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Although permanent work has the security of a regular income and employment benefits, contracting is where the real money lies. Mitch Dubbick tells us about his decision to leave behind the familiar world of permanent work and make the jump into the world of contracting...

“I had always been in permanent employment. A few of my old colleagues left permie work to go into contracting and tried to convince me to do the same. They told me about the better rates, more flexibility and, if I got a really good contract then I could take time off in between if I wanted to as well. Another benefit was that I could broaden my experience too. If I wanted to go back to permie work I’d have more skills to take with me and, if I stayed contracting I could command better rates. I kept thinking about it and finally took the plunge. I then looked into limited and umbrella companies, and was not really sure which way to go.

Then I came across Contractor Umbrella and I found their website very informative. I read over their various pages of helpful information and called one of their even more helpful consultants. They cleared up my concerns and advised me honestly about limited companies, umbrella companies and the differences I would find from being permie. They had an impressive customer charter, and fixed fees which was appealing.  I did speak to accountants as well about setting up a limited company but after all my research I chose the Umbrella route. Basically, this decision was just for the first 6 months so that I could keep everything nice and simple. This way, I could get a feel for contracting before having the tie-ins’ of a limited company.

My first 6 months came and went and after such a surprisingly easy, hassle free, and smooth 6 months I didn’t want to leave CU. My Account manager is faultless, and always ready to help as much as possible. It is reassuring to have the guidance there if I need it. They constantly ensure I am compliant with my expenses, which was one of my concerns if I ran my own company. I have heard stories about random investigations, and extra tax bills as a result, and I really did not want to have that worry over my head. I now earn more than I did being a permie, I have more flexibility over what work I do and what I don’t do. My work experience has increased a lot and I have found, as a result, other areas I want to work in that I did not know about before. I had one particularly good 5 month contract and, as my friend had told me, I was in such a good financial position that I did not need to rush and get my next contract. This meant I could take some time out. I used this time wisely to spend with my family, treat the kids, and take a nice long holiday. I can earn in 6 months what I earnt as a permie in a year!!

I am not sure if I will ever switch over to a limited company now. I am very happy under the umbrella; I have become too accustomed to simply raising a timesheet once a week, getting paid on a regular basis, and having someone checking over everything for me. I suppose I just like the easy life and I really don’t want the responsibility of running a company at the moment, with two young children I really don’t have the time to be honest.

If you have any questions about contracting or would like any further advice please call us on 01206 591 000 or e-mail jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.

Why Choose Contractor Umbrella?

Contractor Umbrella is the hassle-free, straight talking umbrella company that provides umbrella employment for UK based contractors and freelancers. Independently voted as the best umbrella company by the readers of Contractor UK.

As one of the most trusted umbrella companies in the UK, we guarantee our employees peace of mind, absolute compliance and complete security. We are one of the longest standing and most respected umbrella companies in the UK.

If you’d like to find out more, call us on 01206 591 000 or request a call back by completing our online form.

Benefits of working through Contractor Umbrella;

  • Fast and easy registration –  be ready to work in 24 hours, simply register online and we’ll take care of the rest.
  • Calculate your take home pay – use our online calculator to find out how much you could be taking home through Contractor Umbrella.
  • Same day payments – We offer same day payments as standard providing funds are received into our account by 9am, for no additional fee.
  • Our Service Guarantee – is our guarantee that you will be looked after at every step of the way.
  • Flexible Limited Company accountancy – when you sign up to our sister company Dolan Accountancy, you can transfer to Contractor Umbrella when umbrella employment better suits or your assignment sits inside IR35.
  • Employee Benefits at Contractor Umbrella there are many benefits available to you as our employee including Childcare Vouchers, our Employee Rewards Scheme, Group Pension Scheme, Foreign Currency Exchange, Contractor Accommodation, Contractor Mortgages and much more.
  • Expert Contractor Support Team – Every employee of Contractor Umbrella has access to our expert Contractor Support Team who are available to deal with any queries that you may have. You can get in touch with the Contractor Support Team, through the online chat, by email or by telephone.
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