
In this guide, we explore how umbrella company pensions work, what tax relief is available, and what to look out for when joining a workplace pension scheme. … [more]
IT Contractor Essentials
Practical guides, calculators, industry news and advice to help you set up and run a professional contracting business.
Read our step-by-step setup guide, with everything from navigating IR35 to submitting your first invoice.
Read the 10-Step Guide →By James Leckie | Last updated:

In this guide, we explore how umbrella company pensions work, what tax relief is available, and what to look out for when joining a workplace pension scheme. … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

As an umbrella employee, you will see an entry for your provider's 'margin' on your payslips. Here, we explain what an umbrella company's margin is and how much it typically costs. … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

The Employment Allowance reduces the National Insurance employers' pay by up to £10,500 per year. So, can your limited company benefit from this incentive in 2026/27? … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

Although the off payroll reforms shifted the responsibility to clients for most cases, contractors should still actively check that their work is genuinely outside IR35 and remains compliant. … [more]
By Kevin Hanson | Last updated:

Software, including digital products and applications, can be protected under various forms of intellectual property (IP). … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

Life as a contractor can be very rewarding. Alongside potential higher earnings, you can also experience a wide variety of roles and enjoy being your own boss. It isn't for everyone, but for those who take the leap, most never look back. … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

In this article, commercial solicitor Leigh Ellis explains why contractors should be careful when negotiating with potential clients, as you could unwittingly enter a binding contract during an email conversation if you don't use the correct … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

While you shouldn't decide who to hire as your contractor accountant based solely on price — after all, you get what you pay for — it's important to check that what you'll be charged is fair. … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

Introduced in 2002, the Flat Rate VAT scheme was implemented to provide smaller businesses with a more straightforward method for calculating their VAT liabilities. … [more]
By Ashley Gurr | Last updated:

If you’re reading this article, you may be considering putting a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in place with a supplier, client, or another contracting partner, or you may have been given one by a third party and asked to sign it. … [more]