When you decide to embark on a life of contracting, you immediately benefit from having the freedom to choose when and where you work. You can also pick and choose projects, clients and your schedule. But, it also means you have to make decisions about tax, payroll and compliance, especially when it comes to IR35. This is why a lot of contractors use an umbrella company, rather than staying as a sole trader or freelancer, or setting up a limited company. But, to truly benefit

If you’re looking into new ways to approach contracting, you’ve probably come across umbrella companies. There are a fair few umbrella companies around, all of which offer a similar service to contractors and help to simplify the admin side of running a business. At Umbrella Search , we know that using an umbrella company can be daunting, especially if you haven't used one before. But, with our guidance below, you’ll be fully informed. Why Use an Umbrella Company? There are a

If you are looking into new ways to approach contracting, you’ve probably come across umbrella companies. There are a fair few umbrella companies around, all of which offer a similar service to contractors and help to simplify the admin side of running a business. At Umbrella Search , we know that using an umbrella company can be daunting, especially if you haven't used one before. But, with our guidance below, you’ll be fully informed. Why Use an Umbrella Company? There are

As a contractor in the UK, there’s a few different ways you can approach business. You could decide to operate as a sole trader or freelancer, or you might opt to set up a limited company. These are both good options, but there’s one route that stands out - working with an umbrella company. At Umbrella Search , we know that joining an umbrella company appeals to a lot of contractors, and we’re here to guide you through the process.  What is an Umbrella Company? Whether you’re

Working out which business costs you can legitimately reclaim is a quick way to protect your take-home pay — but the rules shift...

Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for tech companies and big data scientists — it’s fast becoming a valuable asset for independent...

With an ever-changing landscape, contractors must think carefully about the best way to operate. Typically, contractors can set up a...

Umbrella companies have become an essential part of the UK contracting landscape, yet they’re often misunderstood and, in some circles,...

Understanding how umbrella companies work—and the jargon that comes with them—can be tricky, especially with the UK’s constantly changing...

The 2025 Spring Budget was announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the end of March, promising economic stability, growth and financial...

For many UK contractors, umbrella companies offer an alternative to setting up a limited company. They provide administrative...

For thousands of contractors across the UK, an umbrella company offers a stress-free way of contracting. However, taking the leap to an...

Choosing the right umbrella company is an important decision that every contractor needs to make. There are plenty of umbrella companies...

As we enter 2025, what better time for contractors to plan for the year ahead? Many contractors will be looking forward and reviewing how...

A significant decision every contractor must make is whether to operate through an umbrella company or a limited company. Both options...

A new year is a great time for contractors to take stock of their achievements from the previous year and plan for the year ahead....

It’s typical for contractors to have busy and often unpredictable workloads. Working on different contracts throughout the year, bringing...

Contractors that operate through a limited company or on a self-employed basis, unfortunately, don’t benefit from receiving holiday...

For the typical contractor, striking a good work-life balance can be tricky. After all, not only do you have to manage the contract at...

One of the most significant decisions contractors face in their careers is whether to work independently as self-employed individuals or...