Brookson
As a person who has recently decided to enter into contracting world and joined Brookson, I can say for certain that there are much better options available.
I joined Brookson 3 months back. Joining process was hassle free, guys were very friendly, prompt response and everything looked fine. They set the company up for me very fast, opened a business account with HSBC and all went well. Soon after I received a letter from them saying that my contract is not IR35 compliant and needs to be ammended. Suggested the option of letting their solicitors DWF do that negotiation on my behalf for a fee. I told them to go ahead and discuss with my agent. It has been more than 2 months now, I havent heard anythiung from them. Everytime I contacted them I was told that they are working on it and would revert to me soon.
On top of all this, I have submitted 2 expenses so far and depending on who reviews the expenses I get different response. Some claims which were acceptable for the first month (like claiming travel expenses, house rent etc etc) were surprisingly not acceptable next month. When I asked the reason why they were acceptable for the first month I was told it was reviewd by someone else and was acceptable as per his/her judgment. The same claim cannot be accepted this month as the person reviewing it feels that this expense cannot be claimed. I have since spoken to couple of different advisors and each time I get a different reply as to what can be claimed and what not. That doesn't give me any confidence that I won;t be caught by the taxman at a later date.
They told me at the time of joining that I have been allocated a personal manager to get prompt response. I have tried a number of times talking to my personal manager but could never get through as he is either away, busy on another phone or in a meeting. Not to mention I was put on hold for a long period before any one answered.
To cut the long story short, I am seriously considering a change from Brookson to another professional accountant. Don't get fooled by the initial prompt response and friendliness. AND it is not just me there are another 5-6 colleagues of mine who are facing some or the other issue with Brookson.
Originally posted by Beagle
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I joined Brookson 3 months back. Joining process was hassle free, guys were very friendly, prompt response and everything looked fine. They set the company up for me very fast, opened a business account with HSBC and all went well. Soon after I received a letter from them saying that my contract is not IR35 compliant and needs to be ammended. Suggested the option of letting their solicitors DWF do that negotiation on my behalf for a fee. I told them to go ahead and discuss with my agent. It has been more than 2 months now, I havent heard anythiung from them. Everytime I contacted them I was told that they are working on it and would revert to me soon.
On top of all this, I have submitted 2 expenses so far and depending on who reviews the expenses I get different response. Some claims which were acceptable for the first month (like claiming travel expenses, house rent etc etc) were surprisingly not acceptable next month. When I asked the reason why they were acceptable for the first month I was told it was reviewd by someone else and was acceptable as per his/her judgment. The same claim cannot be accepted this month as the person reviewing it feels that this expense cannot be claimed. I have since spoken to couple of different advisors and each time I get a different reply as to what can be claimed and what not. That doesn't give me any confidence that I won;t be caught by the taxman at a later date.
They told me at the time of joining that I have been allocated a personal manager to get prompt response. I have tried a number of times talking to my personal manager but could never get through as he is either away, busy on another phone or in a meeting. Not to mention I was put on hold for a long period before any one answered.
To cut the long story short, I am seriously considering a change from Brookson to another professional accountant. Don't get fooled by the initial prompt response and friendliness. AND it is not just me there are another 5-6 colleagues of mine who are facing some or the other issue with Brookson.
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