Good agencies in Scotland?

[Pherlopolus]

I'd have to stay away for either london, manchester or the scottish cities.

I had a few contracts last time round that had me moving a round the country an awful lot, but they were great fun, I got paid travel time and all expenses were paid. I'd rather have that then stuck in one place mon-fri but the m-f ones seem to be better rates. but to choose between Scotland and London it would probably be tough.

[northernladuk]

I'd disagree with that.
Living more or less between Liverpool and Manchester (driving distance of both) I can't see a situation where I'll need to stay away from home mid week, unless of course I decide to have a bash at London...

I'd disagree as well. Although staying away does differentiate to a certain extent I don't think it's the main flag for what a proper contractor is.

[Snarf]

That's right, I'm referring to the ones that haven't experience true contracting, getting up at 04:00 on a Monday morning to drive 270+ miles to a client site, breakfast at McDonalds 1/3rd of the way down, sleep at service station carpark 2/3rds down and finally arriving at the office, living in a hotel midweek and then back again on a Friday night. Unless you've live away midweek you've never really contracted. I have friends at some of the banks and they've been sat in the same chair for 5 years. Tube in/ tube out every day, probably never been outside the M25.

I'd disagree with that.
Living more or less between Liverpool and Manchester (driving distance of both) I can't see a situation where I'll need to stay away from home mid week, unless of course I decide to have a bash at London...

[oliverson]

I think he means the droves that just want a single client and be there for ever more and don't have clue about legislation and the like around contracting.

That's right, I'm referring to the ones that haven't experience true contracting, getting up at 04:00 on a Monday morning to drive 270+ miles to a client site, breakfast at McDonalds 1/3rd of the way down, sleep at service station carpark 2/3rds down and finally arriving at the office, living in a hotel midweek and then back again on a Friday night. Unless you've live away midweek you've never really contracted. I have friends at some of the banks and they've been sat in the same chair for 5 years. Tube in/ tube out every day, probably never been outside the M25.

[northernladuk]

"disguised permies"? OK if the contractor has been at the same gaff for more than 2 years but otherwise a crock of tulip.

I think he means the droves that just want a single client and be there for ever more and don't have clue about legislation and the like around contracting.

[BolshieBastard]

"disguised permies"? OK if the contractor has been at the same gaff for more than 2 years but otherwise a crock of tulip.

[oliverson]

As my London contract comes to an end soon and I'm moving my base of operation over the border I'm interested in how to tackle finding a new contract.

What are the agencies that you recommend and are there any to avoid?

How bizarre? There seems to be a trend of London contractors considering Scotland. I'm one and a pal is another - established contractors in the London IB market, though both living equidistant to London and the Scotland market. In fact we have both interviewed today for roles in one of the two major Scottish cities. A few of the investment banks have set up shop there and are growing their presence. Rates are lower than London (unless you push and are in a strong position) and costs significantly less. Downsides are weather and affluence but you can't have it all. Combat that with fantastic scenery, cheap beer and relatively normal people. The thing I've always loved about contracting, and plenty of so called 'contractors' (i.e. disguised permies) don't get this. Contracting to me is about experiences and different chapters. I've seen a few over the 12 years and this may well be another one after a long time in the capital. Perhaps the last one for me as I approach 50. Who knows?

[Yampy]

I'm with Parity. So far I have found them to be excellent. Very easy to do time sheets and they pay weekly on the dot (provided the clientco authorise the time sheets on time)

[BolshieBastard]

Recruitment Zone have been good in the past although their rates dont seem to be 'market.'

[northernladuk]

Don't wanna be rude but you've got it all wrong. You go with whatever agency has the gig you want. If you have a choice due to a multiple PSL then happy days.

[gables]

As my London contract comes to an end soon and I'm moving my base of operation over the border I'm interested in how to tackle finding a new contract.

What are the agencies that you recommend and are there any to avoid?

I'm in Scotland, my current contract is with Hays, invoice weekly, paid weekly, so far so good.

[zazou]

As my London contract comes to an end soon and I'm moving my base of operation over the border I'm interested in how to tackle finding a new contract.

What are the agencies that you recommend and are there any to avoid?