Thinking of moving back to contracting in the City/London after 15 year overseas

[pixel8]

Hi, I used to be a contractor in the UK for about 10 years, before heading overseas. I'm now contemplating returning to the UK for contract work. Can anyone tell me what kinds of hurdles I'd have to navigate if were to apply for contract roles in London? I assume I'd have to be onsite for most of the week, and also do the usual set-up Ltd and get an accountant & lawyer like I used to have.

[Paralytic]

Hi, I used to be a contractor in the UK for about 10 years, before heading overseas. I'm now contemplating returning to the UK for contract work. Can anyone tell me what kinds of hurdles I'd have to navigate if were to apply for contract roles in London? I assume I'd have to be onsite for most of the week, and also do the usual set-up Ltd and get an accountant & lawyer like I used to have.

No different to applying to roles elsewhere in the UK, but typically more expensive cost of living. You may get a higher rate, but with the state of the market (see thread of same name) that cannot be guaranteed. How far are you willing to commute for those days in the office?

[northernladuk]

Hi, I used to be a contractor in the UK for about 10 years, before heading overseas. I'm now contemplating returning to the UK for contract work. Can anyone tell me what kinds of hurdles I'd have to navigate if were to apply for contract roles in London? I assume I'd have to be onsite for most of the week, and also do the usual set-up Ltd and get an accountant & lawyer like I used to have.

Hurdles you have to navigate are that you need to do a bit of your own research. Plenty of up to date guides around about how to be a new contractor. Guides to the right are a little outdated but fundamentally correct. Loads of information/guides/articles out there on what's happened in the last few years, new requirements, process to set up company and how to operate.

That basic research would find a lot of information about the new world of IR35 as well so you need to read up on that. You also need to investigate the market before you jump which would potentially blow your site assumption out the water as well.

So instead of asking us you need to go away and look in to how you are going to conduct your business with your clients. It's all out there so start reading.

[ladymuck]

I thought most banks only allowed umbrella / agency PAYE these days? Would have to be a rather niche role to get a gig where you can use your own Ltd Co

[SueEllen]

Unless you have to return to the UK for personal reasons e.g. parents getting older and ill, I wouldn't bother coming back.

We have high rents, high mortgage costs, high energy costs and high food costs that are still increasing.

[pixel8]

Hurdles you have to navigate are that you need to do a bit of your own research. Plenty of up to date guides around about how to be a new contractor. Guides to the right are a little outdated but fundamentally correct. Loads of information/guides/articles out there on what's happened in the last few years, new requirements, process to set up company and how to operate.

That basic research would find a lot of information about the new world of IR35 as well so you need to read up on that. You also need to investigate the market before you jump which would potentially blow your site assumption out the water as well.

So instead of asking us you need to go away and look in to how you are going to conduct your business with your clients. It's all out there so start reading.

Cheers - it's good to know that there are uptodate guides here

[pixel8]

We have high rents, high mortgage costs, high energy costs and high food costs that are still increasing.

Yup, this is NZ too - No different - except rents and housing are slightly cheaper AND better built here. But also you hit the nail on the head - re older parents

[pixel8]

No different to applying to roles elsewhere in the UK, but typically more expensive cost of living. You may get a higher rate, but with the state of the market (see thread of same name) that cannot be guaranteed. How far are you willing to commute for those days in the office?

That's indeed the question. I commute for 1 hour in a car at the moment and used to do the 1.5-2 hours and out of London in the past. Thank you for your advice.

[dsc]

Reading this:

https://forums.contractoruk.com/busi...arket-834.html

doesn't necessarily result in to much optimism re market situation. Unless your skills are crazy niche and something required in the current climate (or you have old clients which can offer you work), then I'd venture a guess and say no it's probably not a good idea to move back. Also bare in mind that a large majority of contracts now are inside, you get less money, no expenses etc.

[northernladuk]

That's indeed the question. I commute for 1 hour in a car at the moment and used to do the 1.5-2 hours and out of London in the past. Thank you for your advice.

,
Not sure if you've been back to the UK in those 10 years but 1.5 to 2 hours doesn't get you as far as it used to.