ITECS : bad or good? your feedback please ASAP

[newbieFreelance]

I have been contacted for a 6-month mission as freelance in Brussels by a recruitment agency.. and they want me to sign a contract with ITECS..

I read some of the posts on this forum and it seems that ITECS used to be good but since a recent takeover by another company, its level or service has deteriorated and people get paid late etc.. and that's too much to worry about especially that I'm starting my first contract as freelance..

Your advice is very valuable to me, please share your experiences with me..

Thank you in advance

[mikeyboy]

Can't comment on the situation with ITECS at the present time. When I looked at them 7 months ago they didn't fill me with confidence.
I am using Pearl Systems and in 7 months I haven't had a problem with them. In-fact, I have been a troublesome customer as my Agent went bust and caused Pearl a lot of extra paperwork. Their service has been fast, courteous and professional at all times. The chap to speak to there is Stephen Berry.

If it's definitely only a 6 month contract, you may be better using a UK Ltd or Umbrella. For anything up to 6 months, you can remain outside the Belgian tax regime with relative ease. (assuming you are currently UK Tax Resident).

[Advocate]

Well I got paid this week...

[Unicorn]

No problems

I've used Itecs for sometime now and had no problem. Payments processed on time, queries and emails dealt with quickly. Only delay was getting original documents signed from the office in Ireland for use in Belgium, probably not their problem but the post.

You should note that if you on a 6 month contact and you're currently a UK resident then their solution depends on you being non resident (this means you have to live and work outside the UK for a complete tax year - Apr 09 to Apr 10)