PCG.org.uk - Worth the money?

[expat]

As for the website - yep, it's Tulips from Amsterdam time. But it is being redesigned so it actually tells you things!

Thanks for the concise list. Not easy to find out from the site, if not a member. It has been in redesign for several years, IIRC?

As you say, it is not only financial. I may have to join again.

[malvolio]

Well, TBH I let my membership lapse ultimately because I didn't see any services that I was getting, except for the jury service insurance. But if you have a use for the other stuff that they offer then YMMV.

I may of course have missed services that I was in fact getting, but it's not always easy to tell. For example, on the PCG website
One of the benefits listed is "PAYE Audit Cover". But the details say:

which leaves me wondering where it switched from PAYE (which applies to me) to IR35 (which does not).

The point is that the standard cover gives you professional representation inthe event of an IR35 investigation. PAYE cover gives you the smae thing for any investigation realted to PAYE. So bascially, you probably won't get as far as an IR35 trawl in the first place. Bit of a no brainer, if you ask me.

Other key PCGPlus bonuses are the Jury Service cover and the coverage agasint your agent going bust (not huge amounts, but a worthwhile buffer while you get things sorted out). On top of that the total package of discounts - which cover things like credit checking, finacnes, insurances, BUPA (genuine 25% discount for all members) and so on - can save your membership fee several times over (I got a quarter of mine back just in BUPA - but then I am very old and frail...).

But it's not ultiamtely a financial thing, is it? It's about boosting the voice the PCG has with HMG and the business world: we've got around 10% of the contractor community signed up right now, it would be nice to get 25%...

As for the website - yep, it's Tulips from Amsterdam time. But it is being redesigned so it actually tells you things!

[expat]

If you are contracting as a UK Ltd in the UK or under UK tax law then you should join and probably at the higher level at that.
It is not worth joining for anyone else as you pay the same but get none of the benefits (except advice and forums).

That's more or less my feeling, with the added note that if you're not bothered by IR35, a lot of the content becomes less relevant.

[The Lone Gunman]

If you are contracting as a UK Ltd in the UK or under UK tax law then you should join and probably at the higher level at that.
It is not worth joining for anyone else as you pay the same but get none of the benefits (except advice and forums).

[expat]

I held back from joining PCG as I wasn't quite convinced that it was right for me. I have now joined (today) based on this thread (and other threads that recently mentioned PCG).

I think it is about the right time to join and hope I won't be disappointed with their services.

Well, TBH I let my membership lapse ultimately because I didn't see any services that I was getting, except for the jury service insurance. But if you have a use for the other stuff that they offer then YMMV.

I may of course have missed services that I was in fact getting, but it's not always easy to tell. For example, on the PCG website

Find your ideal membership - click on the link that best describes you:

...
I run a limited company with a PAYE payroll
...

One of the benefits listed is "PAYE Audit Cover". But the details say:

PAYE Audit Cover is designed for any business that runs a payroll, including partnerships and sole traders that have employees. The scheme guarantees expert advice and support throughout the whole process of an IR35 investigation and uniquely includes expert professional support during the PAYE compliance visit itself.

which leaves me wondering where it switched from PAYE (which applies to me) to IR35 (which does not).

[pmeswani]

What they said.

Also invest in PCGPlus. Another £100, but a big step in both coverage (it's not limited to IR35 investigations for one thing) and free benefits (like Jury Service insurance and agency insolvency cover) that more than offset the 30 pints of Stella it will cost.

I held back from joining PCG as I wasn't quite convinced that it was right for me. I have now joined (today) based on this thread (and other threads that recently mentioned PCG).

I think it is about the right time to join and hope I won't be disappointed with their services.

[NotAllThere]

I let my membership lapse 5 years after emigrating. If I was ever to be resident in the Uk again, and contracting, I'd rejoin, no question.

[expat]

....
Thanks in advance for taking the time to share your experience . . .

The Great Gonzo (I know, a muppet).

I was a member. I let it lapse, by accident (actually I tried to renew but their website gave me tulip & failed to take my money). I couldn't be bothered to make further efforts, since I was by then working as an employee in another country. I might well join again, but it's 6 & half-a-dozen, for me.

1. My PI etc is cheaper from Caunce O'Hara (found on this 'ere website) than theirs.
2. I don't need IR35 insurance or assistance.
3. I did like the jury duty insurance, but although it's a nice frill, in value for money terms I'm not sure it compares well to self-insuring.
4. The forums are good, less chatty and more serious than here. Much like uk.consultants used to be on usenet, in fact it's probably the same people (except that usenet was free).
5. I might be interested in it for the Bupa discount that may or may not be offered and may or may not be better than the 10% that Bupa force on you anyway. It's always hard to tell what you get from PCG without joining first, all the info you want is members-only! In business this is usually a sign that it's not worth it, but in the PCG case I think it's just bad planning/poor self-publicity.

[ratewhore]

I've won a few grands worth of work from the forums and I've also taken advantage of a couple of member benefits which represent a reasonable saving over the year.

That's in addition to the cover they provide. It's a no-brainer...

[chef]

Yes, Yes, Yes and thrice.. errr.. well yes again.

I see it the same as asking "do i need any breakdown cover for my alpha romeo?"

[malvolio]

What they said.

Also invest in PCGPlus. Another £100, but a big step in both coverage (it's not limited to IR35 investigations for one thing) and free benefits (like Jury Service insurance and agency insolvency cover) that more than offset the 30 pints of Stella it will cost.

[Lockhouse]

However I'm interested in the acid test - has anyone actually used them in their hour of need, and if so, did they live up to the hype?

Yep - PCG membership paid for and won my IR35 case. Forums very good source of info.

[Gonzo]

The Great Gonzo (I know, a muppet).

Oi! Easy on the insults

I haven't used any of their benefits, I am with the PCG because contractors are facing a hostile government and need the representation.

[cojak]

Yes, yes.

I haven't used their services for HMRC purposes but I'm with them because I know that they'd be there if I needed them.

I do however use their discount for insurance. That alone cuts the £120pa down nicely. (And do not say 'do I need insurance?' - I for one will not be impressed...)

[The Great Gonzo]

A newbie writes again . . . .

OK, so I'm new. I realise that naivety is a crime but does anyone employ PCG's services - as a site it looks like it represents an organisation carrying some weight in the contractor community and seems to offer a lot of good and well documented advice for free (right price range then!)

For a £120 subscription (buttons to you seasoned boys with squilllions in the bank but a serious investment for me, starting out with not much in the bank and several hungry mouths and an even hungrier mortgage to feed), you seem to get a fair few benefits. However I'm interested in the acid test - has anyone actually used them in their hour of need, and if so, did they live up to the hype?

Thanks in advance for taking the time to share your experience . . .

The Great Gonzo (I know, a muppet).