Why do some agencies only use certain Umbrella's?

[NickFitz]

Or thier parent company has an interest in that umbrella hence if you use the one they tell you to the group gets to take an even bigger slice of the wedge...

Exactly. The only reason it could possibly make a difference to them is if they have a vested interest.

I'd tell them to get stuffed, and that if my choice of brolly wasn't to their liking I would therefore consider myself free to enter into a direct arrangement with the client. That strategy probably depends on how much you want the contract, and how much the end-client wants you rather than anybody else.

[HermanDune]

Computer Futures recommend Parasol

Computer Futures Solutions are part of the S3 group and only take on contractors who are prepared to work with one of four umbrellas.

[curtis]

Its is the one beginning with 'H' - Dried grass!!!!

[ratewhore]

Its is the one beginning with 'H' - Dried grass!!!!

Why can't you say Hays?

[dmini]

Been there. It used to be a few umbrellas - some of which my umbrella company (and I) had never heard of. My umbrella tried direct communication, and pressure, but didn't manage to get the policy changed.
The list used to be:
Giant, Parasol, Lester Sybersolve, 3-Sixty, JSA & Liberty Bishop.

My experiences with the one I chose, made me take the plunge and go limited the next time I got a contract through them!

[curtis]

Ratewhore, I can say Hays I was just messing as that was what someone else put!!

[dmini]

They search the fora for references to them. Just avoids them giving me grief!