Sourcing A Professional Umbrella Company Described In Simple Terms

Before one goes about sourcing a professional umbrella company, (or IR35 company, or an Employment Management company as it is officially called), one needs to have the concept of exactly what an umbrella company is, fixed firmly in their minds.

Basically – umbrella companies give contractors, freelancers, locums, interims and all types of temporary workers, the majority of the benefits of being a limited company devoid of all the responsibilities, hassle and cost of the financial management. It also means contractors can be legally tax-efficient and not be troubled with all the problems involved with the dreaded IR35 rules.

With that said, one then needs to ascertain what level of service ones wants from their chosen Umbrella Company. However what ever you need from your professional umbrella company one should always ensure that; they have a thorough knowledge of all the legislation that will affect you (conduct of employment agencies act; employment legislation; health and safety at work; agency workers regulations, tax regulations; national minimum wage; law of contract; working time directive and more). They should also have account managers that can speak to you with confidence, clarity and without having to use jargon.

Start sourcing the umbrella company by asking friends, partners and business associates if they have had any dealings with employment management companies and if any of them have any recommendations (or indeed, if they have any warnings about especially bad companies that they have come across). Personal recommendations are often the best way to go about sourcing anything. Secondly; use the Internet. You can do a lot of research in a short time on the web. Type in your search; narrow it down to companies that are physically close to you (always better to be able to actually see someone as opposed to dealing only over the telephone). And then check out any reviews that you can locate about them on the net.

Finally see them personally before making your decision. You will be working very closely with these people so you should get on with them.