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As a UK business expands into global markets, cracks in legacy procurement systems can surface. Buyers should better understand what procurement automation software is available to scale finance teams and volumes successfully.
Zip HQ is an AI-powered global payments and procurement platform that is designed to streamline purchasing and reduce costs. It supports the full intake-to-procure through the procure-to-pay process, offering automated POs and no-code workflows.
In this article, we’ve put together top alternatives to ZipHQ for UK businesses in 2025, focusing on procurement features relevant to the UK market, including VAT handling, payment methods, and global compliance.
Top ZipHQ Competitors for UK Businesses in 2025
- Tipalti: Best for Procurement-Integrated AP Automation
- Teampay: Best for Real-Time Spend Visibility
- Precoro: Best for Smaller UK Businesses
- Procurement Express: Best for Simple PO Management
- Coupa: Best for Complex Procurement Workflows
Comparison: ZipHQ Alternatives
| ZipHQ | Tipalti | Teampay | Precoro | Procurement Express | Coupa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase Requests | Intake workflows with request forms, automated PO creation, and dynamic logic controls | Purchase requisition workflows with PO creation tied to approvals and budgets | An employee request system that auto-generates POs | PO creation with budget visibility and approval chains | PO creation with approval routing | Intake-to-PO workflows with dynamic routing |
| Approval Workflows | No-code approval builder, logic based on form data, category, requester, and value | Multi-level workflows based on thresholds, roles, and departments | Pre-approval workflows by amount, category, and users | Custom drag-and-drop approval workflow builder | Approval routing by user or spend controls | Enterprise-grade routing with conditional logic and a rules engine |
| Primary Focus | Intake-to-procure with no-code workflows and modern UX | End-to-end global finance automation (Procurement, AP, Payments) | Spend management with upfront controls and automated purchasing | Cloud-based procurement and AP automation for SMBs and mid-market | Purchase order management for SMBs with a focus on ease of use | Comprehensive Business Spend Management for large enterprises |
| Best For | Mid-sized to larger enterprise teams that need flexible, front-end workflows | Mid-market to enterprise companies with high-growth or global operations | High-growth teams looking to automate purchasing workflows and enforce policies | Small to mid-sized UK businesses needing centralised procurement control | Small to medium companies seeking a simple, mobile-friendly PO system | Large enterprises with complex procurement and supply chain needs |
| Budget Control | Budget enforcement built into intake forms; integrates with ERP or native budgets | Budget visibility at request, enforced by entity, department, and cost centre | Controls embedded at the point of purchase | Real-time budget tracking with alerts | Basic budget caps and enforcement | Advanced controls, forecasting, and scenario modelling |
| UK-Specific Features | UK office, VAT fields, and MTD capabilities depend on ERP integration | Authorised as EMI by FCA, direct BACS/Faster Payments, UK VAT validation | Primarily US-centric; international payments may have limitations | Serves UK customers, allows budget tracking, and customised workflows | UK support number, integrations with Sage 50/200 | Strong UK presence, supports complex UK financial controls and regulations |
| Global Payments | Limited native payments, uses third-party integrations | Direct to 200+ countries in 120+ currencies | Relies on partners for international payments | Primarily EU/Global focus; cross-border capabilities less extensive than specialised platforms | Multi-currency support available | Strong global capabilities for enterprise spend |
| AP Automation | Not focused on back-end AP automation | Enterprise-grade OCR, AI-powered coding, 2 and 3-way PO matching | Automates invoice processing and routes for approval | Includes invoice processing and 3-way matching | Includes 3-way matching and invoice management | Automates the entire P2P process, including invoicing |
| Supplier Management | Intake forms, duplicate detection, and vendor data approval workflows | Self-service portal with 26k+ validation rules | Basic vendor management as part of the procurement flow | Tools for supplier onboarding and relationship management | Fixed vendor lists and supplier portal | Comprehensive supplier onboarding and risk management |
| Pricing Model | Custom pricing depending on modules and workflow complexity | Tiered plans from £99/month, quote-based for enterprise | Custom quote required; no public pricing | Tiered plans from around £370/month ($499) | Tiered plans from around £290/month ($365) | Custom subscription for enterprise-level budgets |
1) Tipalti: Built for High-Growth Procurement Teams
London office, UK-specific support, FCA-regulated E-Money Institution
Tipalti provides procurement tools for UK businesses to gain visibility into their spending. Companies use Tipalti’s procurement software to capture, approve, and track spend. Save your team’s manual workloads and modernise operations with a powerful, easy-to-use platform that provides greater control over spending.
The system is designed to move procurement away from ad-hoc emails, documents, tickets, and spreadsheets. Automation is the key to reducing maverick purchases, compliance risk (including robust VAT handling), and manual processes. UK-based Tipalti customers report significant results, often including faster approval cycles and better spend management.
Top Features
- Collect Purchase Requests: Set up custom request forms for both vendors and purchases, ensuring the right data is always collected to meet UK requirements.
- Manage Approvals: Easy-to-build and manage approval workflows to match company policies without slowing down processes.
- Monitor Spending: Gain complete visibility into the purchasing process with easy access to documents and an audit trail suitable for UK compliance.
- Supplier Management and Onboarding: This feature features a self-service portal for suppliers to provide details, including UK bank information (for BACS/Faster Payments) and VAT numbers, validated against thousands of rules.
- UK and Global Payments: As an FCA-regulated E-Money Institution in the UK, Tipalti facilitates payments via UK methods like BACS and Faster Payments, alongside international options (wires, SEPA, etc.) to “200+ countries and territories in 120+ currencies.
- VAT and Tax Compliance: This includes tools specifically for collecting and validating UK VAT numbers alongside international tax IDs. It supports digital VAT record-keeping to aid compliance with Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT.
Serviceable Market
Tipalti is an excellent solution for any UK business looking to speed up procurement with integrated AP tools. It makes the entire procurement-to-reconciliation process more efficient for companies of any size, in any industry.
Strengths
- Guided Intake Forms Powered by AI: Employees create requests using a natural language input model powered by Tipalti AIâ„ . The system automatically generates a purchase request, suggesting relevant information. Dynamic workflows offer step-by-step guidance.
- UK Integrations: Tipalti integrates with leading ERP systems popular in the UK, including NetSuite, Sage Intacct, QuickBooks (UK versions), Xero (UK version), and Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, ensuring seamless data syncing.
- Tipalti’s API: This allows connection of your existing tech stack to the Tipalti solution for automated actions like approvals and payments.
- End-to-End Solution: Offers a unified platform covering procurement, AP automation, global payments, and expense management, potentially simplifying processes and supporting MTD compliance through digital record-keeping.
Pricing
Platform fees start from £99 per month. Tipalti procurement plans depend on the number of requesters and approvers using the solution. Discounts are available when procurement is bundled with Tipalti’s AP Automation solution.
Customer Rating
G2: 4.5/5
Capterra: 4.6/5
TrustRadius: 7.9/10
See what our customers are saying
Tighten spend control, accelerate approvals, and reduce rogue purchases with Tipalti Procurement.
Tipalti vs. ZipHQ: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Core Focus | End-to-end procure-to-pay and finance automation. | Intake-to-Procure (strong focus on request/approval workflow), expanding into P2P. |
| Procurement | Integrated procurement and payables. AI-powered requisitions, spend controls, and compliance. | Strong intake/request management. Downstream P2P capabilities are newer / may rely on integrations for full functionality in the UK. |
| Approvals | Flexible workflow builder, parallel approvals supported, email/Slack approvals. | Stakeholder routing, sequenced/parallel tracking, visibility into pipeline, adjustable workflows. |
| Supplier Management | UK/Global self-service portal, VAT/bank detail validation (26k+ rules), risk screening. | Self-service registration for intake/approval. |
| UK VAT / Tax Compliance | Features a global tax engine with built-in UK VAT number validation. | Tax form collection is part of intake. The depth of UK VAT validation may be less extensive. |
| Invoice Management / AP | Mature AP automation: OCR (header/line), AI coding suggestions, 2 and 3-way PO matching, rule-based approvals. | Invoice inbox/sync, portal uploads, OCR, basic 2-way PO matching mentioned globally, and dynamic routing. 3-way matching may require integration. |
| UK Payment Methods | Directly supports BACS, Faster Payments, CHAPS, international wires, SEPA, etc. Authorised as an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) by the FCA. | Relies on partners (e.g., Airwallex globally) for payments. The extent of direct UK payment scheme support is not specified. |
| Expense Management | Integrated module for employee expenses and reimbursements. | No dedicated module mentioned. |
| UK Presence and Support | Established UK office, support, and FCA regulated. | Established UK entity. |
Accelerate approvals, cut rogue spend, and see results fast with procurement automation built for scale.
How Other ZipHQ Competitors Stack Up
2) Teampay
Primarily US-focused, though accessible globally
Teampay aims to help businesses get ahead of spend with automated controls, greater visibility, and user-friendly analytics. Every purchase updates automatically, giving a company visibility via a live reporting dashboard.
It focuses on optimising costs across your vendor portfolio and customising automated workflows that help control purchasing upfront, enforcing policies, and directing employees to preferred vendors before a single pound is spent. Teampay’s proactive approach aims to make it easy to code transactions as they happen.
Top Features
- Leverage Data: Data updates as transactions happen; quickly view vendor spend or export data.
- Automate Policies: Automated workflows help control purchasing upfront, prioritising preferred vendors.
- Immediate Reconciliation: Import your chart of accounts and automatically reconcile with a vendor list.
Serviceable Market
Teampay primarily serves mid-market UK businesses (typically 100-5,000 employees) that are fast-growing and have decentralised purchasing teams.
Strengths
- All-in-One Spend View: Teampay integrates tools teams use across spend stages, capturing data in one spot for visibility.
- Ease of Use: This approach promotes simplicity in procurement and approvals, aiming for intuitive processes and claiming that zero training is required.
- Simple Automation: Focuses on automating repetitive work to free up time for strategic tasks.
Pricing
The cost of using Teampay requires a custom quote. They offer a free demo to assess suitability. UK-specific pricing is not publicly disclosed.
Customer Rating
G2: 4.4/5
Capterra: 4.6/5
TrustRadius: 7.0/10
3) Precoro
Serves UK customers, but primarily European/Global focus.
Precoro is a procurement solution that helps businesses streamline approval workflows, match invoices with receipts, set up rules for cost centres, control stock, and purchase directly from Amazon Business. It is a fully automated process in one tool, with a customisable platform.
The Precoro platform is marketed as easy to use and implement. It aims to automate manual purchasing, improve team collaboration, and sync useful apps using intuitive features. Precoro suggests users can increase order processing speed and get faster approvals.
Top Features
- Purchase Requests: Create, manage, and collect all types of purchasing requests.
- Approval Workflows: Workflow scenario builder and document-based approvals.
- Order Management: Manage a company’s expenses, purchases, stock, and payments.
Serviceable Market
Precoro targets small to medium UK companies with a formal procurement process or teams that are stuck using spreadsheets. It works particularly well for businesses seeking a centralised purchasing process.
Strengths
- Continuous Support: Lifetime support with high customer satisfaction and reduced manual data entry.
- Better Control: Aims to provide oversight of budgets, reports, expenses, supplier management, 3-way matching, and products.
- Real-time Tracking: Easily create a purchase request and track it in real-time.
Pricing
For smaller teams, the cost listed for the Core module globally is $499 (billed annually). It is likely to expect a similar figure in GBP (£), but it is best to confirm with a local UK quote. For larger teams, Enterprise pricing is individually tailored.
Customer Rating
G2: 4.7/5
Capterra: 4.8/5
TrustRadius: 3.3/10
4) Procurement Express
Serves UK customers, Irish roots
Procurement Express offers a straightforward procurement software solution. It allows team members to create purchase requests on the go, which are approved by pre-defined parties. Relevant comments and documents can be attached to the PO for reporting and auditing.
Businesses can use Procurement Express to view and manage budgets in real-time for informed decision-making. It aims to eliminate spending mistakes and keep employees accountable for company card purchases. It allows users to draw reports simply and manage POs remotely.
Top Features
- Purchase Requests and Approvals: Create PRs quickly and approve or reject requests easily.
- Custom Fields and Line Items: Set unique custom fields and upload essential purchase data.
- 3-Way Matching: Cross-reference and verify AP expenses.
Serviceable Market
It best serves small—to medium-sized UK organisations needing a simplified PO system to replace manual processes. It also works best for finance teams seeking mobile-friendly approval tools.
Strengths
- Cloud-Based: Brings the purchasing process together in a single, cloud-based application.
- Batch Payments: Simplifies batch payments, allowing businesses to streamline financial controls and pay multiple vendors.
- Punchouts: Supports turning online shopping carts (including Amazon Business) into draught POs.
Pricing
Procurement Express offers tiered pricing based on features and usage capacity. UK pricing in GBP (£) should be requested directly from the vendor, however, the following structure (based on their listed US dollar pricing) gives an illustrative indication based on US pricing conversions of the potential plans and approximate costs.
- Basic – Indicative cost around £ 200 – £ 290 per month
- Better – Indicative cost around £ 400 – £ 580 per month
- Best – Indicative cost around £ 1,000 – £ 1,450 per month
- Enterprise – Custom
Customer Rating
G2: 4.7/5
Capterra: 4.7/5
TrustRadius: N/A
5) Coupa
Significant UK presence, multiple offices, strong UK customer base
Coupa Procure is a leading Business Spend Management (BSM) solution, allowing UK businesses to exercise spend control and position the company for resilience and growth. The solution enables finance teams to manage business spend across procurement, finance, and the supply chain, capturing savings, mitigating risk, and improving efficiency.
The Coupa procurement system guides employees across the buying process, surfacing preferred products and services, and alerting employees to discounted pricing. The platform offers flexible configuration rules to ensure optimal compliance with company policies and relevant UK regulations.
Top Features
- SOW-Based Spend Management: Guide teams to enter the right data for Services (Statement of Work) based spend using flexible forms.
- Seamless Shopping: The Coupa Open Buy feature aims to reduce rogue spend and increase savings with a central area to compare items.
- Simple Purchase Requisitions: Automatically alerts employees to advantageous terms and discounted prices.
- UK Compliance Support: Designed to support adherence to relevant UK financial controls and procurement regulations.
Serviceable Market
The system is well-suited for larger organisations seeking visibility over expenses and optimisation of supply chains. It works best for those seeking complex procurement tools for multi-entity or regional operations.
Strengths
- Comprehensive Control: By maximising pre-approved spend, businesses can gain complete visibility of the entire purchase-to-pay process for robust UK financial governance.
- Spend Under Management: Simplify PR and order processes and track them in real-time. Coupa helps get the most pre-approved spend flowing through the system.
- User Adoption Focus: Coupa emphasises a modern procurement experience, promoting easier adoption for employees and suppliers.
Pricing
Coupa offers custom pricing for the UK market, typically through subscription-based models. There may be implementation/configuration costs. Request a UK-specific quote and explore their demos and tutorials.
Customer Rating
G2: 4.2/5
Capterra: 4.0/5
TrustRadius: 7.7/10
Why Tipalti Is the #1 Alternative
Complete Global AP Automation
Tipalti is available in several languages, and you can make payments to 196 countries in 120 currencies, using over 50 payment methods. The system is also authorised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority as an electronic money institution.
Advanced Spend Visibility
Automatically capture spend data across currencies, entities, and payment methods—sync real-time payment data to ERP sub-ledgers, streamlining the entire reconciliation process. Reduce manual costs and help teams close the books 25%+ faster.
Built-in Financial, Regulatory, and Security Controls
Tipalti provides internal controls to minimise overspending, featuring tools to manage approvals, payments, and audit trails. It also collects and validates supplier data for HMRC tax provisioning with built-in fraud monitoring.
End-to-End AP Automation
Tipalti’s AI Smart Scan and auto-routing tools ensure the system captures every header and line-level detail of an invoice, with two and three-way PO matching for end-to-end automation. Suppliers, invoices, and payments workflows are all managed from one place.
Manage Multiple Business Entities with Ease
Tipalti supports a consolidated headquarters payer account with multiple sub-entities associated with it. Configure entity-specific branding and email templates for consistent payee communication.
Extend Your Solution from Procurement to Payment
Tipalti procurement solutions are fully integrated into Tipalti AP. The Tipalti Home feature enables any UK business to manage all workflows, from procurement to payment, in one spot. It’s a single view of suppliers and payments across procurement, AP, and expenses.
Trusted by UK Finance Leaders. Backed by Industry Awards.
IDC recognises Tipalti as a leader in mid-market AP automation. Industry analysts applaud the intuitive dashboard, global breadth, and measurable efficiency.
Backed by thousands of authentic UK user reviews, Tipalti earns top honours in procurement, AP automation, global payments, and financial operations, underscoring its trusted reputation with high-growth international organisations.
Final Thoughts: Why Growing Companies Choose Tipalti Over ZipHQ
As a UK business scales, procurement needs will quickly outgrow entry-level tools. While ZipHQ may work for now, it could lead to future bottlenecks.
Tipalti is a purpose-built platform that supports modern procurement and AP departments that manage global operations.
| Capabilities | Tipalti Value |
|---|---|
| Global AP Automation | Pays to 200+ countries and territories, in 120 currencies, using 50+ methods. |
| Multi-Entity | Total transparency and visibility with a complete separation of workflows. |
| Tax Compliance | International tax compliance with 62-country validation capabilities and over 3,000 rules. |
| ERP Integration | ERP integrations with leading platforms (like NetSuite, Intacct, SAP), plus more than 50 other ERP and accounting systems. |
| Controls and Security | High-level global security features with SOC 2, OFAC, AML, and detailed audit trails. |
| PO Matching | Advanced purchase order matching using AI tools, such as Smart Scan, and auto-routing. |
As your business grows, hyper-focused procurement tools like ZipHQ can limit a UK company’s efficiency, scalability, and global capabilities.
Evaluating top competitors like Tipalti, Teampay, Precoro, Procurement Express, and Coupa can help you find a solution that better aligns with operational complexity, procurement needs, and financial goals.
For UK companies serious about smarter scaling, Tipalti stands out as the most complete, end-to-end alternative.
Ready to Switch from ZipHQ? Scale Smarter with Tipalti
Discover how Tipalti enables finance leaders to automate manual payables, expand their global reach, and scale with confidence.
AP Automation 
Procurement 
United Kingdom, Global 
Software and technology
100 – 1000
Mass Payments 
AdTech
