Case Study: Merlin Entertainments achieves streamlined HR operations and stronger employee engagement with CIPHR

CIPHR Spells HR Magic for Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments, a global operator of branded visitor attractions (LEGOLAND, SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, etc.), needed to standardise and scale HR systems while growing fast and managing many seasonal and permanent employees across multiple sites. With a small central HR team and inconsistent local processes, Merlin faced data gaps, uneven system use and the challenge of supporting acquisitions and international roll-outs. In 2009 the company selected CIPHR to provide a single HR platform and support its HR strategy.

CIPHR and Merlin’s HR Systems Manager implemented a Merlin‑branded MyHR self‑service, CIPHR Decisions reporting, regular user forums and a service package (later moved to Managed Services) that included unlimited training and a dedicated consultant. Within a year most UK sites were live, processes were standardised, reporting improved, and CIPHR’s service desk and professional services accelerated roll-outs (including international plans and Paylink configuration), freeing in‑house HR time for strategic work and delivering better adoption and operational efficiency.

Merlin Entertainments

Emma Branch

HR Systems Manager