HiveSuite
WorkflowMax changed dramatically in 2024. Xero retired the original platform on 26 June 2024, and BlueRock - a Melbourne-based tech-led advisory firm and long-time Xero partner - acquired the brand and launched WorkflowMax by BlueRock. This is a rebuilt platform, not a migration of the original. Here's what it looks like now, and how it compares to HiveSuite for UK contractors.
Important context: If you used the original Xero WorkflowMax, the new BlueRock product is a different platform built from scratch with ongoing feature development. Compare it based on current features and release notes, not assumptions carried over from the retired product.
The Quick Summary
| Category | HiveSuite | WorkflowMax by BlueRock |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | UK mobile service businesses, contractors, and field service teams | Professional services firms (architects, consultants, agencies) using Xero |
| Field Service | Built for it - scheduling, dispatch, GPS, crew apps WINNER | Project management focus - iOS/Android apps available but not purpose-built for field dispatch or GPS tracking |
| Pricing | From £34.99/month (inc. VAT). All features included. WINNER | Standard from ~£25/month (1 user, excl. VAT). Feature-tiered. |
| UK Origin | Built in the UK WINNER | Australian company (BlueRock is Melbourne-based) |
| Customer Portal | Full portal on all plans WINNER | Not available |
| Platform Maturity | 2024 launch, actively developed | Rebuilt 2024 - currently rebuilding feature parity with original |
| Xero Dependency | QuickBooks integration (Xero not required) | Heavily Xero-centric - less value without a Xero subscription |
What Happened to WorkflowMax?
In March 2023, Xero announced it would retire WorkflowMax on 26 June 2024. After 15+ years as a popular project management tool (particularly for Xero users), the platform was shut down.
BlueRock, a Melbourne-based tech-led advisory firm and long-time Xero partner, acquired the WorkflowMax brand and launched WorkflowMax by BlueRock in February 2024. It is a rebuilt platform sharing the name but not the codebase of the original.
The product is under active development with regular releases. If you're evaluating it, check the current feature set and release notes rather than assumptions from the retired Xero product.
Pricing
HiveSuite Pricing (GBP, VAT included)
- Solo: £34.99/month - 1 admin + 2 team members
- Small Team: £89.99/month - 5 admins + 5 team members
- Growing Team: £149.99/month - 10 admins + 10 team members
- Professional: £249.99/month - 20 admins + unlimited team members
- All features on all plans
- 30-day free trial, no credit card required
WorkflowMax by BlueRock Pricing (approximate GBP, excl. VAT - verify on live pricing page)
- Standard: scales by team size from ~£25/month (1 user) to ~£109/month (20 users)
- Premium: scales by team size from ~£34/month (1 user) to ~£170/month (20 users)
- Advanced: contact sales
- Lead Manager available as a ~£19/month add-on
- Pricing originates in AUD - GBP equivalents are approximate and subject to change
- Free trial available
- Note: Check WorkflowMax's live pricing page for current figures as pricing is regularly updated.
Features Comparison
| Feature | HiveSuite | WorkflowMax by BlueRock | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field Scheduling / Dispatch | Calendar views, crew assignments, job pipeline, job request inbox | Not available - project management focus only | HiveSuite |
| Mobile Field App | HiveCrew PWA + native Android app for field workers | Mobile app exists but not purpose-built for on-site field workers | HiveSuite |
| GPS Tracking | Job check-ins, location capture | Not available | HiveSuite |
| Customer Portal | Full branded portal on all plans | Not available | HiveSuite |
| Quoting & Invoicing | Templates, AI-assisted, recurring invoices, Stripe payments | Quoting, invoicing, Xero integration, recurring invoices (Premium+) | Tie |
| Timesheets | Time tracking with weekly totals and CSV export | Timesheets - a core strength WINNER | WorkflowMax |
| Job Costing | Expense logging, billable flags, link to invoices | Strong job costing and profitability reporting WINNER | WorkflowMax |
| Purchase Orders | Full PO workflow with supplier directory and stock replenishment | Purchase orders on Standard+ WINNER | Tie |
| AI Features | HiveIntel: natural language queries, dashboards, scheduled reports | Reporting and analytics focus, no natural language AI | HiveSuite |
| Custom Fields | Custom fields on customers, quotes, invoices, jobs | Custom fields on Standard+ WINNER | WorkflowMax |
| Accounting | QuickBooks integration | Deep Xero integration (core feature), Airwallex, Google Drive WINNER | WorkflowMax (for Xero users) |
Who Is WorkflowMax Actually Built For?
This is the key question. WorkflowMax by BlueRock is built for professional services businesses - architects, engineers, consultants, creative agencies, accountants. It's a project management and job costing tool designed around billable hours, Xero integration, and project profitability.
It is not designed for:
- Mobile trade businesses (plumbers, electricians, cleaners, groomers)
- Field dispatch and GPS tracking
- On-site crew management
- Customer portals for quote approval and invoice payment
- Inventory management and stock control
If you're reading this because you used the original WorkflowMax and are looking for an alternative, the honest answer is that WorkflowMax by BlueRock is the most direct name match - but HiveSuite is likely a closer feature match if your business involves field workers, scheduling, and customer-facing transactions.
Side-by-Side Summary
Choose HiveSuite if...
- You run a field service or mobile trade business
- You need scheduling, dispatch, and on-site crew tools
- Customer portal for quote/invoice management is important
- Inventory management is part of your workflow
- You want UK-built software with UK support
- All-inclusive pricing suits you
Consider WorkflowMax if...
- You run a professional services firm (consulting, architecture, agency)
- Timesheet tracking and billable hours are core to your model
- Deep Xero integration is essential
- Detailed job costing and profitability reporting are priorities
- You were a WorkflowMax Original user looking for continuity
The Bottom Line
WorkflowMax by BlueRock is a solid project management tool for professional services businesses - particularly those already using Xero. But it is not designed for trade contractors, field service businesses, or mobile operators.
If you're a UK plumber, electrician, cleaner, groomer, or any other mobile service business, HiveSuite is built for your exact workflow. Field scheduling, crew management, customer portal, inventory, and UK-native features are all included from day one.
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