Reply to: Which Umbrella

[rocktronAMP]

If the agency is only offering one umbrella, then who is the agency and what is their link to the umbrella?

i will never know. The architect enquiry came in on Wednesday. Today is Friday. The agent has not got back to me. Most likely I am not on the shortlist.

[Olly]

Paystream left me with £5k income tax bill.

What happened there then please? I'm thinking of going with them.

[WTFH]

Thanks WTFH but it may never get that far.

Agent called me yesterday and sent me a job spec about a senior architect contract Inside IR35 12 months and higher than norrmal daily rate. I raised the question of Lucy's Clarity umbrella as I sent down my CV. Agent came back with Advance.

If the agency is only offering one umbrella, then who is the agency and what is their link to the umbrella?

[rocktronAMP]

At the minute, I’d say AVOID.

They restructured over a year ago and their parent’s parent company (hey, how many layers do you need?) has an SIC code of dormant. The confirmation statement and first set of accounts are due next week, maybe they will be a bit more transparent then.

Stick with someone like Lucy at Clarity Umbrella.

Thanks WTFH but it may never get that far.

Agent called me yesterday and sent me a job spec about a senior architect contract Inside IR35 12 months and higher than norrmal daily rate. I raised the question of Lucy's Clarity umbrella as I sent down my CV. Agent came back with Advance.

[ContractorBanking]

I've stuck with PayStream, seemed to have the lowest margins and have used them before.

Yes, it was a short deadline but they should've sent me the list sooner, the paperwork had to be in for sign off etc

As I mentioned before, the end client approves all the Umbrella's - at least that is what the agency are saying and to change Umbrella requires end client to approve and sign off.

I'm with Paystream and never had an issue with them. Always pick up the phone quickly, follow up any let you know what's happening, really great service, better than I had expected.

It's my first umbrella assignment so can't comment on any previous brolly experience but I think Paystream are a safe bet.

[WTFH]

Has anyone got anything to say about Advance?

At the minute, I’d say AVOID.

They restructured over a year ago and their parent’s parent company (hey, how many layers do you need?) has an SIC code of dormant. The confirmation statement and first set of accounts are due next week, maybe they will be a bit more transparent then.

Stick with someone like Lucy at Clarity Umbrella.

[gazelle]

I've stuck with PayStream, seemed to have the lowest margins and have used them before.

Yes, it was a short deadline but they should've sent me the list sooner, the paperwork had to be in for sign off etc

As I mentioned before, the end client approves all the Umbrella's - at least that is what the agency are saying and to change Umbrella requires end client to approve and sign off.

[rocktronAMP]

Hi folks,

Just about to start new inside contract, have been given the following Umbrella choices:

• Brookson
• Amaze
• Danbro
• Datamatics
• Giant
• Parasol
• Paystream
• Sapphire
• Workwell Solutions

I've used paystream before, just wondered if people think any of the above are a better choice?
Needs to allow SIPP of your choice. Haven't been give much time to decide.
Will have a look around as well, but would welcome any views.

Thanks,

Has anyone got anything to say about Advance? https://Nope-no-link.co.uk

[eek]

Looks like the Lorien list. I'm with Paystream and have no complaints

Lorien can’t have datamatics on their list - that makes zero sense.

[Eirikur]

Looks like the Lorien list. I'm with Paystream and have no complaints

[PerfectStorm]

I was also offered a contract recently that listed data leak kings Parasol as a "trusted partner"... your own research would probably lead you away from them

[ladymuck]

Danbro are probably the least worst of that list.

Hopefully you did actually take the advice above and at least contact Clarity to ask if they can approach the agency.

Dunno when you actually received the list but 24 hours isn't really sufficient for you to do your own due diligence.

[Hairlocks]

Parasol and SJDaccountancy are sister companies and share the same IT.

[eek]

Parasol are very good, used them a few times. Oasis are also another I have used without issues. Would avoid Brookson, had no end of trouble with them.

Parasol were hacked last year and tried to keep it quiet - I wouldn't be rushing to use them.

[rascal]

Avoid Sapphire.

When I was "employed" by them, they changed the rules on how much I could contribute to a personal pension mid-contract and without notification. I had to pay hundreds of pounds of additional income tax and national insurance as a result.

They even admitted they were contradicting the information they had given me when I started with them.

And don't expect the FCSA to help you out either. They are just a fig leaf for this industry, and they were uncontactable via the details on their website.