Which umbrella?

[cloudsinyoureye]

First off, hello! I'm new to contracting, just waiting for a few checks to be carried out and cleared but I've managed to land myself a job... I just need to figure out which umbrella company to go with for payment and stuff. But the question is, which? Google can come up with dozens but it's all still so new to me (This is also my first real job, aside from a few summer jobs I had before going off to get my degree) I don't know which are ones to avoid, and which are decent.

I've had a friend recommend Giant to me but a quick search turned up some rather worrying reviews/comments about them. Others I've been looking into have been OrangeGenie and Contractor Umbrella.

Anyone have any other recommendations, or views on the ones I mentioned? It'd be a great help, cheers!

[sidknows]

this has been covered in various posts before and the important aspect to remember is that all umbrella 's should be offering the same return with the only difference being the fees charged
Any umbrella paying you to go to work ie 'unreceipted daily allowances' shoudl be avoided at all costs!

[Sausage Surprise]

Go Ltd...

[Wilmslow]

First off, hello! I'm new to contracting, just waiting for a few checks to be carried out and cleared but I've managed to land myself a job... I just need to figure out which umbrella company to go with for payment and stuff. But the question is, which? Google can come up with dozens but it's all still so new to me (This is also my first real job, aside from a few summer jobs I had before going off to get my degree) I don't know which are ones to avoid, and which are decent.

I've had a friend recommend Giant to me but a quick search turned up some rather worrying reviews/comments about them. Others I've been looking into have been OrangeGenie and Contractor Umbrella.

Anyone have any other recommendations, or views on the ones I mentioned? It'd be a great help, cheers!

Hello!

While Limited is indeed the way to go, an easy way to ease yourself into contracting withoutn the risk of stumping up accountants fees on a fixed yearly basis is to go through an umbrella initially, then move onto Limited.

I have been reccomended Mimax, and have found them to be very honest, and extremely efficient and useful. They also have a cracking portal.

There are Isle of Man options but dubious legality.......

I would seriously consider looking into Mimax, loads of good info on their website at mimax.co.uk

No, I get no referral fee, just find the service very personal and find them great at getting things sorted out.

[TheFaQQer]

Go Ltd...

Go Permie.

wilmslow

[NotAllThere]

... without the risk of stumping up accountants fees on a fixed yearly basis...

I pay my accountant by the amount of work done. Works out cheaper than "fixed fees".

[vhadiant]

I've used Parasol in the past. Found them to be quite good.

[cloudsinyoureye]

Thanks all!

I don't plan on staying a contractor though - the job I've got lined up is for a year, and after that I'm hoping to find a permenant one somewhere, so I don't really fancy setting up a limited company just for a year.

But I shall have a looksie at Mimax, and reconsider Parasol!

[bangface]

GoUmbrella

Most of my colleagues are using GoUmbrella and have been very happy with their services to date. If its a brolly you want, I would suggest you check them out, they are reasonably well priced too.

[sidknows]

GoUmbrella -- have u ever tried to contact one of their advisers ?