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
How to cut down costs when freelancing
The freelance economy has surged in recent years, with more individuals taking the leap into self-employment than ever before. The allure of choosing your own clients, flexible hours, and the comfort of working from home is undeniable. However, with this independence comes the responsibility of managing every aspect of your …
How to cut down costs when freelancing » Read the full story
Profit with purpose: Embedding sustainability in the business agenda
Sustainability has swiftly transitioned from a supplementary business consideration to a core component of modern business strategies. The impetus is clear: to foster long-term resilience and create a positive societal impact while achieving business objectives. Businesses operating within the UK are increasingly recognising the multifaceted benefits of sustainability, which extends …
Profit with purpose: Embedding sustainability in the business agenda » Read the full story
Small business wisdom: The art of delegation for thriving entrepreneurs
In the world of small business ownership, versatility and adaptability are your closest allies. Entrepreneurs often find themselves donning numerous hats, juggling responsibilities in a ceaseless effort to keep the ship afloat. Yet, in the tumultuous journey of entrepreneurship, certain responsibilities should not be borne solely by the business owner. …
Small business wisdom: The art of delegation for thriving entrepreneurs » Read the full story
Alliance (CS) Ltd awarded Professional Passport accreditation
Alliance (CS) proudly announces its recent achievement of Professional Passport accreditation, a testament to its dedication to compliance, quality, and adherence to strict industry standards. The accreditation by Professional Passport, independent from provider, agency, or end-client influence, underscores Alliance (CS)’s commitment to rigorous compliance with a wide spectrum of legislative …
Alliance (CS) Ltd awarded Professional Passport accreditation » Read the full story
Try the free and comprehensive umbrella company calculator built by Payslip Buddy
Payslip Buddy, an AI-powered umbrella payslip auditing software, has released a free and comprehensive umbrella company calculator, and we recommend our readers check it out. Please keep reading for more information, including a calculator link and some screenshots highlighting its features. An overview of the Payslip Buddy umbrella company calculator …
The FCSA’s Chief Executive, Chris Bryce, shares his views on the Autumn Statement 2023
Earlier today (Wednesday, 22nd November 2023), Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, delivered the Autumn Statement 2023 in parliament. Some important announcements were made that will impact contractors and freelancers (as well as small business owners). Keep reading to learn more about the Autumn Statement 2023, including the views of …
A summary of the Autumn Statement 2023, announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt
On Wednesday, 22nd November, Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivered the Autumn Budget 2023 to Parliament and summarised the UK’s economy and upcoming tax and spending changes that will impact us all. Please keep reading for a summary of all the announcements, split into helpful sections. Taxes and salaries From 6th January …
A summary of the Autumn Statement 2023, announced by Chancellor Jeremy Hunt » Read the full story
Kate Cottrell, IR35 expert and founder of Bauer & Cottrell, has sadly passed away
IR35 expert and founder of Bauer & Cottrell, Kate Cottrell, has sadly passed away after a short illness. Everyone at umbrellacompanies.org.uk sends their love, prayers and condolences to Kate’s colleagues, friends and family at this very difficult time. Kate’s exceptional work protecting contractors and freelancers will never be forgotten, and …
A recent survey identifies “worrying levels of non-compliance” within the umbrella company marketplace
ContractorCalculator, a well-respected news source for contractors and freelancers, has conducted a survey which has “uncovered alarming levels of non-compliance and a lack of worker protections within the umbrella industry”. We’ve summarised the survey’s findings below and have provided some helpful tips to help you pick a compliant umbrella company …
Everything you need to know about non-compliant umbrella companies
Embarking on a contracting career in the United Kingdom requires a keen understanding of umbrella companies’ pivotal role in this sector. They act as indispensable intermediaries between contractors and clients, significantly easing the administrative workload for contractors and ensuring that they are paid on time and in accordance with UK …
Everything you need to know about non-compliant umbrella companies » Read the full story
MJ Weemes acquires Optimum Pay Group’s renowned customer service team
MJ Weemes (Trading as Alliance Combined Services Ltd) Acquires Optimum Pay Group’s Renowned Customer Service Team to Strengthen Payroll Services Division. The umbrellacompanies.org.uk Team has received news about this acquisition and more information is below. In a strategic move to further enhance its position as a leading player in the …
MJ Weemes acquires Optimum Pay Group’s renowned customer service team » Read the full story
Help available for contractors impacted by MSC investigation with new pay-per-access MSC Support Platform
Churchill Knight & Associates Ltd, an established contractor accountant with 25 years of experience in the sector, has launched a pay-per-access MSC Support Platform. The online tool has been built to support contractors with a limited company who have been accused of operating a Managed Service Company (MSC) during the …
Free Rugby World Cup 2023 Wall Chart available to download now
The 2023 Rugby World Cup kicks off on Friday, 8th September, and we have created a free wall chart for you to download now. Read more about this year’s tournament hosted in France, and download your free chart now. We’ve also asked Chat GPT who will win the tournament – …
Free Rugby World Cup 2023 Wall Chart available to download now » Read the full story
Have Optimum Pay Group stopped paying umbrella company employees?
[UPDATED 03/07/2023] We have encountered rumours that Optimum Pay Group, previously accredited by Professional Passport, has stopped paying their employees. If you are a contractor or freelancer using Optimum Pay Group, please get in contact with us by commenting below and letting us know the current status of the umbrella …
Have Optimum Pay Group stopped paying umbrella company employees? » Read the full story
SafeRec Certification – the new standard shaping the future of compliance in the umbrella company sector
If you are a freelancer, contractor or temporary worker payroll sector stakeholder, you may have heard of SafeRec. The AI-powered software has taken the umbrella company sector by storm and has painted a new path for umbrellas looking to prove to their workers and agencies they operate compliantly with HMRC. …
Umbrella company regulations are approaching as the government opens consultation
Exciting news – umbrella company regulations remain on the government’s mind as a new consultation is launched to tackle non-compliance within the umbrella company sector. In November 2021, the government published a call for evidence in the umbrella company sector. On the 6th of June 2023, the results were published, …
In our opinion, a £29.75 per week umbrella company margin is too high
We’ve heard reports that a leading umbrella has increased its basic weekly margin to almost £30. This is a considerable amount of money, and we wanted to share our views on what makes an umbrella company margin good value. With the UK’s economy as it is, we can all benefit …
In our opinion, a £29.75 per week umbrella company margin is too high » Read the full story
The government open consultation to discuss tougher consequences for promoters of tax avoidance schemes
Tax avoidance schemes remain a serious concern to stakeholders within the contractor payroll and staffing sector. While most umbrella companies operate compliantly, some unethically aim to boost take-home pay by reducing tax and National Insurance Contributions. Recently, the government has opened a consultation to review tougher consequences for promoters of …
FCSA launches umbrella company payslip review initiative powered by SafeRec
To protect contractors and freelancers using umbrella companies in the UK, the FCSA has teamed up with SafeRec to provide a free payslip review service. It is free and available to employees of any umbrella company – not just those using an FCSA-accredited umbrella for their payroll. Keep reading for …
FCSA launches umbrella company payslip review initiative powered by SafeRec » Read the full story
The FCSA’s Independent Arbitration Panel (IAP) conclude Orange Genie’s £2 deduction was “not salary skimming”
Last year, Orange Genie, an FCSA-accredited umbrella company, was accused of salary skimming – a practice where an umbrella unethically retains more than its margin, and employees are left out of pocket. On the back of an investigation, the FCSA suspended Orange Genie for six months. On Friday, 5th May …