First Timers

First Timer Guides

There is a lot to consider when making the leap into contracting. How do you find contract jobs? How much can you earn? How do you write your CV? What’s IR35? Do you use an umbrella company or start your own limited company? Do you need an accountant? Our first timer guides and resources will help you make sure you know everything you need to in order to get started.

First Timer Resources

From business planning to sorting your accounts, starting out as a contractor can feel like a lot. Here’s how new contractors can forget the faff and hit the ground running.

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Profile picture for user Nick Biggam

Written by Nick Biggam

Nick Biggam is a strategic and structured leader with a vision for both organisational and client-driven solutions. After studying at Sheffield University and Cranfield School of Management, Nick held the positions of European Business Development Director,  Regional Director (Ireland & Scotland) and Commercial Director (UK) at Dun & Bradstreet Europe, Intrum Justitia, and AIB Merchant Services, respectively. Nick joined Cashplus in 2017 before it obtained a full bank licence in 2021 and subsequently rebranded to become Zempler Bank.

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23rd April, 2025 | First Timers

Wading out into freelance waters is much more reassuring when you can see the following five over your shoulder.

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Profile picture for user Matt Collingwood

Written by Matt Collingwood

Matt Collingwood is the managing director of VIQU IT, an IT recruitment and project-based consultancy company with offices in Birmingham and Southampton. VIQU IT forms part of the VIQU Group, which also includes VIQU Energy, MoveATech and Morela. Additionally, Matt is the co-founder of the Recruitment Canaries, a network of West Midlands-based recruitment agencies that encourage collaboration, best-practice and upholding the standards and ethics of the recruitment industry.

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31st October, 2023 | First Timers

Tips, tricks and heads-ups to ensure it won’t be your timesheets that slip you up.

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Profile picture for user Lucy Smith

Written by Lucy Smith

Lucy has been in the umbrella market since 2013, and has always been an advocate of compliance and transparency in this industry. Offering Clarity by name and by reputation! Clarity Umbrella Ltd Lucy has sat on numerous HMRC round table events; contributed to the Low Income Tax reform group and is always on hand to provide advice to the ContractorUK forums.
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13th September, 2023 | First Timers

An increasing number of graduates are choosing the contracting lifestyle over traditional grad jobs in the UK.

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Profile picture for user Laura Wilkinson

Written by Laura Wilkinson

Laura is the Head of Marketing for ContractorUK. She has worked at ContractorUK for over 10 years and is qualified with a Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing via The IDM.
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22nd August, 2023 | First Timers

Overview to what’s needed to begin contracting, ranging from mindset and motivation, to understanding ‘Ltd’ and ‘PSL.’

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Profile picture for user Alan Lowdell

Written by Alan Lowdell

With over 45 years of experience in finance, of which nearly 20 years have been in the recruitment sector Alan has gained a deep understanding of various industries including transport, logistics, recruitment agency, construction, technology and engineering. Throughout his seven years with Matchtech, Alan has led the UK-based transactional finance teams and is responsible for all pay and bill.

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12th July, 2023 | First Timers

How to succeed as a first-time contractor with technology skills.

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Profile picture for user Matt Collingwood

Written by Matt Collingwood

Matt Collingwood is the managing director of VIQU IT, an IT recruitment and project-based consultancy company with offices in Birmingham and Southampton. VIQU IT forms part of the VIQU Group, which also includes VIQU Energy, MoveATech and Morela. Additionally, Matt is the co-founder of the Recruitment Canaries, a network of West Midlands-based recruitment agencies that encourage collaboration, best-practice and upholding the standards and ethics of the recruitment industry.

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31st May, 2023 | First Timers

Five steps to help keep the taxman off your back when filing your first tax return.

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Profile picture for user TaxScouts

Written by TaxScouts

TaxScouts is an online tax return service where self-employed people can get qualified accounts to help and support with their tax returns. TaxScouts was launched in 2018 by founding employees of TransferWise and MarketInvoice with the aim of helping the 12 million + people in the UK that have to go through the stressful process of submitting self-assessment tax returns every year.

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17th November, 2021 | First Timers

Don’t act in haste but do get clued up, whether the measures are personal or business.

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Profile picture for user Christian Hickmott

Written by Christian Hickmott

Founder and CEO of Integro Accounting, Christian Hickmott has over 20 years of accountancy and working practice knowledge. He understands the wants and needs of contractors, having lead some of the largest accountancy firms in the business before founding Integro Accounting in 2013. A multi-award-winning brand based on integrity, trust and loyalty.

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22nd April, 2021 | First Timers

Taxing and non-taxing ways to address the elephant in the room, which has been led out by the imminent IR35 changes.

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Profile picture for user Siddharth Agarwal

Written by Siddharth Agarwal

Siddharth Agarwal is a Chartered Certified Accountant who works with owner managed businesses, advising them on a wide spectrum of tax issues. He is the Tax Director of DNS Accountants, a contractor specialist group which is FCSA accredited for both Umbrella and accounting.
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29th March, 2021 | First Timers

IR35 is now even managing to complicate New Year’s resolutions.

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Profile picture for user David Tattersall

Written by David Tattersall

David Tattersall is Head of Client Relations at Handpicked Accountants, a reputable online directory which populates tried and tested accountants across the country. David has a wealth of commercial experience in the SME market and is involved in business development activities for Begbies Traynor Group.

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3rd January, 2019 | First Timers

Why public sector workers are choosing to work through brollies. 

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Written by cukAdmin

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23rd November, 2018 | First Timers

It's important to consider both the benefits and the downsides when choosing your business structure. 

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Written by cukAdmin

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19th November, 2018 | First Timers

While these are not legally distinct roles there are some fundamental differences. 

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Written by cukAdmin

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31st October, 2018 | First Timers

In this guide we explore the advantages and disadvantages of contracting and give 10 qualities that make a successful contractor.

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Written by cukAdmin

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30th May, 2010 | First Timers

The advantages and disadvantages of hiring contractors from a client's perspective.

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Written by cukAdmin

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29th May, 2010 | First Timers

How to ascertain demand for your skills and sell your strengths.

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Written by cukAdmin

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28th May, 2010 | First Timers

Your prospective hirer will very likely be bombarded with CVs for any given vacancy. We tell you how to make the best of your CV.

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Written by cukAdmin

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27th May, 2010 | First Timers

There are several key ways to find your first contract role. This section helps you on your way if you're new to IT contracting.

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Written by cukAdmin

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26th May, 2010 | First Timers

"It's not what you know, it's who you know" and other ways to keep off the bench.

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Written by cukAdmin

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25th May, 2010 | First Timers

An overview of the different options available to you and advice on the best way forward.

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Written by cukAdmin

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24th May, 2010 | First Timers

An umbrella company and a limited company each represent two of the most common business structures that contractors use. But, which one is the best option for you?

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Written by cukAdmin

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23rd May, 2010 | First Timers

Once you have secured your first contract role, agreed a rate and a start date, a contract needs to be signed...

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Written by cukAdmin

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22nd May, 2010 | First Timers

Congratulations! You've done the hard bit. We now need to consider IR35. Click here for our guide, together with details of how to get your contract expertly reviewed.

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Written by cukAdmin

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21st May, 2010 | First Timers

2001 saw with the introduction of the now famous IR35, more politely called the "Intermediaries legislation."

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Written by cukAdmin

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20th May, 2010 | First Timers

A brief overview of how these laws affect you as a contractor.

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Written by cukAdmin

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19th May, 2010 | First Timers

To put it simply... If you are working through a limited company, you will pay yourself a monthly salary (many take a small salary). Those caught by IR35 will pay themselves a 'deemed salary'.

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Written by cukAdmin

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18th May, 2010 | First Timers

There are various insurances that you might need, but Professional Indemnity is the must have for most contractors these days.

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Written by cukAdmin

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17th May, 2010 | First Timers

If you have decided to trade through your own Limited Company then you really ought to have an accountant to help you with the various forms, obligations, taxes etc.

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Written by cukAdmin

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16th May, 2010 | First Timers

Owen spots the permies, discovers where not to log the vitals, and knuckles down to embrace IT contracting.

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Written by cukAdmin

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10th February, 2009 | First Timers

Owen settles in with a change of PM, a lack of interest from his colleagues but a gut feeling he's made the right decision.

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Written by cukAdmin

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4th February, 2009 | First Timers

The answer is yes, and sometimes with deals better than you could get as a permanent employee! Click here to find out more.

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Written by cukAdmin

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11th May, 2004 | First Timers

So, you've found your job, beaten IR35, got yourself an accountant and started trading. What else is there? Well, what about training to keep your skills up to date, what happens if you get sick etc. Click here for ways to mitigate these challenges.

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Written by cukAdmin

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5th May, 2004 | First Timers

Succeeding at contracting is far easier if you understand its risks and rewards.

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Written by cukAdmin

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19th December, 2003 | First Timers

First-timers can’t afford to flinch when a potential premium is on offer.

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Written by cukAdmin

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12th December, 2003 | First Timers

What agents, clients and HR will bug you about where your invoice leaves room for doubt.

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Profile picture for user Simon Moore

Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.
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27th October, 2003 | First Timers

Everything you need to know about finding the right accountant for your limited company.

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Profile picture for user Simon Moore

Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.
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6th October, 2003 | First Timers

Contracting expert helps a time-poor permie get his ducks in a row.

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Profile picture for user Simon Moore

Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.
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15th July, 2003 | First Timers

Adviser attests to the 'pros' of being self-employed, but finds it has more 'cons' than a PSC.

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Profile picture for user Simon Moore

Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.
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16th June, 2003 | First Timers

Resisting the urge to rush is key to getting right what's a daunting but lucrative decision.

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Profile picture for user Simon Moore

Written by Simon Moore

Simon Moore is one of the UK’s most consistently published freelance journalists on freelancing, self-employment and contractor issues, such as IR35, the Loan Charge and late payment. Trained in News & Features writing by NCTJ-approved journalism tutors, Simon worked in the newsrooms of local, consumer and national press titles, before setting up his own editorial services company, Moore News Ltd.
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2nd April, 2003 | First Timers

Advice on how to work through a limited company in the education sector. 

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Written by cukAdmin

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2nd November, 2002 | First Timers

Contractor accountants in Manchester can help manage the administration required to run a limited company.

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Written by cukAdmin

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27th April, 1992 | First Timers

If you want to work as a UK expat contractor, there are a few things you need to know.

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Written by cukAdmin

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23rd April, 1992 | First Timers

Contractor accountants in London can help manage the large amounts of administration required to run a limited company.

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Written by cukAdmin

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3rd April, 1991 | First Timers