC Savings Recalculation Per Site
Most groups miscalculate Employer NIC savings because exemptions aren’t properly applied across all outlets. We run actuals on each location using their pay data, shift patterns, and Tronc earnings to reveal the annual saving being missed — or wrongly claimed.
Central Reporting with Site-Level Breakdown
You’ll receive structured monthly reports that include Tronc distribution by employee, NIC savings totals, and reconciliation against pay records — site by site. This gives your finance team visibility and your HR team documentation to support transparency.
Compliance Documentation and Audit Files
We prepare policy documents, Tronc allocation rules, and Troncmaster declarations that align with legislative requirements. This documentation is prepared for each location and central management — keeping you ready for internal reviews or external inspections.
Training for Site Managers and Payroll Teams
We run short-form training sessions with each site’s management team and your payroll provider to ensure they understand their role — and limits. This eliminates the most common causes of employer interference, which is the fastest way to void NIC exemptions.
Transition Plan for Groups With Existing Tronc Systems
Already running a Tronc scheme at some sites? We assess what’s working, where the risks lie, and create a plan to consolidate the system. This includes reworking any prior structure, adjusting payroll integrations, and correcting HMRC risk exposure.
Staff Communication Materials and Templates
We write clear communications that explain Tronc to your employees — including how shares are allocated, what role we play, and how to raise concerns. That means fewer complaints, fewer errors, and less time lost to internal confusion.
Why Choose Us
- We run Tronc across hotel groups, pubs, and national restaurant chains.
- Our systems are written around E24 and current HMRC guidance — not copied templates.
- We are completely independent from payroll or finance.
- We provide site-level transparency with group-wide oversight.
- We have recovered NIC savings of £35K–£120K annually for operators with 3–25 sites.
FAQs
Yes — but each site must meet HMRC’s independence and distribution standards under a group-wide model.
We analyse Tronc payments, shift patterns, and role categories, then run exemption calculations against current NIC thresholds.
Yes, if they’re only executing instructions. Allocation and distribution decisions must remain with the independent Troncmaster.
Your risk is group-wide. HMRC can invalidate exemption across all sites if any part of the system fails compliance.
No. We provide a group policy with appendices for location-specific rules, where applicable.
Yes. We prepare the files and respond to information requests regarding Tronc scheme structure and allocation decisions.
Typically 2–5 weeks, depending on size, payroll structure, and number of locations.
Get Your Group’s Tronc System Working the Way It Should
You can’t afford to run multiple Tronc setups by spreadsheet, instinct, or manager preference. That’s not a system — that’s a liability. And it’s almost certainly costing you NIC savings you’re eligible to keep.We manage Tronc across multi-site operations properly. That means independence, documentation, and NIC reductions you can count on.
