Welcome to Umbrella Companies
Established in 2010, the umbrellacompanies.org.uk has built a reputation as one of the leading and most reliable resources dedicated to educating contractors, freelancers and the supply chain about umbrella companies.
There are over 500 umbrella companies in the UK. While most of these act ethically and will process your payroll compliantly, a small number are operating tax avoidance schemes. It’s imperative that you use a compliant umbrella company and pay the correct amount of tax and National Insurance, as HMRC are always on the lookout for unscrupulous providers and those who have engaged with them (even if it was an accident).
Our website has dozens of helpful guides covering plenty of important topics, including umbrella company payslips, the advantages and disadvantages of using an umbrella company, the dangers of using a tax avoidance scheme, how umbrella companies work, the pros of choosing an FCSA (Freelancer and Contractor Services Association) or Professional Passport accredited umbrella, how to register with an umbrella company, how umbrella company margins work, IR35, and more.
The latest umbrella company news
Our blog is updated regularly with helpful advice and the latest news affecting the sector. We aim to write several articles every week, and the latest content is available here (or scroll further down this page). If you have any suggestions for new content or you have questions you would like answering, please email our Content Team at info@umbrellacompanies.org.uk.
Umbrella company forum
The team has also recently added an umbrella company forum – a free space for contractors and freelancers to share experiences (positive and negative) about umbrella companies and to help fellow temporary workers make well-informed decisions about their payroll. Using our forum is entirely free of charge, and you can register in a matter of minutes.
Top 10 umbrella companies
If you are new to umbrella companies and are looking for a trustworthy provider, our top 10 umbrella companies list will be extremely helpful. All of our top 10 are accredited by the FCSA and Professional Passport, and some are running special promotions at the moment. Please click here to see our top 10 umbrella companies. Our top 10 is also very helpful if you are interested in switching umbrella companies, perhaps because your current provider is offering a poor or over-priced service.
Advertising with us
There are plenty of exciting advertising opportunities for FCSA and Professional Passport accredited umbrella companies. If you want to promote your umbrella company on umbrellacompanies.org.uk, please click here for more information or email info@umbrellacompanies.org.uk.
YouTube Channel
We have been busy creating a series of YouTube videos covering all things related to umbrella companies. To see our latest videos, please click here. All our videos are also available on this website (click here).
We hope you enjoy using our website and get the answers you need about umbrella companies. Please connect with us on Twitter, and be sure to join the conversation in our forum.
Thank you for visiting our website.
The umbrellacompanies.org.uk Team
Autumn Budget 2024: What were the Chancellors’ Key Announcements?
Today (30th October 2024), Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the new Labour government’s first Budget. Our latest article summarises the key announcements in the Autumn Budget 2024. Overview of the Autumn Budget 2024 The Chancellor announced that the Autumn Budget aims to fix the foundations of the economy and deliver change …
Autumn Budget 2024: What were the Chancellors’ Key Announcements? » Read the full story
Why do umbrella company illustrations differ between providers?
Before registering with an umbrella company, requesting a tailored take-home pay calculation to compare projected weekly or monthly earnings between different providers is a good idea. Our latest article explains why umbrella company illustrations differ between providers and what to look out for when comparing umbrella company calculations. Tax code …
Why do umbrella company illustrations differ between providers? » Read the full story
How to Create Memorable Brand Experiences That Drive Results
Creating a memorable brand experience is essential for companies that want to connect with their audience on a deeper level. It’s not just about presenting a product or service; it’s about leaving a lasting impression that resonates with consumers. By crafting thoughtful experiences, brands can foster loyalty, encourage word-of-mouth marketing, …
How to Create Memorable Brand Experiences That Drive Results » Read the full story
Contractor’s Edge: Making Your CV Stand Out in the Umbrella Company Sector
For contractors, especially those operating under umbrella companies, navigating a maze of unique challenges when vying for positions in the competitive job market is almost like navigating a maze of unique challenges. Crafting a standout CV is crucial to setting yourself apart from the crowd. Essentially, tailoring your CV becomes …
Contractor’s Edge: Making Your CV Stand Out in the Umbrella Company Sector » Read the full story
What is an umbrella company margin?
Contractors who have never used an umbrella company before or are used to operating via their limited company often ask, ” What is an umbrella company margin?”. Our latest article provides an overview of an umbrella company margin and how often it is deducted. What is an umbrella company margin? …
Umbrella company vs limited company
Contractors and freelancers in the UK are commonly faced with two options when choosing how to operate: umbrella company vs limited company. Our latest article provides an overview of an umbrella company and a limited company, plus the advantages and disadvantages of both options to help you determine which option …
How much money will I earn when I work via an umbrella company?
Receiving your first payment from an umbrella company can often be confusing, especially if you are new to contracting or have previously worked via a limited company. Before registering with an umbrella company, contractors usually ask: “How much money will I earn when I work via an umbrella company?”. Our …
How much money will I earn when I work via an umbrella company? » Read the full story
UK Supreme Court rejects PGMOL appeal over £584,000 tax bill
The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) challenging a £584,000 tax bill imposed by HMRC about the employment status of 60 referees. Although a final judgement has not been made, the Supreme Court has remitted the case to the First-tier tribunal to …
UK Supreme Court rejects PGMOL appeal over £584,000 tax bill » Read the full story
Do contractors using an umbrella company need to submit a self-assessment tax return?
If you are a contractor working via an umbrella company, you may wonder if you must submit a self-assessment tax return. Our latest article provides an overview of when contractors may be required to submit a tax return when using an umbrella company and examples of when they do not …
Umbrella company vs Agency PAYE: what is the difference?
When accepting a temporary assignment through a recruiting agency, contractors and freelancers in the UK are frequently given two payroll options: umbrella company vs agency PAYE. Continue reading to learn the difference between an umbrella company and agency PAYE. Umbrella company vs agency PAYE: what is the difference? The …
Umbrella company vs Agency PAYE: what is the difference? » Read the full story
HMRC press release: £900,000 penalty for promoter of tax avoidance scheme
HMRC has shared another press release with the umbrellacompanies.org.uk team about a recent case where a £900,000 penalty was imposed on a tax avoidance scheme promoter. Please keep reading for more information. ——– START OF PRESS RELEASE ——– A tax avoidance promoter whose schemes were used by locum …
HMRC press release: £900,000 penalty for promoter of tax avoidance scheme » Read the full story
Spring Budget 2024: The Chancellors Key Announcements
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, delivered this year’s Spring Budget 2024 to the House of Commons on March 6, 2024. Our latest article highlights the Chancellor’s key announcements. Overview of the Spring Budget 2024 The Chancellor’s Spring Budget 2024 focused on tax cuts for parents and workers and …
Spring Budget 2024: The Chancellors Key Announcements » Read the full story
What is agency PAYE?
Contractors who source temporary assignments through recruitment agencies and are inside IR35 are given two options for their payroll – agency PAYE or registering with an umbrella company. This article explores what agency PAYE is and how it is different from registering with an umbrella company and becoming an employee …
What are the disadvantages of becoming an umbrella company employee?
There are plenty of advantages to becoming an umbrella company employee, but it’s important to weigh those advantages against any potential drawbacks. Our latest article discusses the disadvantages or becoming an umbrella company employee. Not as tax-efficient as forming a limited company The tax advantages of limited companies are not …
What are the disadvantages of becoming an umbrella company employee? » Read the full story
What are the benefits of becoming an umbrella company employee?
We’ve outlined the primary reasons why contractors and freelancers prefer to use umbrella companies for their payroll for contracts inside IR35. Additionally, we’ve provided an overview of what an umbrella company is for your information. An umbrella company: what is it? An umbrella company is frequently used by recruitment firms …
What are the benefits of becoming an umbrella company employee? » Read the full story
What are the advantages and disadvantages of contracting via a Personal Service Company (PSC)?
Because of the numerous financial and professional advantages, operating through a Personal Service Company (PSC) is a popular option for contractors and freelancers based in the UK who are considered to be outside of IR35. The advantages and disadvantages of contracting via a PSC are examined in our most recent …
Spotting a tax avoidance scheme in 2024
An enormous number of illegitimate umbrella companies that operate tax avoidance strategies to lower their tax responsibilities to HMRC are found by HMRC each year, despite their apparent legitimacy. An individual employed by these schemes (even if unaware of any illegal activity) could be subject to severe penalties. We’ve compiled …
Spotting a tax avoidance scheme in 2024 » Read the full story
How to set up a limited company in the UK
As a contractor, becoming a director of a limited company may seem overwhelming. The actions you must take to successfully launch your own business are listed below. 1. Select a name for your business Selecting a company name that is both distinctive to your business and pertinent to your industry …
How to set up a limited company in the UK » Read the full story
Contracting in the UK: When should you consider becoming a contractor?
We have put together this brief article to give you all the information you need to decide whether or not to transition into contracting if you are thinking about doing so. Why should you consider contracting? There are several benefits to taking on a contract role, including: You have considerably …
Contracting in the UK: When should you consider becoming a contractor? » Read the full story
A guide to help contractors and freelancers choose a compliant umbrella company
For your payroll, you must only work with compliant umbrella companies to avoid underpaying taxes and owing HMRC thousands of pounds. Verifying if the umbrella company you wish to work with is SafeRec Certified, FCSA Accredited, or Professional Passport Accredited is one way to make sure they are operating in …