Independent employee benefits specialists Parallel Employee Benefits (Parallel) have unveiled a no-cost platform designed to give small and medium-sized employers (SMEs) access to technology and efficiency used by large corporate firms.
The platform comprises two tools, the Employer Hub and Employee App, which are designed to enable HR teams to manage pensions and insured benefits more efficiently while giving employees direct access to their benefits. The platform is free to use for existing and future Parallel clients.
The provider said that the launch marks a bold step in levelling the playing field for smaller businesses, many of which face outdated, admin-heavy systems and rising compliance demands. By removing the cost barrier, the provider aims to make it easier for SMEs to deliver a seamless benefits experience, while strengthening talent attraction and retention.
The Employee App allows staff to manage pensions, medical plans, and other benefits directly via mobile self-service. And the Employer Hub gives HR teams a centralised dashboard to automate admin tasks and reduce their reliance on spreadsheets.
More than 380 clients across sectors including media, creative, and tech will migrate to the platform in the coming months.
Dipa Mistry Kandola, CEO of Parallel, said: “For too long, SMEs have been overlooked and underserved when it comes to employee benefits and tech. We’re changing that, decisively. By offering this powerful platform at no cost, we’re handing employers the keys to manage pensions and insured benefits with ease and transparency. The industry has made it complex and costly for smaller businesses. We’re changing that model. Our mission is simple: employee experience should never be sacrificed for simplicity or affordability. SMEs deserve better, and now, they have it.”
Caroline Masterton, director of Parallel, added: “We started Parallel to fix a broken system. This is the next step. In a sector where technology is often bundled with expensive consulting retainers or sold as high-end software, Parallel’s no cost platform challenges the traditional business model, and underlines our commitment to accessibility, transparency and real value. HR and payroll teams are crying out for practical solutions to rising compliance and cost pressures. We’ve built a platform that makes life easier – and now we’re giving it away.”
