Running a hospitality business today often means juggling chaotic spreadsheets, clunky software, and last-minute shift changes. In an industry where a single staffing error can ruin guest service, that’s risky. S4labour wants to change this. The Oxfordshire-based software company has secured £4 million in funding to help hospitality teams ditch outdated tools for smart, efficient workforce management.
S4labour’s platform simplifies scheduling, payroll, and HR in one digital dashboard. With staffing shortages worsening—over 107,000 vacancies were reported in the UK hospitality sector earlier this year—S4labour offers managers a clearer way to build rotas, track performance, and deliver great service under pressure.
The funding comes from YFM Equity Partners, known for backing high-growth SaaS companies. This cash injection will accelerate S4labour’s product development and UK expansion. It will also help the company scale operations to meet increasing demand from pubs, restaurants, and hospitality groups trying to operate more efficiently amid soaring wage costs. In many cases, payroll now eats up 40% of a venue’s turnover.
From Consultancy to Smart Scheduling Software
S4labour wasn’t built in a vacuum. It was founded in 2011 by hospitality veteran Alastair Scott, who had spent years watching businesses struggle with staff scheduling. Originally launched as a labour consultancy, the company evolved into a full-stack SaaS platform designed specifically for hospitality.
With over 250 clients already—including well-known names like Oakman Inns, JKS, and The Revel Collective—S4labour has become a trusted tool in the UK’s hospitality sector. Its customer-first mindset and deep industry knowledge give it an edge over broader scheduling tools.
To lead the next phase of growth, the company recently appointed Mark Jensen, former VP of Sales at Fourth, to head sales strategy. His experience in scaling software across Europe and Asia makes him a key player in S4labour’s enterprise push. The company is now targeting large hospitality groups and expanding its sales and marketing teams.
New Features Designed for Real Hospitality Needs
The team isn’t just growing—it’s also building. S4labour recently launched Project EVO, a major system upgrade aimed at improving speed and user experience. EVO introduces an intuitive daily rota view using Gantt charts and gives managers access to sales, weather forecasts, and team data—all from one screen. It even includes improved functionality for handling staff across multiple sites, making it a powerful upgrade for busy operators.
With these new tools, S4labour is doubling down on usability. Its goal is simple: make life easier for managers while helping venues cut costs and boost team efficiency.
YFM’s Mike Clarke says the investment reflects growing demand for hospitality workforce management tech. “S4labour has found strong product-market fit,” he explained. “As more hospitality operators go digital, S4labour is in a great position to lead this shift. With a sharp growth plan and talented leadership, we’re excited to support them.”
Rooted in Real-World Experience
Alastair Scott, who still leads the company, says this funding marks a pivotal moment. “We’re thrilled to partner with YFM,” he said. “They understand SaaS and growth. Their backing will help us improve the platform, reach more customers, and scale faster.”
Scott’s journey—from hands-on operator to tech founder—has shaped S4labour’s DNA. The company has always stayed close to the floor-level challenges hospitality leaders face. That grounded perspective shows in the platform’s practical design and evolving features.
With the new funds, S4labour plans to build more data-driven tools that predict labour demand. It’s also looking to expand AI and machine learning capabilities that automate scheduling and forecast future needs. These tools aim to help operators not just survive in a tough market, but thrive.
While other players like Deputy, Planday, and Rotaready offer workforce software, S4labour stands out through its deep focus on hospitality. Unlike generic platforms, it embeds industry best practices into every feature. That means faster onboarding, smarter staffing, and fewer surprises when service starts.
Still headquartered in Banbury, S4labour remains committed to helping hospitality businesses grow with software built specifically for their world.
