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Start-Up Guides
Our guides to starting up in business as a contractor - from finding your first contract, to dealing with agents and clients. More in-depth guides to everything from contractor tax, to IR35 and umbrella companies, can be found in our other main sections.
Directories - Leading umbrella schemes and IT contractor accountants.
Contractor Start-Up Guides
Start-Up Guide :: 10 contractor success tips
Ten tips for IT contractor success: From having the right skills, to gaining contract renewals, and keeping on the right side of IR35 and the tax man.
(Apr 12, 2013)
Startup Guide :: Choosing an accountant or umbrella provider
If you are looking to hire an accountant or join an umbrella scheme, chances are you will be influenced by what you read on the web, the powers of persuasion of your recruitment agent (if applicable), and the views of people in your industry.
(Jan 8, 2013)
Becoming an IT Contractor in 2013 - Pros and Cons
The beginning of a new year is often the time when many IT pros weigh up the pros and cons of taking the leap into contracting. Here are some of the positive and negative factors would-be contractors should consider at the start of 2013.
(Dec 29, 2012)
Start-Up Guide :: Before you start contracting
If you're thinking about becoming an IT contractor, it's worth taking some time to go over what is involved before taking the leap into the contracting world.
(Dec 17, 2012)
Five contracting mistakes to avoid
Given that many of the best lessons in life come as a result of errors, we're compiled a list of five common mistakes you should avoid as a contractor.
(Jul 30, 2012)
Start-Up Guide :: Contractor banking, financial services
An overview of IT contractor banking, and an overview of the financial service products available to contractors.
(Jul 16, 2012)
Start-Up Guide :: Limited or umbrella company?
Which trading structure should you use when you start our as an IT contractor - limited company or umbrella company?
(Jun 15, 2012)
Start-Up Guide :: Pros and cons of IT contracting
We look at the main positive and negative aspects of being an IT contractor, from the greater freedoms it brings, to the lack of security you might experience.
(May 28, 2012)
Start-Up Guide :: How to become an IT contractor
Once you have decided that IT contracting is something that you would like to do, there are a number of stages you will need to negotiate before starting work on your first contract.
(Jan 3, 2012)
Start-Up Guide :: Contracting via a limited company
How a contractor limited company works, and how to decide if its the right structure for you to trade under.
(Jul 21, 2011)
Start-Up Guide :: What is IR35?
An overview of the IR35 tax legislation. What is IR35?, and what contractors should do to ensure that their contracts are not caught by the IR35 rules.
(Jul 12, 2011)
Start-Up Guide :: Contractor umbrella companies
How contractor umbrella companies work, and what to look out for when choosing an umbrella scheme.
(Jul 11, 2011)
5 tips for IT contractor success - Part Two
More tips for contractor success in 2011, from dealing with permies to deciding upon a business structure.
(Jan 20, 2011)
5 tips for IT contractor success - Part One
If you are considering becoming a contractor, or are a seasoned veteran, here are 5 success tips from the Contract Eye team to help you get the most out of contracting in 2011.
(Jan 11, 2011)
Start-Up Guide :: Business banking for contractors
If you are setting up as a limited company contractor, one of the first things you need to do is to open a business bank account.
(Sep 2, 2010)
Start-Up Guide :: Risks and rewards of IT contracting
What are the risks and rewards of becoming an IT contractor - the potential to earn more money and freedom versus risk.
(Aug 26, 2010)
Start-Up Guide :: Contractor recession survival tips
With rates on the slide and the number of contract openings shrinking, what can IT contractors do to ensure they get through the current market downturn intact?
(Jan 19, 2009)
Start-Up Guide :: Negotiate your IT contract rate
Once you have been offered an IT contract, you will need to negotiate both the rate you will be paid and consider the implications of IR35 before signing any contract.
(Jul 13, 2008)
Start-Up Guide :: Contractor accounting and tax
Overview of the taxation and accounting requirements for IT contractors working via a limited company or umbrella company.
(Mar 8, 2008)
Start-Up Guide :: Finding and securing IT contracts
Once you have decided that IT contracting is the life for you, the next step is to find your first IT contract.
(Feb 20, 2008)
