Newbie..seeking help

**cojak** · 31 March 2013, 08:19

Moved from the markets thread (off-topic).

You'll get more help here

**Sockpuppet** · 31 March 2013, 08:35

Originally posted by NorfolkandGood View Post

Hi Guys, just scrolled through this thread and wondered if i can pick the brains of any poss contacts with regards to intro to contracting world. Im currently working for large Insurer as Permie. 7 year itch is in effect especially as due to redundancy in last couple years i have taken on workload of 9!!. So obs quite stessed with that one, but have delivered and continue to do so, albeit for the pay of 1!. Im in MI , and mainly Business Objects, SSIS, Access and Excel to deliver. So really looking for MI / Reporting Analyst role. I have worked via contract before, but that was local NHS orgs for a couple of years and they just wanted VAT reg to pay me direct. Obs enjoyed freedom then and £300 day for Norwich back then was pretty good. Wished i'd stuck to it, but starting family , i though permie was the way forward.

Suppose advice would be how to go direct?? Looks like Pimps (as you call them should be avoided). Would you just write to some of the banks, insurance etc.. direct who advertise for Permies, hoping they don't fill and would go the contract route?? Greatly appreciate any help. Cheers

For first contract and agency will 90% be your best bet of a gig. If you've been around for a while or have contacts use them. You will need a Ltd co at least for them to touch your direct and Vat reg has its advantages.

**quackhandle** · 31 March 2013, 15:27

In ten years contracting, but I have only gone direct twice, so you may have to go the pimp/agency/client route first.

You say your doing the work of nine, you need to start standing up for yourself, maybe give them an ultimatum?

We'd all love to avoid using pimps but easier said than done, sometimes it is right place right time. Good contact/clients takes time to build up.

Do you have a linkedin profile? It may help. How serious are you? Umbrella, Ltd? IR35 is a nightmare for PS/NHS gigs now.

Good luck, though.

qh

**VectraMan** · 31 March 2013, 16:30

I've done a couple of short term gigs direct. The first time took a couple of reminders to get paid, the second took a solicitor's letter. And these were both clients I had a good previous relationship with. At best you'll be looking at 30 days payment terms, and some clients might push for longer. I had one client that sent me a letter saying all suppliers would now be on 120 day payment, without exception - whereas the agent was paying me 7 days after invoice.

So it's not all good. But generally the best way to go direct is to have a previous relationship with a client, which often means working for them once through an agent, then leaving for long enough for the restriction clause to expire, then going back.

If you think you're doing the work of 9, then clearly at least 8 of them were arsing around doing nothing useful.

**sunflower** · 31 March 2013, 16:40

Find some companies in the region specialising in your area and approach them direct. Worth a shot.
Network via any conferecnes if possible.

Watch out with agents. You might think the contract ads out there are for real gigs but a lot of them are fishing for cvs and references for business development. A lot of them waste your time. Get some tips on any decent agents in your field and test the water before you think about leaving your perm role.

I never had any problems with direct clients not paying me in the term but they were large companies with solid finances.

If you do get a gig via an agent, make sure you check the contract terms for IR35 (and get it reviewed by a professional, several tips on here as to companies who do this for you) as it can make a huge difference to your profits. Most agents have no clue what IR35 is or about direction and control clauses. They automatically think your contract is iR35 proof if it has a substitution clause.

Good luck

**NorfolkandGood** · 31 March 2013, 22:18

Great replies ...much appreciated

Cheers..for replies. I have now registered with all job sites and will look to go pimp route and tread carefully. Ill take my time and won't jump. In answer as to how serious i am? Tuesday 9am will be stick my name on Voluntary Redundancy list and fingers crossed? Ultimatum was mentioned...i have heard of Compromise Agreements in the past..so never know this may be a handshake option as well.

I know work of 9 sounds a bit ott, but honestly i have written it down in Black & White , how many of us there were and their areas of work and a lot of it has come my way now (and another lads). Yes, there prob was some of them bumming around, hence they have gone. Whats worse is that we now have offshore team to hand this work over to, and even 2 years down the line they can only grasp the basics.

I suppose other reason for wanting out , is been told job is at a dead end, no training , and no opps. Just feel trapped really. And to LinkedIn..ive jelled that up as well..im here:

paul barber | LinkedIn

Greatly appreciate what anyone thinks of effort?? Like Photos..ive read , Yes and read No! Although i dug out one from a few years back..its still me and recognisable

Cheers again....and happy bank hols!

**NorfolkandGood** · 31 March 2013, 22:39

oh forget...

10 years back i was set up as Sole Trader really. That was all NHS wanted as well as being VAT registered and then they would pay me direct. Never heard of IR35 back then?? Suppose i was more like a local business offering a service. Although with one NHS org ..it did last 18 months ...but i phased into part time and then went into training contract with Siemens, who also paid off direct off invoice. Had local reknowned accoutant at the time and they never mentioned IR35??

Guessing as bank ac still alive, i will change it to Ltd..if i get a gig

**ensignia** · 1 April 2013, 00:40

Cutting edge humour on display here. Fantastic stuff.

**SueEllen** · 1 April 2013, 08:23

Originally posted by ensignia View Post

Cutting edge humour on display here. Fantastic stuff.

I don't see anything funny.

Some direct clients pay on time others don't. The size of the company is irrelevant.

Newbie..seeking help