First Timer Guides
There is a lot to consider when making the leap into contracting. How do you find contract jobs? How much can you earn? How do you write your CV? What's IR35? Do you use an umbrella company or start your own limited company? Do you need an accountant? Our first timer guides and resources will help you make sure you know everything you need to in order to get started.
Is IT contracting the life for me? An overview
In this guide we explore the advantages and disadvantages of contracting and give 10 qualities that make a successful contractor.
5 signs you are ready to become a contractor
Wading out into freelance waters is much more reassuring when you can see the following five over your shoulder.
Life as a contractor: the good, the bad and the ugly
Succeeding at contracting is far easier if you understand its risks and rewards.
What's the difference between a contractor and a freelancer?
While these are not legally distinct roles there are some fundamental differences.
Can graduates become contractors?
An increasing number of graduates are choosing the contracting lifestyle over traditional grad jobs in the UK.
Quick start guide to limited company contracting: seven steps
From business planning to sorting your accounts, starting out as a contractor can feel like a lot. Here's how new contractors can forget the faff and hit the ground running.
A first-time contactor's guide to setting up compliantly to start UK contracting
Overview to what's needed to begin contracting, ranging from mindset and motivation, to understanding 'Ltd' and 'PSL.'
Top 10 tips for new contractors
How to succeed as a first-time contractor with technology skills.
Is it better to be a contractor or an employee? The pros, cons, and finances
Taxing and non-taxing ways to address the elephant in the room, which has been led out by the imminent IR35 changes.
From perm to contract: making the jump to contracting
Resisting the urge to rush is key to getting right what's a daunting but lucrative decision.
Do I quit before or after I land my first contract?
Contracting expert helps a time-poor permie get his ducks in a row.
Setting up your contractor company - Limited, Umbrella or PAYE?
An overview of the different options available to you and advice on the best way forward.
Limited or umbrella? Making the right choice
An umbrella company and a limited company each represent two of the most common business structures that contractors use. But, which one is the best option for you?
Advantages and disadvantages of a limited company
It's important to consider both the benefits and the downsides when choosing your business structure.
Should I go 'Ltd' or umbrella in 2019?
IR35 is now even managing to complicate New Year's resolutions.
Has sole trading got the edge on 'Ltd' contracting?
Adviser attests to the 'pros' of being self-employed, but finds it has more 'cons' than a PSC.
Umbrella companies for nurses, teachers, and doctors
Why public sector workers are choosing to work through brollies.
Umbrella company timesheet: overview for contractors
Tips, tricks and heads-ups to ensure it won't be your timesheets that slip you up.
Researching your market
How to ascertain demand for your skills and sell your strengths.
How to find IT contract work - online searching
There are several key ways to find your first contract role. This section helps you on your way if you're new to IT contracting.
How to find IT contract work - networking and offline searching
"It's not what you know, it's who you know" and other ways to keep off the bench.
IT contractor guide: how to write a good CV
Your prospective hirer will very likely be bombarded with CVs for any given vacancy. We tell you how to make the best of your CV.
Why companies employ IT contractors – A contractor's view
The advantages and disadvantages of hiring contractors from a client's perspective.
Your first contract
Once you have secured your first contract role, agreed a rate and a start date, a contract needs to be signed...
I've got my first contract, now what about IR35?
Congratulations! You've done the hard bit. We now need to consider IR35. Click here for our guide, together with details of how to get your contract expertly reviewed.
Diary of a first-time IT contractor – Lessons learnt
Owen spots the permies, discovers where not to log the vitals, and knuckles down to embrace IT contracting.
Diary of a first time IT contractor - The first day
Owen settles in with a change of PM, a lack of interest from his colleagues but a gut feeling he's made the right decision.
Negotiating a rate rise: five fundamentals
First-timers can't afford to flinch when a potential premium is on offer.
Six questions that stop your invoice getting paid
What agents, clients and HR will bug you about where your invoice leaves room for doubt.
Do I need an accountant?
If you have decided to trade through your own Limited Company then you really ought to have an accountant to help you with the various forms, obligations, taxes etc.
Choosing a Limited Company Accountant
Everything you need to know about finding the right accountant for your limited company.
Financial Matters - No nonsense summary!
To put it simply... If you are working through a limited company, you will pay yourself a monthly salary (many take a small salary). Those caught by IR35 will pay themselves a 'deemed salary'.
A new contractor's guide to self-assessment
Five steps to help keep the taxman off your back when filing your first tax return.
What tax changes will affect the take-home pay of new contractors?
Don't act in haste but do get clued up, whether the measures are personal or business.
Can I still get a mortgage as a contractor?
The answer is yes, and sometimes with deals better than you could get as a permanent employee! Click here to find out more.
Contractor Accountants in Manchester
Contractor accountants in Manchester can help manage the administration required to run a limited company.
Contractor Accountants in London
Contractor accountants in London can help manage the large amounts of administration required to run a limited company.
Financial matters - IT contractor insurance
There are various insurances that you might need, but Professional Indemnity is the must have for most contractors these days.
IR35: the end of a dream - A contractor's view
2001 saw with the introduction of the now famous IR35, more politely called the "Intermediaries legislation."
S660 'income splitting' and Managed Service Company legislation – What's it all about?
A brief overview of how these laws affect you as a contractor.
Final considerations
So, you've found your job, beaten IR35, got yourself an accountant and started trading. What else is there? Well, what about training to keep your skills up to date, what happens if you get sick etc. Click here for ways to mitigate these challenges.
Supply teaching using a limited company
Advice on how to work through a limited company in the education sector.
Coming to the UK for Contract Work – a UK Expat Contractor's Guide
If you want to work as a UK expat contractor, there are a few things you need to know.