New to contracting
Starting up as a contractor is an exciting time but can feel daunting. Where do you start, what’s involved and how do you even know if contracting is for you? First of all, decide which type of contractor arrangement suits your circumstances. If you think working as a contractor is only likely to be short […]
Business start up
Are you ready to turn your idea into a business? Careful planning, research and preparation is required at this early stage, so here’s a few steps on starting and setting up. Agency (PAYE) is similar to the Umbrella solution but not as tax efficient. The Agency, normally a recruitment agency, will calculate your tax and […]
Which business model is right for a contractor?
How to set up a new company
While setting up a Limited Company tends to involve more costs and admin than operating as a Sole Trader or under an Umbrella agreement, it also offers a wealth of benefits. Among them are greater tax efficiency, less personal liability and more control over your contracting business and personal finances. If you’re certain that your […]
The pros and cons of a Limited Company for a contractor
After much deliberation, you’ve decided to go it alone and set up as a contractor. You’ve polished your CV and LinkedIn profile and have started looking for your first contract, but you’re yet to decide on one important factor: your new company’s trading structure. As a contractor, you can either choose to set up as […]
Start contracting with confidence in 2018
Starting a long-term career as a contractor or freelancer in 2018 has become more attractive than during any time in the last two years. If you’re looking for independence and have a skill set that matches increasing current demand, then it’s possible to both ‘have your cake and eat it’, in 2018! Clarity of […]
Are you still using spreadsheets for your contractor accounting? It’s time to change
We know that as a contractor you’re busy, and even when you’re not, the last thing you want to be doing with your time is managing your accounts, whether that’s with the help of a contractor accountant or on your own. So you want a process that’s smooth and will take up as little of […]
Accounting software – Great up to a point, but then let people take over
For many years some specialist contractor accountants have developed their own technology solutions to help clients provide data in a format that would enable those providers to deliver great service at a reasonable price. Some use spreadsheets whereas others created their own cloud based systems. The common objective has been to reduce the time spent […]
Be your own boss this New Year, with our steps on taking the leap from humdrum permanent to self-employed success
Be your own boss in 2017 As we all settle back into our usual working routines, the Christmas break seems nothing more than a distant pleasant memory. How many of you started the year by deciding that 2017 would be the year you’d become your own boss? It’s not uncommon to be full of […]
I QUIT! 5 signs you’re ready to leave permanent employment for a career in contracting
Leaving permanent employment According to a recent study conducted by Perkbox, 6.5 million workers in the UK are unhappy with their current job within the permanent employment sector. With long hours, the feeling of being micro-managed, and toxic work cultures as the main culprits for unhappiness, it’s no surprise that so many people are […]