Beverley Standing
Operations Director, Pay Guardians
Bev began her career in recruitment, successfully managing and growing a driving and industrial desk before moving into payroll with Eden Group’s umbrella company as an onboarding and customer service representative. She quickly discovered a passion for payroll and, combining client care with operational expertise, rose to become Sales and Operations Manager.
Following the acquisition of Eden Group in 2023, Bev and the founding director identified a gap in the market for a boutique, friendly, and approachable umbrella company — leading to the creation of Pay Guardians. In her current role, Bev thrives on tackling complex tax queries, supporting clients in tender processes, and ensuring both contractors and clients receive exceptional service.
Passionate about people, Bev is proud to contribute to a business that prioritises investment in its team and management. Outside of work, she and her husband enjoy taking their dogs to the beach in all weathers — her happiest place.
Paris Sheppard FCCA
Finance Director, Pay Guardians
Paris is a fully qualified accountant with nearly three decades of experience in recruitment finance and back-office operations. His career began in 1996 as Financial Controller for Allegis Group UK, where he scaled the back-office functions to support a business that grew tenfold in just three years.
In 2002, he founded Eden Group, providing outsourced pay-and-bill services for temporary and contract recruitment clients. Responding to client demand, he launched an umbrella company in 2006 and, by 2010, spearheaded the development of proprietary back-office software. That platform evolved into Evertime, now widely used as part of the Workwell Group’s solutions.
Today, he brings this depth of expertise to Pay Guardians, ensuring full compliance, operational excellence, and the highest standards of corporate governance for clients and contractors alike.
Karis Banks
Payroll Manager, Pay Guardians
Karis began her career in payroll in 2008 with Eden Outsource, joining the Umbrella Payroll Team at just 17. Starting as a temporary team member handling paperwork, she quickly progressed through the ranks to become Senior of the Umbrella Team and later Team Manager.
After maternity leave to have her first son, Ellis, Karis transitioned into the Pay & Bill team, where she built extensive experience over several years. Following the arrival of her second son, Theo, she returned to the Pay & Bill side until completing 16 years of dedicated service with the company.
In 2024, Karis brought her wealth of knowledge and long-standing industry experience to Pay Guardians, reuniting with former colleagues Beverley and Paris to help deliver a boutique, people-focused umbrella and payroll service.
Leah Hope
Payroll Administrator, Pay Guardians
Leah began her career at just 15 as a Customer Advisor with Boots, before pursuing a Level 3 Payroll Apprenticeship in 2023. During her training with a payroll bureau, she was soon entrusted with end-to-end payroll for over 1,200 employees across 60 clients each month. On completion of her apprenticeship in early 2025, she was promoted to Payroll Administrator.
Passionate about payroll, Leah enjoys the problem-solving and people-focused side of the role, helping clients and contractors with everything from quick queries to more complex issues. She joined Pay Guardians in May 2025, where she has expanded her expertise into umbrella and CIS payroll. Her responsibilities include onboarding new workers, running payrolls, and generating invoices, all while ensuring a smooth and supportive experience for clients and contractors alike.
Leah is committed to developing her skills further and taking on greater responsibility as she grows with the business.