SJD Accountancy RSS Feed

SJD Accountancy appointed as a preferred supplier by UK’s leading contract recruiters SThree Group

Thu, 8 Mar 2012 11:32:17 GMT

SJD Accountancy, the UK’s largest accountants for contractors with over 11,000 Limited company clients, are now one of the preferred partners of specialist recruitment agency SThree Group.

Founded in 1986, SThree is a world leader in the recruitment industry, with over 61 offices located in 18 Countries worldwide. SThree provides both permanent and contract staffing services across the ICT, Engineering & Energy, Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology, Banking and Accountancy & Finance sectors.

Announcement of the new partnership was made at the start of March by SThree Director of Commercial Process, Andy Hallett, who commented “All companies chosen to appear in the PSL are the best in class and members of APSCo - the Association of Professional Staffing Companies, meaning they will have passed stringent compliancy audits. Having an Accountancy PSL supports our commitment to provide only the very highest level of support service to our contractor candidates.”

Simon Dolan, Managing Director of SJD Accountancy said “SThree are one of the few major recruiters/groups to have set an official Accountancy PSL. Umbrella company PSL’s have existed for years but we are now starting to see more and more recruiters setting such Accountancy PSL’s. Setting Accountancy PSL’s not only helps recruitment consultants make safe, credible referrals it also helps contractors to select compliant and industry leading accountants’. We are extremely pleased to have been chosen by SThree and look forward to a long lasting partnership.”

As the UK’s largest contractor accountants, having won more awards for accounting excellence and customer service than any other contractor specialist firm including: three Accountancy Age awards, two national customer service awards and five ‘Best Contractor Accountant’ awards. As well as being the only accountants for contractors with offices in all major UK cities - SJD Accountancy are a natural choice for recruiters and Limited company contractors to choose.

No other firm has SJD accountancy’s experience, credentials or more accountants supporting Limited company contractors.

SJD Accountancy

SJD Accountancy are the UK's largest specialist provider of fixed fee, limited company accountancy services to contractors; we've been acting for contractors across the UK since 1992 and have more than 11,000 clients.

We are the only National specialist firm of accountants with offices in all major UK cities so you’ll never be far from your accountant. SJD also have more qualified staff than any other firm in our market with qualifications from the following major tax and accountancy bodies - ATII, ATT, ACCA, CA, ACA, FCCA, ACMA. You’ll also be pleased to know that we are one of the lowest priced as well.

Free face-to-face meetings. This is another unique service, only SJD offers free face to face meetings - tax is complicated and sometimes only a meeting will do.
Unlimited access to your own dedicated accountant. No call centres, no outsourcing, no automated call handling. Simply telephone, e-mail or meet your own dedicated accountant face to face.
Money back service guarantee. All your telephone calls and e-mails will be answered the same day or we will refund your monthly fee's.
Outstanding reputation. We have won more awards for customer service and accountancy excellence than any other firm in our market.
All inclusive low cost monthly package which includes completion of accounts, payroll bureau, dividends and corporation tax computations, personal taxation, free bookkeeping software, unlimited access to your accountant and all company returns. All this for a fixed monthly fee of £110 plus VAT, which is one of the lowest prices in the market.

If you have any questions about contracting or would like any further advice please either contact your SJD Accountant or call our new client services helpdesk on 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or email: nikki.hanlon@sjdaccountancy.com.

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

Take home pay calculator - How much could you be taking home
Contractor FAQ - All your frequently asked questions and their answers
First time Contracting or Freelancing? - A summary of the alternatives along with pros and cons
Choosing an accountant - For a full review
Step-by-step Guide to Contracting - Download a FREE copy of our guide
Limited or Umbrella? Can't decide? - We help you decide which is best for you
Guide to Contracting - All the best guides to contracting in one place
Expenses Guide - Know exactly what you can claim
Umbrella company guide - Everything you ever wanted to know about umbrella company services
IR35 Guide - A great plain English guide to IR35

Contractor Take Home Pay and Limited or Umbrella Company iPhone Apps launched

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:20:07 GMT

Growth of Contracting as a career continues to rise.

SJD Accountancy, the UK’s largest accountants for contractors, recorded one of its best ever years in 2011 in terms of new contractors becoming clients. They saw an incredible 51% increase on 2009’s new client numbers (2009 was the worst of the recession years for contractor growth). SJD are now accountants to over 11,000 Limited company contractors, freelancers, interims, consultants and SME’s.

Despite tough economic conditions and the freezing/reduction in permanent positions, projects must still be completed and legacy IT systems still need to be upgraded. So it appears UK businesses are relying more and more on the flexible, mobile, highly skilled and motivated professional contractor market to fulfil positions ensuring companies, and the public sector don’t slip behind in their commercial projects.

To support this rise, and help people interested in going freelance, contractor accountants SJD has developed two great iPhone apps:

Limited Company or PAYE Umbrella Company Checker - which enables contractors, freelancers, consultants or interims to understand which method might be suitable for them: trading through a Limited company or working through a PAYE Umbrella Company.

Contractor Tax Calculator - this helpful and simple to use calculator helps contractors to work out what tax might be due with any given daily rate. Contractors can vary the length of their contract and hours worked, and even book a free contractor accountant meeting.

SJD Accountancy

SJD have also won every relevant industry award possible, including:

Best Contractor Accountants - Contractor UK 2011 - 2007
Accountant of the Year - The British Accountancy Awards 2011
Best Professional Team of the Year - UK Customer Experience Award 2011
Customer Commitment Award - Institute of Customer Service 2011
National Chamber of Commerce Award 2010
Medium firm of the Year - Finalist Accountancy Age 2010
Excellence in Customer Service - Finalists National Customer Service Awards 2009
Sunday Times Best Small Companies - Award 2009 - 2007
Small firm of the Year - Accountancy Age 2007 & 2004 and finalists in 2010 and all years since 2003
Deemed PCG accredited accountants and fully MSC compliant

We offer all clients:

All this for a fixed monthly fee of £110 plus VAT, which is one of the lowest prices in the market. And most importantly, in a recent survey 98% of our clients rated SJD as 'better than other accountants' - we are working hard to convince the other 2%!

If you have any question about contracting or would like any further advice please either contact your SJD Accountant or call our new client services helpdesk on 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or e-mail jaime.thorpe@sjdaccountancy.com

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

SJD Accountancy win Contractor UK ‘Best Contractor Accountant’ Award for fifth consecutive year

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:22:54 GMT

SJD Accountancy, the UK’s largest contractor accountants with over 11,000 limited company clients, has been voted Contractor UK’s ‘Best Contractor Accountant’ in 2011.

Contractor UK is the UK’s leading source of information for the IT contractor community and has run their contractor survey for the past five years. The Contractor UK readers’ poll allows contractors and freelancers the opportunity to rate and voice their opinion on which industry service providers are maintaining outstanding service to their clients.

2011 see’s the fifth consecutive year SJD Accountancy has been voted ‘Best Contractor Accountant’. 2011 also saw SJD Accountancy win two national customer service awards and was voted ‘Accountant of the Year’ by The British Accountancy Awards.

Managing Director Simon Dolan commented “To be named the best contractor accountant, really is a true credit to the fantastic team we have at SJD Accountancy. We are truly grateful to all our clients who voted for us. We always strive to maintain outstanding service and are always looking for new ways to continually improve.”

SJD Accountancy

SJD have also won every relevant industry award possible, including:

Best Contractor Accountants - Contractor UK 2011 - 2007
Accountant of the Year - The British Accountancy Awards 2011
Best Professional Team of the Year - UK Customer Experience Award 2011
Customer Commitment Award - Institute of Customer Service 2011
National Chamber of Commerce Award 2010
Medium firm of the Year - Finalist Accountancy Age 2010
Excellence in Customer Service - Finalists National Customer Service Awards 2009
Sunday Times Best Small Companies - Award 2009 - 2007
Small firm of the Year - Accountancy Age 2007 & 2004 and finalists in 2010 and all years since 2003
Deemed PCG accredited accountants and fully MSC compliant

We offer all clients:

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

SJD Accountancy Triumphs at British Accountancy Awards

Fri, 2 Dec 2011 12:35:38 GMT

Maria Williams, regional director at SJD Accountancy, won new Accountant of the Year at this year’s British Accountancy Awards.

Previously known as the Accountancy Age Awards, the British Accountancy Awards acknowledged those demonstrating outstanding performance and innovation across the accountancy sector. SJD Accountancy was also a finalist in the Mid - Tier firm of the Year category after previously winning Small firm of the Year.

Commenting on why Maria was chosen as winner, the judges said: "Within three years of qualifying Maria was performing a partner level role both in terms of leadership and her ability to impact the commercial results of the practice. She shows huge levels of commercial acumen while generating significant efficiencies and cost reductions. Her success is testimony to her ‘can do' and ‘will do' attitude."

The ‘New Accountant of the Year’ category saw contenders from the likes of Deloitte, KPMG, PwC and Howard Worth Chartered Accountants.

Managing Director of SJD Accountancy Simon Dolan said “At SJD Accountancy we only hire people who are naturally passionate about providing great customer service. Maria Williams not only embodies this ethos for her clients, but also believes the same values for her colleagues. I am delighted that the British Accountancy Award judges have rewarded Maria as Accountant of the Year.”

SJD Accountancy

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

SJD successfully completes APSCo compliance audit

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:11:44 GMT

SJD Accountancy, the UK’s largest accountants to contractors with over 11,000 Limited company contractors, freelancers and consultant clients further demonstrated their commitment to compliance standards by being the first accountancy firm to undergo a full review and compliance audit conducted by Saffery Champness and CRS Solicitors.

Saffery Champness is one of the UK’s top 20 firms of chartered accountants and the fifteenth-largest accountancy practice in the UK. On completing the audit, SJD Accountancy has now earned themselves affiliate membership status of The Association of Professional Staffing Companies also known as APSCo - the UK’s leading professional recruitment industry body.

Marilyn Davidson, APSCo Director said “We are delighted that SJD have successfully completed their compliance audit and reference checks for APSCo membership. The APSCo brand is important to us and our members and is underpinned by best practice.”

Recruiters recommending an MSC compliant and audited firm of accountants to their contractor candidates can feel confident in continuing to refer the UK’s largest accountants to contractors - SJD Accountancy.

Managing Director Simon Dolan commented, “With MSC legislations, Debt Transfer and the introduction of AWR we understand that it has never been more important for recruiters to recommend a compliant firm of accountants, which is why SJD Accountancy worked with Saffery Champness to undergo a full compliance audit.

We are delighted that SJD Accountancy have successfully completed the compliance process required by APSCo and feel a large burden will be lifted from recruiters who are looking to recommend compliant accountancy firms, and for contractors who are looking for a safe pair of hands to manage their tax affairs.”

Commenting on their professionalism throughout the audit, Nicola Pitcher auditor for Saffery said: “It has been a real pleasure to work with an accounting team that manages its client’s affairs professionally, diligently and with an awareness of the key tax issues. Our compliance process is designed to be robust and SJD were very proactive in embracing our approach.”

SJD Accountancy

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

Contractor market expands - New ‘How to Become a Contractor’ Roadmap launched

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 10:11:18 GMT

SJD Accountancy, the UK’s largest accountants for Contractors with over 11,000 limited company contractors, freelancers and consultants, has developed what it believes to be the UK’s first ‘How to Become a Contractor Roadmap’ infographic. The guide has been developed to support people who are considering entering the world of contracting and freelancing.
Contracting has never been more popular!

This will come to many as no surprise, bearing in mind the number of government cuts and redundancies in the corporate world.
itjobswatch.co.uk the UK’s largest provider of IT job and contract vacancy data also reports substantial increases in the number of IT contract vacancies advertised, where back in 2009 there were just 156,000 IT contract jobs with the number expected to be well over 250,000 by the end of 2012.

Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) also echo this changing employment model with Andrew Tomlinson - REC Policy & PR Advisor who comments ‘recruiters have relied increasingly on temporary and contractor placements, rather than permanent placements, for their turnover in recent years. The REC’s 2009/10 industry survey found that 90.4% of recruitment industry turnover came from the temporary/contractor market, up from 86.8% in 2006/07’.

Making the move to contracting for some does seem a little scary, and finding the best way to start out can be confusing, after all there is so much information out there it can often seem bewildering. To help with this SJD Accountancy has developed a simple to follow infographic (information graphic), that illustrates the options contractors have by explaining the steps they should consider before becoming a contractor, in a simple plain English guide.

The guide covers topics like how to build a great CV, surviving and succeeding at interviews, the advantages and disadvantages of become a contractor as well as a rundown on how best to operate either via an Umbrella company or through your own limited company.

To download SJD Accountancy’s free illustration of ‘How to become a Contractor’ please visit:

http://www.sjdaccountancy.com/how_become_contractor_infographic.html

SJD Accountancy

SJD have also won every relevant industry award possible, including:

The British Accountancy Award Winners 2011 for ‘Accountant of the Year’.
Winners of the Accountancy Age Awards for Excellence in 2007 and 2004, finalists in 2010 and all years since 2003.
Four time winners of the 'Best Contractor Accountant' award voted for by visitors to Contractor UK 2010 to 2007.
Winners of the "Sunday Times Best Small Companies to Work For in the UK" Award, achieving the highest position ever for a firm of accountants.
'Excellence in Customer Service' - Finalists National Chamber of Commerce Awards 2008.
'Business of the Year' - Finalists National Chamber of Commerce Awards 2008.
'Outstanding Three Star Status' - Best Companies Accreditation 2009.
Award for 'Customer Commitment' at the Institute of Customer Service UK Customer Satisfaction Awards 2011.
Deemed PCG Accredited Accountants and fully MSC compliant.
UK Customer Experience Award for 'Best Professional Team of the Year' 2011.

We offer all clients:

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

National Freelancers Day 2011

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:57:37 GMT

Now in its third successful year, the 23rd November 2011 celebrates National Freelancers Day.

National Freelancers Day offers up a number of different events, ranging from lectures, quizzes and webinars for those wanting to shape their business and who are interested in the freelance way of working.

The centrepiece of the day will be the freelance lecture entitled “Flexibility, capability, agility, compatibility - Let’s talk freelancing" organised by the Professional Contractors Group (PCG) – the voice of freelancing.

The seminar takes place at St Luke’s in London, home of the London Symphony Orchestra with the line up including presentations from:

Dr Karen Stephenson - renowned corporate anthropologist and former Pentagon adviser
Kamal Ahmed - Business Editor of the Sunday Telegraph and highly respected financial commentator
Professor Andrew Burke - research expert on freelancing and founding Director of the Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurial Performance and Economics at the Cranfield School of Management
John Brazier - Managing Director of PCG and founding member of the European Forum of Independent Professionals

Visit www.nationalfreelancersday.org.uk to buy your tickets now.

PCG continue their support for National Freelancers Day by offering free mastermind webinars. Users simply need to register for free on the PCG website to take part in sessions covering topics such as:

Freelancers and the changing world of work
Growing your freelance profile
Winning freelance work
Running a freelance business

SJD Accountancy, the UK’s largest accountancy firm to contractors and freelancers, are proud sponsors of the ‘Winning Freelance Work’ webinar. To learn more about the benefits of freelancing and contracting visit our PCG membership page.

To support National Freelancers Day, simply visit www.nationalfreelancersday.org.uk for more information.

SJD Accountancy

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

SJD Accountancy – National finalists ‘Excellence in Customer Service’ British Chamber Awards 2011

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 16:16:14 GMT

Continuing in their commitment to providing outstanding customer service, SJD Accountancy, the UK’s largest accountants to contractors with over 11,000 limited company contractors, were announced today as finalists in the ‘Excellence in Customer Service’ category by the British Chambers of Commerce.

If SJD are successful in winning this award, this will be SJD Accountancy’s third award for outstanding customer service excellence this year alone, having already won: ‘Best Professional Team of the Year’ at the UK Customer Experience awards and the ‘Customer Commitment’ award at the Institute of Customer Service UK Customer Satisfaction Awards.

The National Chamber Awards were launched by the British Chambers of Commerce in 2004, these awards acknowledge the success and achievements of its Accredited Chambers of Commerce and their members.

SJD Accountancy customer service director Charmaine Vallance – Poole commented: “The British Chambers of Commerce awards are one of the most prestigious awards which acknowledge the best in the business. We are privileged to be finalists in this category and without the fantastic team that we have at SJD this award would not be possible.”

Winners will be announced on the 24th November at the Chamber Awards Gala Dinner.

SJD Accountancy

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

Limited Company or Umbrella Company? New contractors app launched

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 13:03:14 GMT

SJD Accountancy, the UK’s largest accountants for contractors with over 11,000 limited company contractors today launch their latest iPhone application - Limited Company or Umbrella Company?

This quick and easy to use app helps contractors, freelancers, consultants or interims to understand which solution – trading through their own Limited Company or working through an Umbrella Company might be best for them. By simply answering 10 ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ questions users are presented with the best solution based on the answers given.

It takes no more than 60 seconds to complete and offers every user the option to book a FREE one to one meeting at the touch of a button to understand their options in greater detail.

To download the application, visit the SJD Accountancy ‘Limited Company or Umbrella Company iPhone app’ page:

http://www.sjdaccountancy.com/about/resources/limited_company_umbrella_company_iPhone_application.html

Or search ‘Limited or Umbrella’ on their iPhone in the App Store.

This is the second iPhone app from SJD Accountancy who in 2009 launched their iPhone Contractor Tax Calculator which went on to be voted one of the top 100 business applications.

SJD Accountancy

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

SJD Accountancy Wins Second National Customer Service Award in a Year

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:36:38 GMT

SJD Accountancy, the UK’s largest accountants for Contractors with over 10,000 limited company clients, were awarded the UK Customer Experience Award for ‘Best Professional Team of the Year’, beating off the likes of Shoosmiths, Citation and Pearl Linguistics.

It’s been an excellent year for awards for SJD, earlier this year they were awarded the UK Customer Satisfaction Award for ‘Customer Commitment’.

The UK Customer Experience awards acknowledge companies who focus purely on putting their customers and the service they provide at the very heart of their company.

On winning the award, Charmaine Vallance – Poole, Customer Service Director at SJD Accountancy commented, “SJD Accountancy has a long history of putting its customers first and winning awards for its service. Back in 2004 SJD won the Accountancy Age award for Excellence in Accounting, since then they have won several other such awards and commendations. The secret to SJD’s success is simple and is down to our interviewing process. We only hire people who are naturally passionate about providing great customer service. We find you either have customer services in your heart or you don’t, we obviously try our very hardest to only employ people who have customer services at their very core”.

As well as winning this award SJD has also won other Accountancy Age awards, Contractor voted awards from ‘Contractor UK’ as well as accolades from the Sunday Times Best Places to Work, the National Business Awards and National Customer Service Awards. In fact in their market, no other firm has won more awards for customer service and accounting excellence.

SJD Accountancy

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

SJD Accountancy announced as finalists in the UK Customer Experience Awards 2011

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:48:03 GMT

Continuing in their commitment to provide outstanding customer service to their clients, SJD Accountancy were announced today as finalists in the UK Customer Experience Awards 2011, in the ‘Professional Services and Research Agencies’ category.

Having won the Institute of Customer Service ‘Customer Commitment award’ back in March SJD Accountancy, the UK’s largest accountants to Contractors with over 10,000 Limited Company clients, continue to put customer service and client management at the forefront of everything they do.

The UK Customer Experience Awards, acknowledges companies who focus purely on putting customer service at the foundation of their company. Having been established back in 2010 the awards are endorsed by a number of leading professional and membership bodies including the Institute of Customer Service, the Society of Consumer Affairs International, the International Customer Service Institute and the Customer Experience Foundation.

Charmaine Vallance-Poole, Customer Services Director at SJD Accountancy, commented “The UK Customer Service award embodies the key message we enforce to our employees at SJD Accountancy every day, our priority and goal is always to make every single potential and existing client know they are our only priority, so to be acknowledged in this category is fantastic and a real credit to our fantastic employees”.

Other companies named as finalists include: Barclaycard, Nationwide Building Society, Legal & General, Everything Everywhere and EON. Winners will be announced on 8 July 2011.

SJD Accountancy

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

LinkedIn Video Podcast for Contractors

Wed, 2 Mar 2011 14:52:00 GMT

Visit the following link to view the video cast: http://www.sjdaccountancy.com/about/linkedIn_for_contractors.html

New LinkedIn video podcast launched to help Contractors make the most of LinkedIn.

With over 90 million users on LinkedIn, and still growing, LinkedIn can be a powerful channel for contractors to show case their skills and experience, but only if done correctly.

What originally started out as an idea in the living room of co-founder Reid Hoffman, later launched in May 2003. A year later LinkedIn hit its first millionth member and today is considered the top ‘business orientated social networking site’ all over the world increasing business opportunities for Contractors and Small Businesses.

Most Contractors understand the potential of LinkedIn and keep their profiles updated regularly, but there are many ways to further improve your chances of success. This is why SJD Accountancy, the UK’s largest accountancy firm to Contractors and Freelancers, with over 10,000 contractor clients, teamed up with the social business experts at Bright Beehive to create a complete FREE step by step video podcast specifically for contractors who want to make the most of LinkedIn.

The video cast offers advice on:

Winning business proactively using LinkedIn search facilities (Job, People and Company).
The value of a high visibility profile so that you can be found by clients looking for your skills.
Developing a highly visible profile by:
- Having a complete profile and updating your status regularly.
- Participating in LinkedIn Groups and Questions and Answers.
- Having a large network – with tips on how to grow your network fast.

Cormac, co-owner of Bright Beehive, commented “We were very excited to be commissioned by SJD Accountancy to develop a comprehensive video cast on how to make the most out of LinkedIn as a Contractor. There is very little information on the subject, and with so many people choosing contracting now, due to the reduction in full time permanent roles, the timing couldn’t be better. We are confident that this video cast will be hugely helpful and extremely popular within the contracting community.”

SJD Accountancy

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

30% Rise in Daily Rates for Oil and Gas Engineers and NEW Contractor Resource Centre Launched

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:26:17 GMT

The price per barrel of Crude Oil is currently around $100 per barrel (February 2011), predictions are that by 2020 it will rise to $350 per barrel (based on forecasts from the U.S Energy Information Administration). These predictions are based on the fact the Oil and Gas industry cannot keep up with worldwide demand and as a direct result the industry is rich with opportunities.

The rapid growth of new economies such as China and India, coupled with commodities traders bidding high, are the two largest reasons why demand is so high. Accelerating, both full time workers and contractors within the Oil and Gas job market.

It is expected over the next five years that £40 billion will be invested in developing new and existing fields in the North Sea, bringing 15,000 new positions. Due to the flexibility of most Oil and Gas projects, many roles in the Oil and Gas industry are being posted on a contract basis.

In 2010, daily rates for Oil and Gas contractors increased by 30%. Matt Underhill, managing director of Hays Oil & Gas, said contractor day rates were a good indicator of the state of the job market as they reacted quickly to short-term changes in demand for skills."To have an increase of this level shows the UK oil and gas industry is on a strong recovery curve following the tough times of 2008.”

Underhill also commented, "There is a definite risk of skill shortages in the UK oil and gas market and it has not gone unnoticed - 42.3% of UK based respondents believe the most significant issue the industry will have to tackle in the next 12 months is skill shortages.” This is positive news for contractors as they can demand higher daily rates due to the shortage of skilled candidates.

NEW Oil and Gas Resource Centre Launched to help Contractors

In response to this increase of demand for Oil and Gas contractors and the lack of an information hub on the Internet, SJD Accountancy, the UK’s largest accountants for contractors with more than 10,000 limited company contractor clients many of whom are Oil and Gas Engineers, have launched a new Oil and Gas Engineer Resource centre on its website to give advice to potential and existing Engineers looking to get into this growing industry.

The Resource centre will include clear, easy to read advice on: becoming an Oil and Gas Engineer, benefits of becoming an Oil and Gas engineer, rates of pay and finding a contract with Cheveron Texaco, Worldmald Tyco, Technip, Talisman, ConocoPhilips, Wood Group, Hydrasun, Subsea7, Shell, Exxon Mobil and BP.

In addition, the website has a wealth of resources for Contractors. There is simple to understand information on all the frequently asked questions about becoming a contractor, information on tax, and how to make the move from a permanent position to contracting.

For More Information please visit,

http://www.sjdaccountancy.com/about/ourservices/oil_and_gas_engineers.html

SJD Accountancy

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

Contractors given a helping hand to demystify Tax

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:03:42 GMT

SJD Accountancy, the UK’s largest accountants for contractors with more than 10,000 limited company contractor clients, first launched its ‘Contractor Tax Calculator’ back in December 2009.

Since the launch of this free handy little tax calculator app over 11,000 downloads have been made, the app has been ranked in the top 100 finance applications of the year, and it was most recently featured in ‘Exchange’ Orange telecom’s business customer magazine.

Two years on SJD Accountancy have re-vamped, upgraded and re-launched this clever app.
The free to download Contractor Tax Calculator iPhone application helps contractors to work out what tax might be due for any given daily rate. The upgrade allows users to vary the length of time for any given contract and also arrange a free meeting to discuss their contracting and tax plans.

With the record levels of permanent job cuts and drive for companies to use contract and temporary workers, it’s no surprise the tax calculator has been so popular.

Going limited, becoming a contractor and managing your tax affairs can be a daunting thought, however with the help of a good accountant it needed be too stressful. SJD Accountancy has extensive advice on their website about becoming a contractor, tax and career advice to help make the move from the world of the permanently employed to contracting as smooth as possible.

To download this application, or get the upgrade, contractors can visit the SJD Accountancy ‘iPhone Contractor Tax Calculator’ page:

http://www.sjdaccountancy.com/about/resources/contractor_tax_calculator_free_iPhone_application.html

Or search for ‘Contractor Calculator’ on their iPhone in the App Store. SJD Accountancy is also planning on launching the app on both Android phones and iPads.

SJD Accountancy

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

Increased Demand for Renewable Energy Contractors and NEW resource centre launched

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:17:27 GMT

Despite record levels of oil production and Brent crude breaking the $100 a barrel, Renewable Energy looks set to be the NEW boom.

Huge government and public pressure with regards to Climate Change is fuelling an increase in demand for both fulltime workers and contractors within the Renewable Energy job market. The main sources of renewable energy include: solar, geothermal and hydro-electric power and biomass.

Due to the flexible nature and resistance of some companies to take on the long term commitment of full time employees many roles for Renewable Energy are being posted on a contract basis.

According to Renewable Energy UK (REUK) the UK’s Wind Industry explains the industry is struggling to find workers with the correct skills and in 2009-2010, 26% of employers said they struggled to fill vacancies, up from only 3% in 2008-2009. This is favourable news for contractors as they can demand higher daily rates due to the shortage of good candidates.

Maria McCaffery MBE, chief executive of RenewableUK, said “Two conclusions from the results of this study are immediately obvious: this sector has withstood the negative GDP growth of the UK recession and bucked the overall employment trend in a spectacular way by a near doubling of the workforce.”

NEW Renewable Energy Engineer Information Centre Launched

In response to this rapidly growing sector and the lack of high quality information on the Internet, SJD Accountancy, the UK’s largest accountants for contractors with more than 10,000 limited company contractor clients many of whom are Oil and Gas and Renewable Energy Engineers, have launched a new Renewable Energy Engineer Resource centre on its website to give advice to potential and existing Engineers looking to get in this growing industry.

The Information centre includes clear and plain English advice on: how to get into Renewable Energy, what clients are looking for, how to secure a contract, what potential clients are looking for, rates of pay and the benefits of becoming a Renewable Energy Engineer.

In addition, the website has a wealth of knowledge for Contractors. There is simple to understand information on all the frequently asked questions about becoming a contractor, information on tax, and how to make the move from a permanent position to contracting.

For more information please visit:

SJD Accountancy

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

Customer satisfaction fuels record growth

Tue, 8 Feb 2011 11:28:35 GMT

With the threat of so many job cuts, pay freezes and the removal of employee benefits is it any wonder that more than 500,000 new businesses are started each year (according to the Federation of Small Businesses).

In line with these reports SJD Accountancy, the UK’s largest accountants for contractors who recorded a 70% rise in limited company contractors in 2010, have now been nominated as a finalist in the Institute of Customer Services UK Customer Satisfaction Awards 2011. So it seems the record growth to contracting was not only due to permanent employees becoming contractors but also due to SJD Accountancy’s commitment to customer service.

John Lewis, Virgin, First Direct and American Express have all been winners of customer service and customer satisfaction awards so when SJD Accountancy were announced as finalists in the ‘Customer Commitment’ category some people might have been surprised. After all accountancy and customer service may not seem like the most obvious of partners.

However there has been a revolution within accountancy, gone are the days of stuffy grey suited accountants. ‘Customers are king’ which is why last year SJD Accountancy hired its first ever Director of Customer Service. It’s rare for a firm of SJD’s size (they employ a little under 200 people) to hire such a person.

Charmaine Vallance Poole, Customer Services Director, commented “As you might guess, I’d say if you want to grow your business there are few things more important than providing high levels of customer service and exceeding customers expectations. This is why we were so pleased to be announced as finalists in these prestigious awards”.

SJD Accountancy are the only accountants to be nominated in this year’s awards.

Mike Faulkner, Chairman of Judges and architect of this new recognition programme explains: “These awards evolved from research carried out by the Institute of Customer Service into the fundamental elements of customer satisfaction. Having identified what is most important to customers, the Institute developed the UK Customer Satisfaction Index, a sector specific guide to customer satisfaction levels as voted for by the public. The awards element breaks down the sector barriers and reflects customer satisfaction on a pan-economy basis.

The awards are designed to recognise excellence and endeavour whilst projecting customer service as a business imperative that boardrooms across the land need to tackle. SJD Accountancy’s foresight in appointing a Customer Service Director indicates that it places customer service as a key business imperative, and indicates that service is more than a bolt-on business process; it is part of the organisation’s DNA. In these straightened times retaining customers and engaging with them takes on a new significance and all the finalists in this year’s awards are excelling in this arena”.

The winner of the Customer Commitment Award will be announced on 22nd March 2011.

If you enjoyed this story then visit our Contractor News page for all other news. To discuss this story further visit our SJD Accountancy Blog.

SJD Accountancy

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

SJD Accountancy Voted Best Accountant for Contractors in 2010

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:30:52 GMT

SJD Accountancy have been voted Best Contractor Accountant by ContractorUK readers in 2010.

ContractorUK is a comprehensive and highly-regarded source of information for IT contractors and has run their contractor survey over a number of years. The site continues to increase in popularity due to a changing work model, with a decrease in permanent roles and an increase in contractor positions.

The ContractorUK Readers Award poll provides a fascinating snapshot of contractor’s experiences and opinions. Through the poll it offers Contractors and Freelancers the opportunity to rate and voice their opinion on which industry service providers are continuing to keep high service levels at the core of what they do.

Simon Dolan, Managing Director of SJD Accountancy said “We are extremely grateful to all our clients who voted for SJD Accountancy. Our SJD Accountancy team really do have one goal and that’s to provide outstanding service to all our clients. To be acknowledged for this award for a further year means everything to the company and the employees to know they did not let them down.”

SJD Accountancy

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

Death of the Permanent Job

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:37:47 GMT

Record rise in limited companies created as UK workforce diversifies

SJD Accountancy have seen an unprecedented 70% rise in the number of contractors coming into the market and going limited.

SJD manage the tax affairs of over 10,000 limited companies put the increase down to factors including ongoing pressure to cut costs and remove permanent headcount in the private sector.

According to figures from YouGov, around a third of the UK workforce would like to create their own company. Unemployment, graduates struggling to secure jobs, the virtual demise of final salary pensions, job security and zero percentage wage rises, is pushing many people’s hands.

Simon Dolan managing director of SJD Accountancy comments, “Historically, the contractor and freelancer market has been dominated by IT contractors. However, in the past few years there has been a shift in that we are seeing many traditionally permanent job roles being converted into contract positions including HR, sales, marketing, healthcare and engineering.

Currently, nearly 50% of all new clients are from sectors outside of IT. With permanent jobs no longer making people feel secure within their roles, we feel the future will see a lot more people wanting to take back control by contracting or setting up their own company, as has been shown throughout 2010”.

For more information on contracting visit: www.sjdaccountancy.com/information/benefits_advantages_contracting.html for a full breakdown.

SJD Accountancy

Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!

You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:

Contractors are the ideal solution!

Wed, 5 Jan 2011 15:30:57 GMT

Flexible temporary workforce are ideal solution for nervous employers

Chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation Kevin Green commented this week that ‘fragile’ confidence among employers will continue to create work opportunities for contractors and freelancers, adding that many hirers would look to the ‘temporary’ jobs market to meet staffing demands, due to nervousness about taking on permanent staff. He also stated, “Many recruiters have already identified the challenge of finding suitably skilled candidates for some of the specific opportunities that are starting to open up, particularly in IT and engineering. Temporary, contract and interim work will continue to provide an important means for businesses to meet increasing customer demand."

If you enjoyed our Contractors are ideal solution story then visit our Contractor News page for all other news

If you have any queries or would like further advice please do not hesitate to contact us on 0500 152500/ 01442 275789 or email: rachel@sjdaccountancy.com

Scottish contractor demand at highest level since Summer 2010

Wed, 5 Jan 2011 15:27:11 GMT

The Bank of Scotland’s latest Report on Jobs shows that demand for contractors in Scotland in November was at the highest level since June 2010. IT and computing were first and second placed in the Bank’s ‘strength of demand’ table, with engineering and construction coming in third and fourth. Contractor recruitment agencies that contributed to this report confirmed that vacancies in these sectors grew at ‘a marked rate’. Increased activity in the offshore renewable's and oil and gas sectors appear to account for this surge in contractor demand, especially as Aberdeen saw the same high rates of both permanent and temporary appointments as Edinburgh.

Rates for contractors experienced a sharp improvement from October, with an increase that was above the average for the rest of the UK - and recruiters put this down to shortages of suitable candidates with specialist skills. Chief Economist at Bank of Scotland Donald MacRae stated that the findings were a “welcome improvement in the labour market, and one that confirms that Scotland is almost closing the gap with the rest of the UK.”

If you enjoyed our Scottish Contractor story then visit our Contractor News page for all other news

If you have any queries or would like further advice please do not hesitate to contact us on 0500 152500/ 01442 275789 or email: rachel@sjdaccountancy.com

Survey indicates positive outlook in 2011 amongst IT workforce

Wed, 5 Jan 2011 15:24:44 GMT

IT workers were asked to rate how Britain’s computer jobs market will fare over the next 12 months, during a survey by recruitment agency IntaPeople. More than a third of those interviewed believed the market will improve slightly, with a further 9% stating that it will improve significantly - suggesting that almost half think it is on a positive trajectory. A further 27% expected no change at all, meaning that less than a quarter felt there was a possibility of a reduction on the state of the market. IntaPeople commented that a number of major IT projects were being set in motion in 2011, including the migration from XP to Windows 7 and the switchover to cloud computing, adding,“The predominantly positive outlook of IT professionals suggests that they recognise the importance of IT as businesses prepare themselves for an upturn in the economy.”

If you enjoyed our 2011 positive for IT workforce story then visit our Contractor News page for all other news.

If you have any queries or would like further advice please do not hesitate to contact us on 0500 152500/ 01442 275789 or email: rachel@sjdaccountancy.com

30% of new jobs go to Freelancers and Contractors throughout 2010

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:17:47 GMT

In the most recent Work Audit, which has just been published by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), figures indicate that the demand for freelancers and contractors has been very strong during 2010 – with almost a third of all new jobs created in the UK between January and September going to self employed people. The total number of jobs created by the economy during this time was 350,000 meaning that well over 100,000 new freelance or contract opportunities became available during the first nine months of the year. Other figures announces indicated that the under 35s were ‘most likely to be hired by an employer’ as around two-thirds of all jobs went to people of this age. Interestingly, the next most successful bracket was the over 50s.

If you enjoyed our 2010 jobs go to Contractors story then visit our Contractor News page for all other news.

If you have any queries or would like further advice please do not hesitate to contact us on 0500 152500/ 01442 275789 or email: jaime.thorpe@sjdaccountancy.com

IT Contractor demand grows in November 2010

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:12:12 GMT

According to the latest KPMG/REC Report on Jobs, growth in demand for IT contractors increased in November 2010, and billings by contractors and freelancers also rose during the same time period. It appears that organisations are investing in new capacity to take advantage of the economic recovery, and are looking to this skilled flexible workforce to create low risk, short-term capacity. KPMG Partner and Head of Business Services Bernard Brown stated, “This is very encouraging news, with the data suggesting that a turning point for the UK jobs market may have been reached as employers across the board are recruiting more people. Confidence among employers is clearly growing as many firms now look to growth in 2011.”

If you enjoyed our IT Contractor Growth story then visit our Contractor News page for all other news.

If you have any queries or would like further advice please do not hesitate to contact us on 0500 152500/ 01442 275789 or email: jaime.thorpe@sjdaccountancy.com

Contractors vital to Recovery

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 14:10:08 GMT

According to international consulting firm McKinsey, contractors are a ‘vital component’ in taking the UK back to prosperity. The organisation states that the UK’s productivity lags well behind the USA and Germany, and that this issue must be addressed by building a flexible workforce that better aligns skills with industry need, whilst at the same time investing in infrastructure and removing regulatory barriers. To this end, McKinsey has created a plan that recommends seven actions to achieve what it refers to as a ‘move from near-term austerity to long-term prosperity’. This plan advocates unlocking infrastructure investment, requiring huge sums to be poured into the UK’s transport and energy infrastructure, which would in turn provide a long term and growing source of contracts for engineering, construction and energy contractors - plus those that support them, such as IT contractors.

If you enjoyed our Contractors vital to Recovery story then visit our Contractor News page for all other news.

If you have any queries or would like further advice please do not hesitate to contact us on 0500 152500/ 01442 275789 or email: jaime.thorpe@sjdaccountancy.com

High Demand for IT Contractors in Insurance

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:19:28 GMT

Actuarial IT professionals working in the insurance sector are receiving pay rises of up to 50% as insurers upgrade their systems to be fully compliant with new regulatory standards. ReThink Recruitment says that actuaries with IT skills working on Solvency II projects are earning up to £900 per day, which is the equivalent to around £225,000 a year. There has been a massive increase in demand for IT contractors as insurers prepare for the Solvency II requirements, due to come into effect 31 December 2012.

The Solvency II regulations will impose new capital adequacy and risk management requirements, which will require insurers to update their internal risk models, databases and reporting systems – all of which will require investment in IT. ReThink says that skilled candidates are increasingly receiving offers of 50 per cent or more on their existing pay.

Guy Stubbing at ReThink said, “The rush to comply with Solvency II has created enormous demand for suitably skilled candidates. Many of the people we are placing are hybrid IT people. They are part-qualified actuaries who have IT skills in areas like risk modelling and reporting systems. Insurers will need new or enhanced risk management systems. For many this will mean building bespoke IT systems.”

If you enjoyed our IT Insurance Contractors story then visit our Contractor News page for all other news.

If you have any queries or would like further advice please do not hesitate to contact us on 0500 152500/ 01442 275789 or email: rachel@sjdaccountancy.com

Branson comments that ‘freelancer's are the future’

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 12:17:32 GMT

A recent poll conducted by freelancer support website OfficeCavalry.com announced that Virgin founder Sir Richard Branson is the number one British business figure most looked up to.

Topping the 5,000 contractor poll, ahead of Lord Alan Sugar of Amstrad of The Apprentice fame, and X-Factor guru Simon Cowell. Leading business figures Sir Terry Leahy, Dame Anita Roddick, Sir Stuart Rose and Sir Philip Green came next in the poll, ahead of James Dyson, Bernie Ecclestone and Peter Jones. Andy Turner, co-founder of OfficeCavalry.com, said Brits are "clearly inspired" by the true vision of these business figures, many of whom started from humble beginnings.

"Determination and ambition to become your own boss clearly plays a part and it's encouraging to see that an increasing number of Brit's are opting for a freelance lifestyle," he commented. Mr Turner noted that there are currently 1.4 million contractors in the UK, up 14 per cent on the total number working in this way in 1998.

If you enjoyed our Freelancer's are the Future story then visit our Contractor News page for all other news.

If you have any queries or would like further advice please do not hesitate to contact us on 0500 152500/ 01442 275789 or email: rachel@sjdaccountancy.com

Freelance and Interim Managers offer unique experience and skill set

Thu, 2 Dec 2010 17:36:09 GMT

Doug Baird, Managing Director of employment experts Interim Partners, said this week that freelance managers can play a vital role in encouraging small business growth. He stated, “These companies can benefit hugely from the experience of high-calibre senior managers, who can make an enormous difference to profitability and growth prospects. Interims also leave a legacy in the business because the permanent staff can learn so much from them while they are there.” Mr Baird also said that contracted managers are experienced in integrating into a new business culture and identifying low-risk opportunities for enhancing profitability, adding "Those skills are not always available from senior executives that spend ten or 15 years at each job that they do.”

At the same time, Managing Director of the PCG John Brazier also commented that the “... worth, skill and flexibility of freelancers is being appreciated and seen as a necessity by businesses throughout the UK.”

If you enjoyed our Interim Managers story then visit our Contractor News page for all other news.

If you have any queries or would like further advice please do not hesitate to contact us on 0500 152500/ 01442 275789 or email: jaime.thorpe@sjdaccountancy.com

Contracting is the way forward - According to futurologist

Thu, 2 Dec 2010 14:22:57 GMT

Speaking at the first-ever Freelance Lecture at Stationers’ Hall in London on National Freelancer’s Day this week, futurologist Dr James Bellini stated that the ‘age of the job’ is ending. According to Dr Bellini, contractors will enter the mainstream and the traditional office will become a thing of the past, as enabling technologies fundamentally change work patterns.

Contractor Calculator CEO Dave Chaplin, who was in the invited audience, commented, “Bellini pointed out that in the pre-industrial age the vast majority of the population were flexible workers. He showed that, as the contracting model gains greater acceptance and enabling technology becomes further embedded, freelancers and contractors will ‘work from where they prefer to live’, rather than ‘live where they need to work’, returning to the model of the pre-industrial age. Bellini uses a vocabulary to describe new ways of working. He says we’re entering the age of ‘Egonomics’, where no one has a real job, and ‘Giganomics’, where contractors create virtual teams for a sequence of ‘gigs’, and disband once the project is done.”

If you enjoyed our Contracting is the way Forward story then visit our Contractor News page for all other news.

If you have any queries or would like further advice please do not hesitate to contact us on 0500 152500/ 01442 275789 or email: jaime.thorpe@sjdaccountancy.com

David Cameron recognises the value of Contractors

Thu, 2 Dec 2010 14:19:24 GMT

In a letter to the PCG, formerly known as the Professional Contractors Group, Prime minster David Cameron has offered his support to the UK's contracting community, a move which confirms the Government’s support for contractors and freelancers and hopefully paves the way for more tangible support in the future. He told the group, “I can’t tell you how much admiration I have for people who leave the comfort of a regular wage to strike out on their own. It takes a lot of courage – and without that courage this country would be a much poorer place. The 1.4 million freelancers in our country make a massive contribution to our economy. More and more people are choosing freelancing, recognising that it strikes the right balance between work and life in the 21st century and as we go for economic growth this government is getting right behind them."

In response, leading journalist Damian Reece, the Daily Telegraph's business editor, also gave his backing to the UK’s contracting workforce, praising its contribution to the national economy. Mr Reece claimed that all too often, the Labour government viewed freelancer's as ‘an inconvenience’ and told readers that the entire country should rally behind the contracting sector, as the coalition government is doing.

If you enjoyed our David Cameron story then visit our Contractor News page for all other news.

If you have any queries or would like further advice please do not hesitate to contact us on 0500 152500/ 01442 275789 or email: jaime.thorpe@sjdaccountancy.com

New research indicates that demand for IT Contractors is rising

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:43:47 GMT

Figures from new research by JobsAdWatch indicate that IT contractors operating in the UK are seeing an increased demand for their services, with vacancies for IT professionals rising steadily over the past five quarters. Over 80% of contract vacancies are currently in the South. Commenting on the figures, George Molyneaux of Salary Services said, “There has been a steady increase in the demand for freelance IT personnel, with increases in each of the last three quarters.” This follows claims from CWJobs.co.uk that not enough UK students are graduating with the necessary skills for an IT career, meaning that demand for contractors and freelancers with the appropriate experience will increase.

If you enjoyed our IT Contractors Rising story then visit our Contractor News page for all other news.

If you have any queries or would like further advice please do not hesitate to contact us on 0500 152500/ 01442 275789 or email: jaime.thorpe@sjdaccountancy.com