Umbrella advice

[gaz77]

Hi Folks,

First time poster here, so my apologies if these questions have already been asked before. I've looked around a bit, but couldn't find anything similar from recently - I understand that things have changed a lot since the last budget. Any pointers to relevant threads would be appreciated.

I'm about to embark on my first contract. It's just 3 months, and I'll have to live away from home. I live in Glasgow, the contracts in Coventry, so I'm going to have big rent and travel expenses.

If contracting works for me, then I'll look into forming a ltd company. At the moment though, I just want an umbrella to avoid hassle. My main priority is getting money through as soon as possible, as living away will cost a lot.

My agent has said they use 'Giant' for umbrella companies. A friend said he used them several years ago and he had loads of problems. Have they improved since?
If not, which umbrella companies would people recommend? Also, what sort of fees should I expect?

Will I be able to claim back most of my travel and rent expenses? Is there anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance?

[sathyaram_s]

I have not used Giant (or any umbrella for that matter) .. But, have read few horror stories in various forums ... So, better to avoid them I guess ...

As far as your travel and accomodation expenses, yes, you will be able to claim back everything ... You should also be able to claim the cost of your dinner (not sure about your breakfast), but not lunch ... Receipts are needed for this ... In addition, you can claim £5 a night unreceipted ...

When researching for umbrellas, avoid companies that say you do not need receipts to claim expenses ... Read other threads (sticky ones) that disucss this point ..

You may consider Parasol (which is PCG recommended) or contractor umbrella (which is SJD's , who have a good reputation as contractor accountants) ... As mentioned before, I have used these umbrellas ...

Good luck with your contracts

Hi Folks,

First time poster here, so my apologies if these questions have already been asked before. I've looked around a bit, but couldn't find anything similar from recently - I understand that things have changed a lot since the last budget. Any pointers to relevant threads would be appreciated.

I'm about to embark on my first contract. It's just 3 months, and I'll have to live away from home. I live in Glasgow, the contracts in Coventry, so I'm going to have big rent and travel expenses.

If contracting works for me, then I'll look into forming a ltd company. At the moment though, I just want an umbrella to avoid hassle. My main priority is getting money through as soon as possible, as living away will cost a lot.

My agent has said they use 'Giant' for umbrella companies. A friend said he used them several years ago and he had loads of problems. Have they improved since?
If not, which umbrella companies would people recommend? Also, what sort of fees should I expect?

Will I be able to claim back most of my travel and rent expenses? Is there anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance?

[Moose423956]

I've just finished working through an umbrella for 12 months, Green Lantern 35 Ltd, and despite what people say about umbrellas in general I would recommend this one without hesitation, for a short term anyway. I think you're doing the right thing.

I put some stats from the year that I used them in this forum - linky.

The time it takes to get money into your account will depend on how long it takes for the client to settle the umbrella company invoices. My client paid pretty promptly, so the average amount of time from me sending my timesheet to the umbrella to the money being in my account was 25 days, which I think is pretty good.

Good luck.

[richard-af]

I am with a brolly (Parasol).

No complaints - they have been professional, quick to respond, etc. But I'll be going Ltd when current gig ends. More lolly... simple as that.

Can't go Ltd. just yet, as Client is my previous Permie employer, and HMRC would be onto me like flies round a cow's bumhole if I went Ltd now... I believe.

[MarkOD]

I know parasol are good as a colleague uses them, contractor Umbrella and No Longer Limited as well from what i've heard and my own experience

[gaz77]

Thanks for the advice folks.
I'll check out Parasol and some of the others mentioned.

I've been reading through a lot of threads, and Orange Genie also seemed to be one that was recommended. Nothing on them for a while though. Are they still worth looking at?

Cheers

[WotNxt]

Thanks for the advice folks.
I'll check out Parasol and some of the others mentioned.

I've been reading through a lot of threads, and Orange Genie also seemed to be one that was recommended. Nothing on them for a while though. Are they still worth looking at?

Cheers

Based on my personal experiences I STRONGLY recommend AGAINST Parasol and Giant.

[Wilmslow]

I am with Mimax, a Glasgow based firm.

Mimax have been really helpful, and stumped up an advance when we hit an admin glitch with the client.

Not many firms would be that flexible.

None of that claim anything without expenses rubbish, they are fair and I have every confidence with them. They are a small firm, hence they get to know me and I know I can trust them.

[gaz77]

Thanks for all the advice.

I went with Contractor Umbrella. Their website was very open, with lots of info. The fees were good, and the fact they'll pay minimum wage if your funds haven't cleared will mean a big difference. A friend recommended them too.

[barry_abs]

hi gaz, how are things going with ContractorUmbrella? what take home percentage are you getting?