| Contractors use umbrella solutions providers as a | | | | payments. For each entry on your list make sure |
| convenient trading vehicle when they are caught | | | | you confirm the price and exactly what you get |
| by IR35 or don't want the hassle of running a | | | | for your money. |
| limited company. But there are nearly 200 firms in | | | | 4: Find Out About Compliance |
| the UK that offer these services, and many more | | | | When you join, you should become a full-time |
| overseas, so which is the best one for your | | | | permanent employee with a formal contract of |
| contracting needs? | | | | employment. You should expect to be told |
| Here are five tips to help you choose: | | | | exactly what expenses you can claim and |
| 1: Look At Comparison Websites And Online | | | | informed you must keep receipts. If not, this |
| Sources | | | | should set alarm bells ringing about compliance. |
| There are many online sources providing lists and | | | | Many reputable firms have been audited by and |
| reviews of suppliers. Portal websites aimed at | | | | are members of trade associations that can help |
| freelancers also include many adverts that you | | | | demonstrate that they are compliant. |
| can use to help you find good candidates. Draw | | | | 5: Customer Service And How Quickly Can You |
| up a shortlist that includes your top ten firms and | | | | Start? |
| start researching them. Blogs, chatrooms and | | | | You are buying a service and so you should |
| forums can be a useful source of feedback from | | | | expect good levels of customer care. That might |
| other customers. Also ask people you work with | | | | mean access to a dedicated account manager |
| - personal recommendation is very helpful. | | | | who knows you and your history. Lots of |
| 2: Research Background, Location And Finances | | | | companies offer various degrees of online |
| Take your shortlist and for each entry, find out | | | | support, some with web-based timesheet |
| about how long the firm has been in business, | | | | submission and expenses forms. If you are |
| where it is based and its history. You should | | | | beginning an urgent contract, you might need a |
| consider obtaining a credit reference to make | | | | same-day or next-day start. You should find out if |
| sure the company is financially sound. If you | | | | there are any penalties when leaving and what |
| discover that the provider is based offshore, it | | | | your notice period will be. Because there is such a |
| may not be an umbrella at all, but an offshore tax | | | | choice of umbrella solutions providers, you don't |
| solution. | | | | have to stay with one that does not give you the |
| 3: Check The Price And What Is Included | | | | service you require at a price that suits you. |
| Prices can vary from free to ten pounds a week | | | | Selecting service suppliers can be a challenge for |
| upwards, with most services priced at around | | | | small freelancer businesses, particularly for |
| twenty to thirty pounds, paid weekly and | | | | knowledge workers where time is literally money. |
| deducted directly from your earnings. You may | | | | However time invested up-front can pay |
| find that some lower-priced services charge extra | | | | dividends in the long term through savings in fees |
| for processing expenses and making faster | | | | and better service. |