People First, built by UK-based MHR, is a modular, mobile-first HR and payroll platform that aims to unify the entire employee lifecycle in a single system. It covers recruitment, onboarding, core HR, payroll, talent management, learning, workforce management, analytics, and workforce planning. For UK and Irish organizations looking to consolidate fragmented HR tools into one cloud-based platform, it is a strong contender with genuinely modern features like real-time payroll processing and AI-driven capabilities.
That said, People First is not without growing pains. While its breadth of modules is impressive, some individual features (particularly learning, recognition, and reporting exports) still feel underdeveloped compared to standalone competitors. Support is limited to a case management system during business hours, and pricing is entirely bespoke, making it difficult to evaluate before engaging with sales. This review breaks down what People First does well, where it falls short, and who should be considering it.
What Is People First?
People First is a cloud-based human capital management (HCM) platform developed by MHR (formerly Midland HR), a family-owned software company founded in 1984 and headquartered in the United Kingdom. MHR has over 40 years of experience building HR, payroll, and finance software, and reinvests more than 22% of annual revenue into R&D. The company serves over 1,300 customers across sectors including retail, manufacturing, healthcare, education, housing, banking, and nonprofits.
People First sits at the entry level of MHR’s product lineup. The company also offers iTrent for larger organizations requiring deeper customization, and MHR ERP for complex enterprises. People First was launched in 2017 and is specifically designed for UK and Irish HR and payroll compliance needs, though MHR does maintain a US market presence. The platform runs on Microsoft Azure with a microservice architecture, and it is available on the UK Government’s G-Cloud Digital Marketplace for public sector procurement.
People First Key Features
Real-Time Payroll Engine
People First’s most distinctive feature is its real-time payroll processing engine. Unlike traditional payroll systems that enforce rigid cut-off dates and batch processing cycles, People First calculates payroll continuously. Employees can check their pay information at any point during the pay period, and changes (new starters, pay adjustments, deductions) are reflected immediately rather than queued for the next run.
This is a genuine differentiator in the UK payroll software market, where most competitors still rely on periodic processing. For organizations that struggle with payroll errors caused by late data submissions, real-time processing reduces risk significantly. That said, some early adopters have reported teething problems with the payroll benefits section, so organizations with complex benefits structures should validate this area during their evaluation.
AI-Enabled Capabilities
People First has integrated AI across multiple modules. Capabilities include sentiment analysis for employee feedback, predictive analytics for workforce trends, AI-driven learning content recommendations, resume parsing and job matching in recruitment, SMART goal suggestions for performance management, and a chatbot for query resolution.
These are not bolt-on features sold as separate add-ons; they are built into the platform natively. The depth and effectiveness of each AI feature will vary (sentiment analysis in particular is only as good as the data it receives), but the fact that MHR is embedding AI at the platform level rather than offering it as an upsell puts People First ahead of several competitors in the UK mid-market.
Social HCM and Employee Engagement
People First takes a social-media-inspired approach to employee engagement. The platform includes a social feed, communities, public recognition tied to company values, and personalized newsfeeds. The intent is to create a consumer-grade experience that employees actually want to use, rather than a system they only interact with when submitting timesheets.
The social features are functional and well-designed for basic use cases like company announcements and peer recognition. However, some of these features (recognition, communities) still feel basic compared to dedicated employee engagement platforms. News feed management has also been flagged as an area that could use refinement for organizations trying to manage content at scale.
Check-Ins (Continuous Performance Management)
People First replaces traditional annual appraisals with “check-ins,” a system of real-time, two-way feedback between managers and employees. This aligns with the broader industry shift away from once-a-year performance reviews toward ongoing conversations. Check-ins can be scheduled or ad hoc, and they feed into broader talent management workflows.
The match-and-gap skills audit feature supports succession planning by mapping current skills against future role requirements. Combined with check-ins, this gives HR teams visibility into talent readiness without relying on outdated annual review data.
Learning Management
The People First Learning module includes AI-powered content recommendations, gamification elements, personalized learning pathways, and a diverse content library. MHR reports that the Learning module received 4.5 stars for ease of use and 4.7 stars for affordability during its beta evaluation period.
That said, the learning module is one of the areas most frequently cited as needing improvement. Organizations with advanced L&D needs (complex compliance training, extensive content authoring, SCORM/xAPI integration requirements) should evaluate this module carefully against dedicated learning management systems before committing.
Modular Architecture
People First uses a modular approach with eight core modules: HR, Payroll, Talent Management, Workforce Management, Learning, Analytics, Workforce Planning, and Finance (extending into Microsoft Dynamics). Organizations purchase only the modules they need and can add or remove modules as requirements change.
This is a practical advantage for growing businesses that do not need (or cannot afford) the full suite on day one. The modules share a single database and interface, avoiding the data silos that occur when connecting separate point solutions. The Finance module’s integration with Microsoft Dynamics 365 is particularly relevant for organizations already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Employee Self-Service and Mobile App
People First is mobile-first by design, with native iOS and Android apps that offer the same functionality as the desktop version. Employees can clock in and out, track overtime, manage leave requests, access pay information, participate in check-ins, and engage with the social feed from their phones.
The mobile experience is consistently praised as intuitive and accessible even for less tech-savvy employees. Having feature parity across mobile and desktop is a genuine advantage; many competing platforms offer stripped-down mobile apps that force employees back to a computer for anything beyond basic tasks.
Analytics and Workforce Planning
People First includes analytics dashboards and a workforce planning module that leverages the real-time data flowing through the platform. Because all modules share a single data source, reporting does not require manual consolidation across systems. Integration with Microsoft Power BI extends analytical capabilities for organizations that need more advanced data visualization.
A notable limitation, however, is that data exports have been flagged as restrictive and non-customizable. Organizations that need to extract data for external reporting or analysis may find the export functionality frustrating compared to more mature competitors.
People First Pricing and Plans
MHR does not publicly disclose pricing for People First. All pricing is bespoke and provided through custom quotes based on several factors:
- Number of employees (headcount)
- Modules selected
- Configuration complexity
- Integration requirements
- Implementation scope
- Whether managed payroll services are included
Industry analysis indicates that People First pricing tends to be higher than entry-level SMB HR tools (which typically range from £2 to £10 per employee per month for basic plans). The modular pricing model does allow organizations to control costs by starting with only the modules they need, but prospective buyers should expect the total cost of ownership to exceed budget-tier alternatives.
People First does not offer a free version. However, a free trial is available (the UK Government Digital Marketplace notes that MHR provides a full system demo environment, typically for one week at a time), and free no-obligation demos can be booked through MHR’s website. To get an accurate quote, contact MHR directly.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Public Pricing | Not published; custom quotes only |
| Pricing Model | Modular (pay for selected modules) |
| Free Version | No |
| Free Trial | Yes (demo environment available on request) |
| Cost Drivers | Headcount, modules, configuration, integrations, implementation, managed services |
| Positioned As | Entry-level tier within MHR’s product lineup (above budget SMB tools, below enterprise iTrent/ERP) |
Integrations
People First provides an open API library for connecting with third-party systems. MHR has established technology partnerships with a specific set of vendors, giving People First native or pre-built integrations with the following:
- Microsoft Dynamics 365 (via M-Hance) for finance and ERP
- Microsoft Power BI for advanced analytics and data visualization
- Microsoft Azure as the underlying cloud infrastructure
- LogicMelon for multi-posting job advertisements across job boards
- Broadbean for recruitment advertising distribution
- Modulr for payments processing
- PAS for P11D benefits-in-kind processing
- Pryme for project management
- Ancoris (Google Maps) for location-based services
- iSAMS, Arbor, Bromcom for education sector management information systems
- CCH Tagetik for corporate performance management
People First is also listed on the Microsoft Marketplace. The integration ecosystem is clearly weighted toward UK-specific tools and Microsoft technologies, which is a strength for organizations already in that ecosystem but may be a limitation for those using non-Microsoft stacks. MHR has not disclosed whether People First supports middleware platforms like Zapier or Make, so organizations dependent on those tools should confirm compatibility directly.
Customer Support
MHR offers customer support through its Service Desk, accessible via a case management system within the customer portal. The Service Desk operates Monday through Friday, 09:00 to 17:00 (UK time), with a target callback time of within two hours. Customers are assigned dedicated account managers for ongoing relationship management.
Implementation support is handled by MHR’s Professional Services team, which follows a “best practice” methodology and “train the trainer” approach to knowledge transfer. The MHR Assist programme provides additional onboarding and transition support, and some organizations have reported being assigned a dedicated Customer Success Manager during the implementation phase.
Self-service resources include a Knowledge Hub, downloadable resources, case studies, events and webinars, and MHR Labs (which appears to focus on innovation and product development insights).
The most common criticism of People First’s support is the case-only model. There is no option to call support directly for ad hoc issues; everything must be routed through the case management system. While some organizations appreciate the structured approach and paper trail this provides, others find it frustrating when dealing with urgent payroll or system access issues. Support hours are limited to UK business hours, which is a constraint for organizations with international teams operating across time zones.
Pros and Cons
Based on our evaluation of People First’s capabilities, market positioning, and real-world usage patterns, here is our assessment of the platform’s strengths and weaknesses.
Pros
- Real-time payroll engine eliminates traditional cut-off dates and allows employees to check pay anytime during the pay period
- Genuinely mobile-first design with full feature parity across iOS, Android, and desktop
- Modular architecture lets organizations buy only the modules they need and scale over time
- Built-in AI capabilities (sentiment analysis, resume parsing, job matching, chatbot) included natively rather than sold as add-ons
- Strong UK payroll compliance expertise backed by 40+ years of MHR experience in the market
- Unified single-database approach eliminates data silos between HR, payroll, and talent management
- Deep Microsoft ecosystem integration (Dynamics 365, Power BI, Azure) benefits organizations already invested in Microsoft tools
Cons
- Customer support limited to case management system only (no direct phone support) during UK business hours (Mon-Fri 09:00-17:00)
- Data export capabilities are restrictive and non-customizable, limiting external reporting flexibility
- Learning module, recognition features, and communities still feel underdeveloped compared to dedicated point solutions
- No public pricing available; bespoke quotes require engaging with sales, and costs tend to be higher than entry-level SMB tools
- Primarily built for UK and Irish payroll compliance; limited suitability for organizations outside these markets
- Some interface areas are click-heavy, and user sign-up processes can feel clunky
- Occasional system lag and downtime reported, particularly with data syncing
Who Should Use People First?
Best fit: UK and Irish organizations with 50 to 1,000 employees that want to consolidate HR, payroll, and talent management into a single cloud platform. People First is particularly well-suited for organizations that currently manage HR and payroll in separate systems and want to eliminate the data export/import headaches that come with that setup.
Industries where People First shows the strongest traction include education (especially Multi Academy Trusts), healthcare, retail, manufacturing, housing, banking/finance, and nonprofits. The platform’s UK payroll compliance expertise and education-sector integrations (iSAMS, Arbor, Bromcom) give it a meaningful edge in these verticals.
Organizations that prioritize employee engagement and a modern user experience will appreciate the social HCM features, mobile-first design, and check-in system. If your workforce includes frontline or non-desk employees who need mobile access to HR services, People First’s feature parity across devices is a significant advantage.
Who should look elsewhere: Organizations outside the UK and Ireland will find that People First’s payroll compliance and partner ecosystem are heavily UK-centric. Companies with fewer than 20 employees will likely find the platform over-engineered and overpriced for their needs; a simpler tool like BreatheHR would be more appropriate. Organizations with advanced learning and development requirements should evaluate whether the Learning module meets their needs before committing, as this is an area still maturing. Finally, companies that need 24/7 support or prefer phone-based support may find the case-only, business-hours model insufficient.
People First Alternatives
BambooHR
BambooHR is a strong alternative for small to mid-sized businesses (under 500 employees) that want a polished, easy-to-use HR platform at a more accessible price point. It offers a more mature interface and broader self-service knowledge base than People First, and its US-based support is available by phone. However, BambooHR lacks built-in payroll for UK organizations, and its talent management and workforce planning features are less sophisticated than People First’s modular approach.
Personio
Personio is a European-focused HR platform that competes directly with People First in the UK/EU mid-market. It offers stronger out-of-the-box integrations with European tools and a more transparent pricing model. Personio’s recruiting and applicant tracking features are more developed. However, it does not match People First’s real-time payroll engine or its depth of workforce planning and analytics capabilities. Choose Personio if you need a broader European footprint; choose People First if UK payroll integration is your top priority.
HiBob (Bob)
HiBob excels at employee engagement and culture-building features, with a modern, social-media-inspired interface that is arguably more polished than People First’s social HCM layer. It is better suited for fast-growing, distributed teams that prioritize culture and onboarding experience. However, HiBob does not offer integrated UK payroll, which means you will still need a separate payroll provider. For organizations where unified payroll and HR is the primary goal, People First has the edge.
Dayforce (Ceridian)
Dayforce is the enterprise-grade alternative for larger organizations (1,000+ employees) that need deep workforce management, complex scheduling, and advanced compliance capabilities. It offers continuous payroll calculation similar to People First’s real-time engine, but with greater scalability and a broader global presence. The tradeoff is significantly higher cost, longer implementation timelines, and a steeper learning curve. Choose Dayforce if you are outgrowing People First’s target market or need global payroll across multiple countries.
BreatheHR
BreatheHR is the budget-friendly alternative for very small UK businesses (under 50 employees) that need simple, straightforward HR management without payroll complexity. It is considerably cheaper and faster to implement than People First, with transparent per-employee pricing. However, it lacks payroll, talent management, workforce planning, and the AI capabilities that People First offers. If you need a basic HR system of record and nothing more, BreatheHR is a sensible, affordable choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is People First suitable for businesses outside the UK?
People First is primarily designed for UK and Irish HR and payroll compliance requirements. MHR does have a US market presence, and international teams can use the platform for HR and engagement features. However, the payroll engine and compliance framework are UK-centric, so organizations in other regions would need to evaluate whether their local payroll needs can be met, potentially through third-party payroll integration.
How does People First handle payroll differently from traditional systems?
People First uses a real-time payroll engine that calculates continuously rather than in periodic batch runs. There are no traditional cut-off dates; changes to employee data, pay, or deductions are reflected immediately. Employees can check their projected pay at any point during a pay period, which improves transparency and reduces payroll errors caused by late data entry.
Can I buy just one module, or do I have to purchase the full suite?
People First uses a modular pricing model. You can purchase individual modules (e.g., just HR and Payroll) and add additional modules (Talent Management, Learning, Workforce Management, etc.) as your needs grow. This allows you to control costs by starting small and scaling over time.
Does People First integrate with Microsoft Dynamics and Power BI?
Yes. People First extends into Microsoft Dynamics 365 for finance through its partnership with M-Hance, and it integrates with Microsoft Power BI for advanced analytics and reporting. The platform runs on Microsoft Azure and is available on the Microsoft Marketplace, making it a natural fit for organizations invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
What kind of customer support does MHR provide?
MHR provides support through a case management system in its customer portal, with Service Desk hours of Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 17:00 (UK time). There is no direct phone support for ad hoc queries. Customers are assigned dedicated account managers, and implementation support follows a “train the trainer” methodology. Self-service resources include a Knowledge Hub, webinars, and case studies.
Is People First the same product as iTrent?
No. People First and iTrent are separate products within MHR’s portfolio. People First is the mobile-first, cloud-native platform designed for SMEs and mid-market organizations. iTrent is MHR’s more established, enterprise-grade solution with deeper customization options and additional security features (like iTrent Shield). People First integrates seamlessly with iTrent’s payroll service, but they are distinct platforms targeting different market segments.
Does People First offer a free trial?
People First does not have a free version, but a free trial is available. MHR provides a full demo environment on request, typically for about one week. You can also book a free, no-obligation demo through MHR’s website to see the platform in action before committing.
The Bottom Line
People First is a genuinely modern HR and payroll platform with some standout features, particularly its real-time payroll engine, embedded AI capabilities, and mobile-first design. For UK and Irish organizations looking to consolidate HR and payroll into a single system while also gaining modern engagement and talent management tools, it offers a compelling package that most budget HR tools simply cannot match.
The platform’s weaknesses are real but manageable. The learning module, data exports, and some social features need further development. Support is limited to case-based, business-hours-only service, which will not suit every organization. And the lack of public pricing means you cannot easily compare costs without going through a sales process. These are not dealbreakers, but they are factors that should weigh into your evaluation.
We rate People First 3.8 out of 5. It is a good choice for UK-based mid-market organizations (roughly 50 to 1,000 employees) that want unified HR and payroll with modern engagement features. If you are outside the UK, need enterprise-grade complexity, or require 24/7 support, look at Dayforce, Personio, or Workday instead. But for its target market, People First delivers on its promise of a single, intuitive platform that employees will actually use.
