View Full Version : Outsourcing/subcontracting
Can anyone give me some advice on the subject ot outsourcing or subcontracting work. I currently work on my own, but my growing workload has prompted me to think about passing some of the work on. I would be pleased to hear any advice anyone can give.<BR><BR>Thank you in advance<BR>
Hi Sheelagh,<BR><BR>Where abouts are you based? I am a MIP just starting out and to find a person like you would be a great advantage. I am trying to build up a client base from scratch and it really is a slow process. How did you manage to get so many clients? I have advertised but found it useless and having spoke to different people I understand that it's more word of mouth that brings the business in. Are you looking for somebody local or would you be happy to rely on the post or courier ?<BR>Andrea.
Ladyp<BR><BR>I am in North East Hampshire. Where are you?<BR>It can be a very slow process. I do the bookkeeping/accounts admin work rather than tax and final accounts. Most new businesses think of an accountant before they think about more regular and indepth help that comes with bookkeeping. Bookkeeping does take longer to do than final accounts, so bookkeepers tend not to need so many clients. My trouble is that if I agree to take a new client it usually means many extra hours work for the first few weeks until I have set up systems and cleared backlogs. This is the area I need help with.<BR><BR>At the moment I am in limbo while I decide whether I want the additional responsibilty of using sub contractors. There are many legal and practical issues to consider and I am asking for the view of others to help me understand the pitfalls and benefits.<BR><BR>In the meantime I am quite keen to meet with anyone in my area to whom I could either subcontract to, or simply refer prespective new clients to.<BR><BR>In the past I have appointed someone to help me with marketing my business. It didn't cost much, but she really helped me to understand how to market my services. It might be worth you considering a marketing consultant, or making an appointment with your local Business Link/ Enterprise Trust who offer free advice to small and start up businesses.<BR>Good luck <BR>
Hi Sheelagh<BR><BR>What are the main legal areas that are an issue with subcontracting?<BR><BR>Thanks<BR><BR>Neil
These are a few areas I have been advised to consider<BR>1) Adequate additional PI Cover<BR>2) Good quality contracts , both with clients and the subbie<BR>3) MLRO regulations<BR><BR>
Hi Sheelagh<BR><BR>Have you been given any advice on IR35?<BR><BR>Neil
Neil<BR><BR>Not yet, what di you havein mind?<BR><BR>Sheelagh
Hi<BR><BR>Nothing particular but incidently the buisness link website has information on subcontracting.<BR><BR><a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?r.l2=1073858914&r.l1=1073858787&r.s=tl&topicId=1074450367">www.businesslink.gov.uk</a><BR><BR>Having dug a bit deeper it appears that the issues of IR35 fall to the sub contractor and having thought about how an accountant would subcontract, it may not be an issue.<BR><BR>Neil
The IR35 issue is indeed a difficult area to interpret. It's almost as if you have to learn it by osmosis - more a bunch of concepts and interpretations than fixed rules. I've read a lot about IR35 lately and it would seem that many cases are based on weighing up various aspects of how the individual business relationship works.<BR>Watch my new thread.
I have recently passed the Technician level, and work from home doing some book-keeping for an accountant. If you require any assistance, let me know. I live in the Basingstoke area.
Thanks
Hi Mia,
Thanks for your message. Would you like to send me an email on sheelagh@smbb.co.uk, then I will have your contact details on file for easier future reference. Do you go to any of the Basingstoke Branch meetings. I couldn't go tonight, but maybe I will meet you there another day.
Sheelagh
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