How to generate leads as a contractor
The vast majority of contractor’s secure work through a recruitment agency as it takes the hassle out of job searching and recruiters have access to more job opportunities. Yet, by marketing your contracting business it’s possible for clients to approach [...]
5 ways to increase your take-home pay
One reason why people choose to become contractors is that they can have the ability to earn more than they did as an employee. This is because they can charge higher rates and if they think about how they [...]
CV advice you really need as a contractor
According to Forbes, the average number of people who apply for a job is 118! Incredible isn’t it? While this figure may not be a true representation of every sector or specialism, it does show that competition for roles can [...]
Things to consider when making children shareholders
If you run a limited company and have children, you can give them a stake in the business and provide them with the opportunity to benefit from any profit the business makes by making them shareholders. If your children [...]
Can I reclaim expenses from before I formed my limited company?
If you spent money on setting up your business before you incorporated it, you may be able to claim for some or all of these pre-trading expenses, as long as they are legitimate business expenses. This article looks at [...]
Overseas contracting: top things to remember when contracting abroad
If you’ve had enough of the British weather and pine for warmer weather, or, if you’re keen to try out working in a different country, then contracting overseas could be a great option. Plus, it’s never been easier to work [...]
Is my private limited company IR35 compliant?
Working as a contractor is an exciting career path, but it also involves understanding a plethora of tax regulations. One of the most complex areas of tax for contractors is the Intermediaries Legislation, otherwise known as IR35. Significant changes have [...]
What does a limited company accountant cost?
Being a director of a limited company, comes with additional responsibilities, like filing paperwork and accounts with Companies House and HMRC by specific dates. Failure to do so can lead to you to being penalised. Finding the time to [...]
Do I need an accountant as a contractor working through my limited company?
As an independent contractor working through your own limited company, your days are mostly spent working on your client’s projects. The last thing you want to do after a busy day is to sit down and look over your accounts [...]
5 reasons to love being an IT contractor
Being a permanent employee means a stable income, a sturdy career path and job security. Right? Well not always. The uncertain economic environment means companies are less keen on hiring permanent IT staff. Instead, they favour the flexibility that hiring [...]
Best pension plans for contractors
The flexibility of being your own boss comes with a lot of benefits, but there are also some downsides to consider as well. One of which is, you do not receive a company pension. As specialist contractor accountants, we strongly [...]
The 10 best paying jobs for contractors
We’ve always believed that working as a contractor is one of the best ways to work. As well as the freedom of choosing when you work, you also have control over who you work for. A report by Bullhorn backs [...]
How to write the perfect invoice
If you decide to work as an independent contractor, one of the tasks you will need to familiarise yourself with is the preparation and issuing of invoices for the services you have provided. Ensuring the invoice contains all the necessary [...]
Bookkeeping tips for contractors
Bookkeeping is the cornerstone of accounting. Get it wrong and not only could you be in trouble with HMRC, but you could misjudge the financial position of your limited company. In this article, we discuss the integral role that bookkeeping [...]
Buying a company car as a contractor
The majority of contractors use their personal car to travel to and from their clients' offices. Those who do will use HMRC’s Mileage Approved Rates (MAPs) to claim for the cost of these journeys. However, they also have the option [...]
What to consider when choosing a business bank account
When forming a limited company, we strongly advise you to open a bank account that will be solely used for the business. Whilst, this isn’t a legal requirement, it will make managing the company’s money that much easier. It is [...]
The difference between an Umbrella and a Limited Company
If you are thinking of becoming a contractor but are unsure how to go about it, this article discusses the different ways to operate and gives pointers to help you decide which route is best suited to you. What are [...]
Understanding your contract – what to look out for
So, you’ve decided that you want to become a contractor. Your next step will be to decide how you are going to operate as a contractor. Two of the options available is through a limited company or via an umbrella [...]
The importance of a work life balance for contractors
The reason why some choose to become a self-employed contractor is that they want to achieve a better work-life balance. They are tired of being told when and where they must work. The idea behind becoming a contractor is that [...]
Is there a perfect time to become an IT contractor?
There are several reasons why you may choose to work as an IT contractor. It could be that you need greater flexibility and your current role can’t offer this, or it could be that you’ve taken a career break and [...]