Mini Umbrella Companies in 2026: What Every Recruitment Agency Needs to Know
By Paul Gatenby When it comes to payroll, most recruitment agencies have one simple objective – make sure contractors are paid accurately, on time and compliantly. Yet, in 2026, one of the biggest risks facing agencies isn’t payroll processing itself. It’s who is processing your payroll. HMRC continues to crack down on Mini Umbrella Companies […]
Read MoreWhy Contractor Take-Home Pay Isn’t What You Expect (And What To Check)
When a contractor accepts a new assignment, the first thing they often focus on is the advertised day rate. £250 a day. £400 a day. £600 a day. But the reality is that the amount that lands in their bank account can be very different from the headline figure. For both contractors and recruitment agencies, […]
Read MoreHow Honest Payroll Helps Accountancy Firms Scale Efficiently:
We Deliver Specialist Payroll Support for Accountants Who Want to Focus on Growth. Payroll has become one of the most complex and time-consuming services an accountancy firm can offer. From RTI submissions and auto-enrolment pensions to CIS deductions, statutory payments and ever-changing HMRC regulations, payroll requires constant attention, technical expertise and absolute accuracy. For many […]
Read MoreHow Honest Payroll Specialist Contractor Insurance with AVIVA Helps Agencies Protect Their Workforce and Gain a Competitive Edge
In today’s contractor market, agencies are under increasing pressure to do more than simply place talent. Contractors expect stronger support, greater protection and genuine investment in their wellbeing — particularly when working internationally, offshore or in higher-risk environments. At Honest Payroll, we recognised that agencies needed a more complete workforce solution. That’s why we partnered […]
Read MoreUmbrella vs PAYE vs Limited Company: The Straightforward Guide Contractors Actually Need
For contractors entering the market in 2026, there’s no shortage of information about how to get paid. The problem is, much of it is confusing, contradictory, or oversimplified. Umbrella company.PAYE.Limited company. Most contractors have heard the terms. But many are still unsure which option is right for them, how IR35 affects the decision, or why […]
Read MoreA New Standard in Contractor Payroll Transparency
The Changing Landscape for Contractor Payments From April 2026, the UK contractor and recruitment landscape is entering a new phase of scrutiny. With increasing focus from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), agencies are being asked tougher questions: Are workers being paid correctly? Are tax liabilities being handled properly? Can you evidence compliance before something goes wrong? Historically, many […]
Read MoreContractor Payroll Compliance Checklist: A Practical Guide for Contractors and Recruitment Agencies
Payroll shouldn’t be complicated. But for many contractors and recruitment agencies, it often is. With increasing regulation, evolving compliance expectations, and greater visibility across recruitment supply chains, payroll has become more than just processing payments — it’s now a key part of risk management, trust, and contractor experience. The challenge is that issues don’t always […]
Read MoreThe Future of Contractor Payroll in the UK: What Contractors & Agencies Should Prepare For (2026 Update)
The world of contractor payroll in the UK has changed significantly over the past decade. From IR35 reforms to increased compliance requirements across recruitment supply chains, both contractors and agencies now face a more complex landscape than ever before. And the changes are far from over. From April 2026, new regulatory developments linked to Making […]
Read MoreCIS + MTD: The Double Compliance Burden Hitting Your Contractors in 2026.
By Paul Gatenby, February 2025 If you’re a recruitment agency running a CIS desk, your contractors are about to get hit with a “Compliance Double-Whammy.” HMRC is layering Making Tax Digital (MTD) right on top of existing CIS requirements. If your subcontractors aren’t prepared, your supply chain is at risk. Here’s the honest truth […]
Read MoreMTD 2026: The 60-Day Countdown. Stop Panicking, Start Prepping.
By Paul Gatenby, February 2025 The “once-a-year” tax return is officially on its deathbed. From April 6, 2026, HMRC is changing the rules of the game for high-earning contractors. If you aren’t digital, you aren’t compliant. No more shoeboxes of receipts; no more “dealing with it in January.” If you earned over £50,000 in […]
Read MoreInternational Contractor Payroll in 2026: The Myths That Could Leave You (and Your Clients) Exposed
By Paul Gatenby, Global Account Director. January 2026 With new UK payroll and compliance laws coming into effect in April 2026, there is still widespread confusion among international contractors and the agencies and end clients that engage them – about what the rules actually mean. One of the most dangerous assumptions we hear is: “If […]
Read MoreHow Specialist Insurance Transformed Our Agency Partner’s Payroll: Why It Gives Them a Competitive Edge
By Paul Gatenby, 18th December 2025 When you’re managing an offshore workforce operating across multiple countries (often in high-risk or remote locations) gaps in payroll or insurance coverage aren’t just inconvenient. They’re expensive, time-consuming, and can put both contractors and projects at risk. In Q3 2025, our Agency Partner approached Honest Payroll looking for […]
Read MoreThe Honest Contractor’s Guide: 5 Non-Negotiable Questions Before You Contract Abroad
By Paul Gatenby, Global Account Director, Honest Payroll The call of an international contract is powerful: better rates, exciting projects, and a new city. It’s a dream move. But the reality is, landing a contract abroad involves more than just booking a flight—it involves navigating a complex web of international tax laws, residency rules, […]
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