^ TopMaking the Decision
Contracting in the UK
Guide to entering the UK contract market.
Contractor doctor: am I good enough for contracting?
Contractor Doctor answers a question from a permanent employee as to whether they are good enough to go contracting.
Contractor doctor: do I need to be an expert to go contracting?
What level of skills do you need to go contracting?
Contractor doctor: how does contract work compare with permanent work?
Do contractors get stuck with the unattractive work?
Advantages and disadvantages of contracting
More money, less politics, but what are the downsides?
Myths on the disadvantages of contracting
We debunk the myths that often put people off the contracting market.
What to expect when going from permanent to contracting
Answers some common questions from permanent employees about what to expect when going contracting.
Common reasons why permanent employees go contracting
Thinking of going contracting? This article discusses the popular reasons why permanent employees enter the contract market.
Why firms hire contractors
Reasons why firms decide to hire a contractor.
Contracting – taking holidays and time off
Aspects to consider regarding holidays and time off when contracting.
Why contractors make more money than employees
Employees make less money than contractors. It’s that simple. Taxes and the inability to deduct expenses take a terrible toll on what employees earn. Contractors don’t have these burdens.
^ TopPreparation
Starting contracting - steps to become a contractor
Describes the steps you need to take to become a contractor.
10 tips for first time contractors
Tips and advice for permanent employees considering contracting in the UK.
The contracting seasons
Like the best farmers, the best contractors know when to sow and when to reap, and when to stay indoors.
Contractor doctor: how can I avoid a gap when going from permie to contracting?
Advises a reader how to make a smooth transition from permie to contracting without a gap in working.
Contractor doctor: should I quit my job before applying for contracts?
A permanent employee asks whether they need to hand in their notice before applying for contract positions.
Dealing with notice periods before becoming a contractor
If you’re ready to take the first step to independence and a greater income — that is, to become a contractor, you will need to handle giving notice to your employer properly.
Determining the contract rate for your skills when entering the contract market
When contracting for the first time it is difficult to know what to charge for your skills. This article provides some guidelines.
Financial issues for first time contractors
Moving from permanent employment to a contracting career has immediate and long term financial issues to consider.
An introduction to effective CV writing for contractors
The impact your CV makes determines whether you get asked for an interview. This article introduces all the aspects of writing high impact targeted CVs.
^ TopFinding a contract
How to find a contract: guide for UK contractors
The contract search process explained. Advice and guidance on securing lucrative contracts.
Successful contracting – the importance of a professional sales approach
Advice and guidance on using a professional sales approach during your contracting career.
Should contractors use agents to find contracts?
Examines the financial issues and practicalities when deciding whether to use agents to find contracts or go it alone.
Financial considerations when deciding to take a contract
Financial considerations when deciding to accept a contract offer or wait for a higher paid contract?
Comparison of hourly and daily contract rates
Explains the difference between hourly and daily contract rates and the relative advantages and disadvantages.
Contractor doctor: can I legally go from permanent to contracting at the same company?
Answers the question from a permanent employee on whether they are legally allowed to immediately contract with the same company after leaving.
^ TopNegotiation
Dealing with agents and building relationships
Understanding how to deal with agents will maximise your contracting career.
Negotiating your initial rate – tips for contractors
Tips on how to maximise your rate when securing an initial contract.
Negotiation scenarios and advice: what is your lowest rate?
Responding to an agent when they ask what you lowest rate is.
Why agents don’t want to pay contractors market rate
Reasons why your agent would rather lower your rate than increase it.
Are contractors being exploited by agents
Some contractors think that agents continually exploit them whilst knowing nothing about the industry. We explain why this is not the case.
^ TopIR35 Issues
What is IR35?
Explains what IR35 is and how it affects contractors.
Negotiating your contract for IR35 compliance
If you have been offered a contract which is caught by IR35, or are in a contract that is caught by IR35 you’ll need to consider negotiating changes to get it outside IR35. This article explains how.
^ TopSetting up your finances
Why contractors cannot trade as sole traders
First time contractors often question why they cannot simply trade as a sole trader, rather than setting up a limited company or using an umbrella. This article explains why.
Contractor doctor: what's the difference between temping and contracting?
There is a clear difference between contractors, temps, and agency workers.
Limited company or umbrella – deciding on a payment structure
First time contractors have two options for setting up a payment structure: Limited company, or umbrella company. This article discusses the differences between the two and gives practical advice on which option to choose.
Contractors must choose advisors carefully
Under the legislation that regulates managed service companies, working with advisors can be touchy.
Contractor doctor: do I need a ltd company or umbrella before looking for a contract?
When should first time contractors get their payment structures set up?
Timesheets, invoices and payments
When you are contracting you need to complete timesheets and raise invoices. This article explains the process.
Contractor start up expenses that can be claimed
All the expenses you can incur on start up and what can be claimed.
Valid expenses as a contractor - what you can claim
We describe in detail what expenses are allowed to be claimed when you are contracting.
Ensuring you get paid when contracting
This articles discusses how to mitigate the risk of non payment when contracting.
Contractor doctor: how much income should I save for holidays and sickness?
Advises a first time contractor how to account for holidays and sick days.
Mortgages for contractors: you can get one
Getting a mortgage when contracting does not have to be painful.
Why you need insurance
Explains the legal requirements and the products you need.
Insurance products
Overview of insurances products. On line quotes and purchase.
^ TopReal life experiences
Moving from permanent to contracting - case study 1
A first time contractor shares their experience of how they made the leap from permanent employment to contracting.
Moving from permanent to contracting - case study 2
A first timer contractor tells their story of how they made the leap from permanent employment to contracting.
Moving from permanent to contracting - case study 3
A first time contractor explains their reasons for quitting permanent work to go contracting and describes the issues and hurdles overcome on the way to their first contract.
Moving from permanent to contracting - case study 4
We interview a first time contractor in Project Management who shares his experience of moving into contracting for the first time.
From permie to contractor to small business owner
Kylie Sullivan is a contractor who has built a small business with more than 60 clients.