As the sun sets on the General Election, and the UK prepares for a five-year term for a Conservative majority Government, many in the contracting community are returning to a familiar debate: are the powers that be ready to treat the issues faced by the surging numbers of freelancers and contractors with greater urgency?
Editor | 26 May 2015
/ / / / / /Editor | 26 May 2015
/ / / / / /2015 has seen some eye-catching headlines regarding the UK’s IT industry. Bold proclamations such as projections that London will trump Silicon Valley as the world’s tech capital within the next ten years, the growth of tech ‘clusters’ across Britain from Newcastle to Bristol, and the 65% jump in the number of new tech companies being registered in the UK.
Editor | 22 May 2015
The vital role of UK contractors across all areas of commerce and industry is a real hidden strength of Britain’s post-crash economy. In one sector, in particular, there is genuine reliance on talented freelancers and experience contracting professionals. Boasting over 160,000 self-employed workers, the UK’s construction industry draws in experienced contractors from a huge range of backgrounds and specialisms.
Editor | 8 May 2015
/ / / /As an employee of an umbrella company, YES, you can be entitled to Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) and Statutory Adoption Leave (SAL).
Editor | 1 May 2015
/ / / / / /Umbrella Accountants are pleased to announce they have now achieved the status of FreeAgent Premium Partner.
Having moved over from their existing software supplier in mid-2014 Umbrella Accountants have migrated over 1,000 clients onto the system and have a training program in place that means 100% of their accountancy staff are FreeAgent accredited.
Operations Director Neil Armitage said “I have passed the accreditation myself as FreeAgent is now at the core of our clients’ experience so we need to reflect that across the board. Using FreeAgent has meant that we can concentrate on providing first class accounting advice and tax planning while the clients have up to date information wherever they are. By signing up with FreeAgent we have 70 plus experts working on the accountancy software for our clients and updating constantly”
Kilian Fitzsimmons-Wilson from FreeAgent added “We’re delighted to welcome Umbrella Accountants as Premium Partners. Since they joined we have seen the numbers and usage rise considerably as the company grows and it’s pleasing to know FreeAgent has been a big part of that growth.”
Editor | 26 May 2015
/ / / / / /With the lofty aim of making Britain the best place in the world to start a business, the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act has received Royal Assent. Now enshrined in law, the Act promises, amongst other features, vastly improved access to finance for start-ups and SMEs.
Neil Armitage Operations Director, Umbrella Accountancy Services, commented “In doing so the Act seeks to scratch an itch that has irritated many of Britain’s budding entrepreneurs: the banking and finance industries have recovered their solidity without stretching their books sufficiently to support Start-Up UK.
Editor | 22 May 2015
/ / /The much-talked about skills shortage seen across sectors of UK Industry continues to trouble employers in a variety of work areas. Getting hold of the right staff, with the right skills, training and experience is proving a testing – and lasting – challenge to the HR functions of businesses throughout the UK.
Editor | 12 May 2015
/ / /David Cameron has appointed his new ministers following his Party’s majority election win.
Anna Soubry becomes the new Minister for Small Business and as such a member of the Cabinet.
This is good news for contractors working through their own limited company as they will now have a Cabinet member representing their interests.
Editor | 5 May 2015
/ /HMRC have issued the take-up rates for the Employment Allowance which would have saved qualifying businesses up to £2,000 in employers’ national insurance contributions during the tax year 2014/2015.
