Reply to: Choosing an Umbrella - new to contracting

[Maloty]

Hi Ferret,

Thank you. I actually browsed through the threads before posting. There have been mixed reviews about Parasol. Contractor Umbrella has more positive reviews i guess. Orange Genie has some. There are few more. There is a list of umbrellas with more negative reviews and I am totally avoiding it.

What I am looking for is the recommendations or advice based on the recent services by the umbrella companies (for eg there was a post about some particular Parasol service which had negative vibes).

I'll continue browsing related forums here but I would appreciate if someone gives any recommendation/advice about the umbrella company they are currently using.

cheers.

If your still looking mate for actual testimonials from workers using brollies visit <snip> they helped me decide and my supplier is pretty dam good.

[TykeMerc]

Anybody ever used Giant. I had it suggested for a short term contract.

I have, I was not at all happy with their service and wouldn't recommend them.

[kaiser78]

Hi there,

i am new to contracting and am looking for an Umbrella solution. I have come across Parasol (PCG offers their umbrella service in association with Parasol), PayScheme+, Carrington Umbrella to name a few.

Do you have any recommendation or advice?

Golden rule is if you are willing to undertake the admin that goes with running a Ltd company (which isn't a major overhead at all), then go with the Ltd company than Umbrella set up. Much more tax efficient if done properly.

[Opportunity Knox]

Anybody ever used Giant. I had it suggested for a short term contract.

[Byte]

I'm with Contractor Umbrella and what really swings it for me is the excellent service, and they pay regular as clockwork.

The only downside is that you have to pay for your own professional insurances which makes it more expensive over the course of a year than others such as Parasol.

Thanks for the details.

[Board Game Geek]

I'd avoid Parasol. Had some issues with they way they unilaterally introduced a clause in to a contract, which required legal counsel to rip it to pieces.

[Svalbaard]

I'm with Contractor Umbrella and what really swings it for me is the excellent service, and they pay regular as clockwork.

The only downside is that you have to pay for your own professional insurances which makes it more expensive over the course of a year than others such as Parasol.

[ANSOF]

I am currently using Danbro, had no problems so far. Very helpful staf

[DiscoStu]

I used Contractor Umbrella before I went limited and their service is top-notch.

[Byte]

Thank you everyone.
So far the positive reviews are for
1. Parasol
2. Orange Genie

Has any one worked with Contractor Umbrell, Payscheme +, or Carrington?

[sal626]

360 group aint bad.

http://www.360-group.com/

Used them last year for a few months. They pay promptly..used to invoice on a friday and funds would be in my account by following thursday or friday at the latest.

[TykeMerc]

I've found Orange Genie to be perfectly acceptable in the past.

Giant on the other hand did not provide a satisfactory service.

[northernladuk]

Parasol worked for me. Bit of a hiccup here and there, sometimes me, sometimes them but sorted in a phone call no problems.

[spig]

They pay on time. Its all i really ask from an umbrella. Timesheets and expense procedure is simple too.

Yes it is simple and they do pay promptly. Also the new website they rolled out a few months ago is much better than the old one, very simple to see when you've submitted timesheets and exes for.

They're also pretty big company, which makes me think they're less likely to go bust in the current climate.

Sometimes I've had to wait a while for an email response and the support phone number is 0845 which I don't like. I was told when signing up I could use a normal number, which isn't true, it's only for new buisness/sales.

I also don't think the payslips are as clear as they could be.

Just started a limited company an hour ago with NW so will be leaving Parasol very shortly.

[Torran]

I've used Parasol without problems. I wouldn't rave about them either, but I find thier service to be acceptable.

They pay on time. Its all i really ask from an umbrella. Timesheets and expense procedure is simple too.