PCG.org.uk - Worth the money?

**cojak** · 31 August 2008, 09:29

Yes, yes.

I haven't used their services for HMRC purposes but I'm with them because I know that they'd be there if I needed them.

I do however use their discount for insurance. That alone cuts the £120pa down nicely. (And do not say 'do I need insurance?' - I for one will not be impressed...)

**Gonzo** · 31 August 2008, 19:27

Originally posted by The Great Gonzo View Post

The Great Gonzo (I know, a muppet).

Oi! Easy on the insults

I haven't used any of their benefits, I am with the PCG because contractors are facing a hostile government and need the representation.

**Lockhouse** · 1 September 2008, 06:50

Originally posted by The Great Gonzo View Post

However I'm interested in the acid test - has anyone actually used them in their hour of need, and if so, did they live up to the hype?

Yep - PCG membership paid for and won my IR35 case. Forums very good source of info.

**malvolio** · 1 September 2008, 07:12

What they said.

Also invest in PCGPlus. Another £100, but a big step in both coverage (it's not limited to IR35 investigations for one thing) and free benefits (like Jury Service insurance and agency insolvency cover) that more than offset the 30 pints of Stella it will cost.

**chef** · 1 September 2008, 07:22

Yes, Yes, Yes and thrice.. errr.. well yes again.

I see it the same as asking "do i need any breakdown cover for my alpha romeo?"

**ratewhore** · 1 September 2008, 09:45

I've won a few grands worth of work from the forums and I've also taken advantage of a couple of member benefits which represent a reasonable saving over the year.

That's in addition to the cover they provide. It's a no-brainer...

**expat** · 1 September 2008, 10:12

Originally posted by The Great Gonzo View Post

....
Thanks in advance for taking the time to share your experience . . .

The Great Gonzo (I know, a muppet).

I was a member. I let it lapse, by accident (actually I tried to renew but their website gave me tulip & failed to take my money). I couldn't be bothered to make further efforts, since I was by then working as an employee in another country. I might well join again, but it's 6 & half-a-dozen, for me.

1. My PI etc is cheaper from Caunce O'Hara (found on this 'ere website) than theirs.
2. I don't need IR35 insurance or assistance.
3. I did like the jury duty insurance, but although it's a nice frill, in value for money terms I'm not sure it compares well to self-insuring.
4. The forums are good, less chatty and more serious than here. Much like uk.consultants used to be on usenet, in fact it's probably the same people (except that usenet was free).
5. I might be interested in it for the Bupa discount that may or may not be offered and may or may not be better than the 10% that Bupa force on you anyway. It's always hard to tell what you get from PCG without joining first, all the info you want is members-only! In business this is usually a sign that it's not worth it, but in the PCG case I think it's just bad planning/poor self-publicity.

**NotAllThere** · 1 September 2008, 11:25

I let my membership lapse 5 years after emigrating. If I was ever to be resident in the Uk again, and contracting, I'd rejoin, no question.

**pmeswani** · 1 September 2008, 11:38

Originally posted by malvolio View Post

What they said.

Also invest in PCGPlus. Another £100, but a big step in both coverage (it's not limited to IR35 investigations for one thing) and free benefits (like Jury Service insurance and agency insolvency cover) that more than offset the 30 pints of Stella it will cost.

I held back from joining PCG as I wasn't quite convinced that it was right for me. I have now joined (today) based on this thread (and other threads that recently mentioned PCG).

I think it is about the right time to join and hope I won't be disappointed with their services.

PCG.org.uk - Worth the money?