Which agency to use?

[TheFaQQer]

I have a choice of agencies that I can use for my next role - client has approached me, but I still need to go through an agency.

I've not worked through any of them before - so any opinions gratefully received:

• Technology Project Services
• Amtec Consulting plc contracted via Acumen Consortium
• Certes Computing
• Elan
• Methods Consulting
• Parity Resources Limited
• Sand Resources
• Badenoch & Clark

Any opinions on IR35 and payment terms? ISTR Sockpuppet said something about B&C in a thread about contract negotiations with Bauer & Cotterell.

Of these, I'm leaning towards B&C, Certes or Parity. No ideas why really, apart from they happen to be female agents.

[DBA_bloke]

Badenoch & Clark. Not familar with all of their staff, but the chap I've dealt with in the past was a gent, followed-up, offered lunch, only offered relevant gigs, knew the Client well, actually seemed to care, etc.

[WindyAnna]

B&C - never worked through them but have used their consultants and have never heard any complaints. I think that their standard contract is not brilliant for IR35 but they are willing to write individual terms to cover it.

Parity - everyone I know who works through them has found them efficient however they need papaer invoices which can be a pain and payment was monthly only. I almost went to them when Futuro folded but their credit rating was far from fantastic as their recently published accounts were awful.

Certes - Mr Windy Anna worked through them a few years ago - weekly payment with no problems but contract was caught by IR35.

Windy