Becoming an IT Contractor?

[aclassey]

Hi...I've decided that the time has come to move away from permy employment and have a crack at contracting. Is it just a case of applying for contratcing roles...or do I need to set up my own company first? And do I need any insurance? I'm a business analyst.

Thanks for any advice...

[Eric Mc]

I think you might find that a search of PH might throw up some useful threads on this very topic. This subject crops up quite frequently on PH

[obiwonkeyblokey]

I recruit BA's both contract and perm. I run a BA and PM agency.

I would suggest finding a role before you jump ship. Providing you have no more than 4 weeks notice, if you have relevant skills most clients should wait for you although sometimes being immediately available has its attractions.

You shouldnt have to set up a ltd co until you find a contract and even then i would suggest using an umbrella co such as www.giantgroup.com so that you can test the contracting waters ( full of sharks BTW) before setting up Ltd co bank accounts and the like.

Youre welcome to drop me a line through my profile if you have any other specific questions.

[stepej]

Lots of useful information here....

pcg

....and good luck !

[aclassey]

Thanks for your help...

[Miss Information]

I've been contracting for five years now and I just dived straight in, rightly or wrongly.

I looked into using an umbrella company but felt they didn't offer much in the way of value for money so set up my own company straight away. It cost me less than £100 and I did it all via the net.

Contracting is better than working for someone else IMHO, but it's not for everyone.