We’re incredibly proud to report that Focused has been recognised as Best Umbrella Company (1,000 – 3,000 clients) at The Contracting Awards 2026. The Contracting Awards celebrate excellence across the UK contracting industry, and are judged by an independent panel of experts, who assess those shortlisted on key areas including contractor care and compliance. To …
Continue reading…
In today’s compliance-driven umbrella market, trust isn’t something you can assume. It has to be proven, consistently. Across the UK, many of the largest Managed Service Providers (MSPs) operate carefully controlled Preferred Supplier Lists (PSLs). These lists are built through detailed due diligence, carefully selecting umbrella companies that meet strict standards around compliance, transparency and …
Continue reading…
Each year, International Women’s Day brings people across the world together to celebrate the achievements of women and to accelerate gender equality. The 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights a powerful idea: when we invest in others through time, knowledge, opportunity, and advocacy we all benefit. In preparation for this year’s celebration, we spoke with …
Continue reading…
As a Focused umbrella employee, you have free access to our exclusive rewards programme. Enjoy discounts, cashback, and special offers at hundreds of retailers and service providers, from well-known high street names to unique independent brands. We’ve handpicked some of our favourite deals for you. Please, note that all offers are subject to change and …
Continue reading…
For recruitment agencies who engage with umbrella companies, preparation plans in relation to Joint and Several Liability (JSL) should already be in motion. And that is the case for some of the larger agencies. We’re already seeing them reviewing supply chains and tightening Preferred Supplier Lists (PSLs), however others are planning to address it closer …
Continue reading…
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, delivered a Budget on 26 November that has already generated considerable debate, partly because of the OBR’s Economic and Fiscal Forecast being released ahead of schedule. Even so, the Chancellor set out her plans with a focus on “rebuilding the economy,” underpinned by earlier commitments to reduce borrowing and restore confidence …
Continue reading…
At Focused, we’re always looking for ways to celebrate the incredible work of our umbrella employees, and recently one of them achieved something truly remarkable. Anjali Nagaraj, a Site Reliability Engineering contractor, was awarded ‘Best Mentor’ at the Women in Tech Employer Awards 2025! We’re proud to shine a spotlight on her accomplishment and took …
Continue reading…
At Focused, we believe transparency, compliance and trust aren’t just “a nice to have”, they’re non-negotiable. That’s why we’ve taken the step to become a SafeRec certified umbrella company. What does SafeRec offer? SafeRec isn’t just another umbrella company accreditation badge. It’s a continuous compliance framework that provides real-time payslip and RTI auditing whilst also …
Continue reading…
As a Focused umbrella employee, you have free access to our exclusive rewards programme. Enjoy discounts, cashback, and special offers at hundreds of retailers and service providers, from well-known high street names to unique independent brands. We’ve pulled together some of our favourite deals this month. Please remember, all offers are subject to change and …
Continue reading…
The Government’s draft legislation has been a hot topic in recent weeks. The consultation period has now closed, and HMRC published further guidance on umbrella company tax legislation. This shows that policymakers are listening to stakeholders and remain committed to reform. Final legislation is expected before the end of the year. The changes create a …
Continue reading…
After a long wait, the Government has finally published draft tax legislation aimed at alleviating non-compliance in the umbrella company market. These measures, outlined in the Finance Bill 2026, represent an important first step toward regulation of this part of the temporary labour market. Recruitment agencies, end clients, umbrella companies, and contractors will all be …
Continue reading…
On 1st July, the Government released a detailed roadmap for introducing the Employment Rights Bill (ERB). Originally conceived in 2024, the ERB is still moving through Parliament, but this roadmap gives a clearer picture of when and how the new rules will be introduced. Although the bill hasn’t yet received Royal Assent, the Government has …
Continue reading…
Following prolonged uncertainty, HMRC has finally outlined its strategy for cracking down on non-compliance in the umbrella company market. In March 2025, the Government issued its response to the consultation on “Tackling Non-Compliance in the Umbrella Company Market.” It confirmed plans to adopt Option 3—placing tax responsibility on the employment business that supplies workers to …
Continue reading…
With so many different umbrella companies out there, how do you know which one to trust? Which ones are operating in the most compliant way? This is where FCSA accreditation emerges as a great benchmark to help inform your decision. Compliance: staying on the right side Continuous changes to employment and tax legislation highlight the …
Continue reading…
As the Employment Rights Bill progresses through Parliament, it’s vital for recruitment agencies and umbrella companies to assess how the proposed changes could affect contractor employment. With significant changes on their way, agencies must ensure they are working with reliable and compliant umbrella companies to handle any adjustments smoothly. One of the standout proposed changes …
Continue reading…
The contractor life beckons with its flexibility and control. But let’s be honest, navigating the world of payments, taxes, and paperwork can feel overwhelming. Enter Focused, the umbrella company you can rely on, here to simplify your contractor journey by offering prompt and accurate payment, without fail. No unexpected tax bills We handle your income …
Continue reading…
Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement was never meant to be an “emergency Budget” – and it wasn’t. She acknowledged global uncertainty but reaffirmed Labour’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, economic stability, and prioritising working people. Last October, the Chancellor clarified that her annual autumn Budget would include any tax measures, while the Spring Statement would serve …
Continue reading…
The Government published a policy paper on 30th October concluding the “tackling non-compliance in the umbrella company market” consultation. The new measures were proposed after a comprehensive consultation involving both the previous government and stakeholders in the labour supply industry. This collaboration was key to HMRC acknowledging that compliant umbrella companies play a positive role …
Continue reading…
As highlighted in our previous ‘conclusion of the umbrella consultation’ article, as of April 2026 the responsibility for PAYE and NI liability is moving to the agency closest to the client in the supply chain. This means agencies will be responsible if the umbrella company operating their payroll on their behalf fails to pay the …
Continue reading…
We are so proud to announce that Focused has won Best Umbrella Company (500 – 1,000 clients) at The Contracting Awards 2024. This year marked the inaugural Contracting Awards for Focused and it was one to remember, beating eight other leading providers to be named Best Umbrella Company in our category. These awards establish the …
Continue reading…
All Focused umbrella employees have exclusive access to our free Rewards incentive full of incredible cashback and savings deals, perfect during this festive season. From cosy homeware to perfect gifts, we have pulled together a few of our favourites below. Terms and conditions apply to all offers and availability is subject to change. Focused Rewards …
Continue reading…
The Government published a policy paper on 30th October concluding the “tackling non-compliance in the umbrella company market” consultation. The new measures were proposed after a comprehensive consultation involving both the previous government and stakeholders in the labour supply industry. This collaboration was key to HMRC acknowledging that compliant umbrella companies play a positive role …
Continue reading…
In the first Budget to be delivered by the Labour Party in 15 years, Chancellor Rachel Reeves cited a £40 billion ‘black hole’ in the nation’s finances as a reason for immediate change which included: A means-tested Winter Fuel Allowance. Increased capital borrowing flexibility for investments aimed at promoting economic growth. Introduction of VAT on …
Continue reading…
The Government introduced their Employment Rights Bill on October 10th, within 100 days of their arrival to office. The bill is more extensive than expected and while some measures are expected to come into force in 2025 others aren’t expected until 2026. We also saw the release of the ‘Next Steps to Make Work Pay’ …
Continue reading…
Labour introduced its key Employment Rights Bill to the Commons (on the 10th October), aimed at benefiting both the economy and employees by reducing unfair practices in the workplace and granting employees access to rights earlier in their career. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner stated, “This government is delivering the biggest upgrade to rights at …
Continue reading…
With only weeks to go until the Autumn Statement on 30th October, the industry is keeping an eye out for any hints about what measures will be discussed. One thing that was discussed at the Labour Party Conference which took place in September by both the Prime Minister and Chancellor was their firm stance on …
Continue reading…
As a Focused umbrella employee, you can access our Rewards incentive for free, which offers discounts on a wide range of retailers, from high street stores to supermarkets. We recently browsed through the thousands of offers available to highlight some of our favourites, which you can find below. Please note that T&Cs may apply to …
Continue reading…
The Chancellor of the Exchequer has announced that her first Budget will be on the 30th October and it will be the only one of the year. Moving forward, one annual budget will now be the norm. In place of the usual Spring and Autumn statements. Labour have already promised not to increase headline taxes …
Continue reading…
We are thrilled to announce that Focused has been nominated for Best Umbrella Company (500 – 1000 clients) at The Contracting Awards 2024. These awards celebrate excellence among contractor suppliers in the UK. Our nomination is a testament to our three core promises to contractors: that they can rely on us, that we care, and …
Continue reading…
In the world of contracting, possessing a diverse skill set helps to set them apart. Contractors benefit from a mix of technical proficiency, people skills, and industry-specific knowledge. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your expertise, here are skills every contractor should work on. Technical Proficiency Whether you’re in IT, construction, marketing, …
Continue reading…
With the Labour Party’s recent victory in the July General Election, to gauge what the future might hold the industry is speculating on what the Government’s promises mean for contractors, particularly those concerning taxation and employment. Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves wasted no time addressing the state of the nation’s finances in her statement to the …
Continue reading…
Securing contract work presents a unique challenge compared to landing a permanent position. Contractors often face a single shot at making a lasting impression, typically clinching roles after just one interview. With competition intensifying, especially in today’s climate, it’s imperative to go all out in both discovering and securing that next contract. Here are our …
Continue reading…
Today, the Government unveiled its response to the eagerly awaited Consultation regarding the future regulation of the umbrella market. Contrary to industry expectations, the release did not set out fully formed proposals but rather explained HMRC’s preferred direction of travel. In the summary of tax technical changes, Government committed to deliver a comprehensive response to …
Continue reading…
As the 2024/25 UK tax year has now begun, it’s pivotal for both individuals and businesses to stay up to date with the latest alterations in tax regulations. Let’s get into the significant changes that could impact your financial strategies and responsibilities: National Insurance (NI) adjustments: In a bid to alleviate the tax burden for …
Continue reading…
Your tax-free personal allowance is split up across 52 tax weeks and tax weeks are periods of 7 days which follow on from each other starting on 6 April each year. So, the first tax week is 6 April to 12 April inclusive, the second tax week is 13 April to 19 April inclusive, and …
Continue reading…
Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt unfurled his Spring 2024 Budget, which was, packed with proposals aimed at strengthening sustainable growth in the UK economy. However, amidst the fanfare, the question looms: is this budget crafted for enduring growth, or is it a strategic maneuvre tailored for the upcoming general election? The budget unveiled an …
Continue reading…
It’s always good to gain insight on the doo’s and don’ts from contractors who have been working in the sector for a while. We recently had the opportunity to speak with a few, gaining some valuable insights which we’ve summarised for you below. Naive negotiating You’ve probably already honed in on what skills you have …
Continue reading…
Working from home is part and parcel for many, with the office of national statistics reporting that almost half of the UK opt to work hybrid or fully remote. But how can you turn a limited space full of distractions in to an area for productivity. See our tips below. Designate an area A good …
Continue reading…
Yesterday, Jeremy Hunt, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, presented the anticipated outlook for the UK economy, emphasizing the government’s focus on five key areas: reducing national debt, cutting taxes to reward hard work, supporting British businesses, developing sustainable energy sources domestically, and delivering top-notch education. While the Chancellor spared us the exhaustive details of the …
Continue reading…
If you’re thinking about taking the leap into the world of contracting, or have just begun your journey it can be daunting. So, to help you along the way here are some helpful tips to remember when starting out as a contractor. All feedback is useful Positive feedback is always nice to hear, whereas sometimes …
Continue reading…
In recent years we have seen a meteoric rise in social media, including companies turning to social media to attract customers. If utilised effectively, these can be a fantastic tool for contractors too. However, LinkedIn stands above the rest in terms of effectiveness for contractors. In this article we cover some key elements to get …
Continue reading…
This is an important Brexit-related alert for European, EEA and Swiss nationals and those who hold immigration status as the non-European family members of such nationals. Freedom of movement rights for EU, European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals (and their non-European family members) ended on 31 December 2020 (the end of the Brexit transition …
Continue reading…
The introduction of the off-payroll working legislation from April 2020 means that limited company contractors in the private sector may find themselves in unfamiliar territory as their choice to work in this way may be taken away from them. Some end clients are making blanket decisions that all of their contract positions are inside IR35 …
Continue reading…
Here at Focused we are now into our 15th year of trading! 2003….. Concorde made its last flight, Love Actually was on at the cinema, the Black Eyed Peas had the number one song of the year with ‘Where is the love’ and the iPhone, YouTube and Facebook were still yet to take over the …
Continue reading…
Chancellor Philip Hammond made a positive statement about the state of the UK economy in his Autumn Budget, although most in the press focused on the reduction in the growth forecast. He did however point to high employment levels, decreasing debt and opportunities for UK business, and the various measures to be introduced to assist …
Continue reading…
As you may already be aware yesterday the Chancellor confirmed his intention to restrict the ability of contractors to get tax relief on travel and subsistence expenses. As of yet the Chancellor has not revealed the details of the changes meaning we cannot yet fully know what the impact will be and who it will …
Continue reading…
Focused are delighted to announce that we have been formally welcomed to APSCo by Ann Swain CEO. Tracie Bates and Steve Jones met with Ann last week and as ex recruiters were impressed by Ann’s dynamic, knowledgeable and hands on approach. They strongly believe the relationship with APSCo will have many gains for Focused and we look forward …
Continue reading…
