If you’re looking for the best umbrella company in the UK, you’re in the right place. With over 500 umbrella companies operating in the UK, finding the right one can be challenging. To make it easier, we’ve prepared a list of top umbrella companies. Our curated list features companies that have been audited for compliance and are accredited or certified by industry bodies such as the FCSA, Professional Passport, or SafeRec, ensuring the highest standards of compliance and service. Whether you’re a new or seasoned contractor, our guide will help you make an informed choice.
It's essential to find a company that not only meets your payroll needs but also complies with HMRC and IR35 regulations. When selecting an umbrella company, prioritise compliance and services over cost or size, as cheaper options could result in tax risks or hidden charges. Choose a company with industry accreditation or certification and a proven history of working with contractors. Don’t forget to compare umbrella companies and carefully read reviews to ensure that you choose the best option for your needs.
Below is our list of the UK's top umbrella companies. Our trusted umbrella company partners come highly recommended by industry experts and contractors alike. They are renowned for their expertise in umbrella and payroll services, compliance, competitive weekly margins, pay rates, and professionalism.
Legal Disclaimer: ITContractorsUK.com cannot be held liable for non-performance or any issues arising from the use of the umbrella companies listed on our site. We strongly recommend that you conduct thorough due diligence before hiring or appointing any of the umbrella companies mentioned above. If you notice any discrepancies in the listings or have any complaints, feedback, or suggestions, please contact us at [email protected].
Below is a list of umbrella companies in the UK. They are well-known and accredited by trusted bodies such as the FCSA, Professional Passport, or SafeRec. This list contains Top 142 Umbrella Companies.
Download the full list of well-known umbrella companies in the UK, including those accredited by FCSA, approved by Professional Passport, and certified by SafeRec. The list features the top 140 umbrella companies and was last updated on 14th November 2024. It is available for free download.
📄 List of Umbrella Companies in the UK (PDF Format)
Click the link above to download the complete list in PDF format.
📊 List of Umbrella Companies in the UK (MS Excel)
Click the link above to download the full list in Microsoft Excel format.
Use our comparison table below to easily compare rates and services from ten top-rated umbrella companies and find the best one that meets your needs.
| Umbrella Company | Weekly Fee | FCSA Approved | Professional Passport | SafeRec Certified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DASA Umbrella | £10 | Yes | Yes | No |
| Templeton Brook | £19 | No | Yes | No |
| Pay Guardians | £18 | No | No | Yes |
| Parasol | £29 | Yes | No | No |
| Giant Group | £22 | Yes | No | No |
| Contractor Umbrella | £15 | Yes | No | Yes |
| PayStream | £27 | Yes | No | No |
| Umbrella Company UK | £20 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Brookson One | £20 | Yes | No | No |
| Workwell | £22 | Yes | No | No |
An umbrella company acts as an intermediary between a temporary worker and the recruitment agency or the end client. The umbrella company employs the temporary worker on its payroll, and takes care of administrative tasks such as invoicing, payroll processing (timesheets), and compliance with tax and employment laws. The umbrella company pays the worker a salary after making necessary deductions, including its own service fee (also known as the "umbrella company margin"), National Insurance Contributions (NICs), Income Tax, and, if applicable, pension contributions.
The relationship between the umbrella company and the temporary worker is similar to an employer-employee relationship, providing the worker with employment rights such as holiday pay, sick pay, and workplace protections.
Umbrella company fees (margin) typically range from £10 to £45 per week , depending on the services included in their packages. We believe that a contractor should not be paying more than £25 per week. You can find a good umbrella company package within the range of £10 to £20 per week. Within this range, you’ll receive the best services, which is what most compliant, reputable, and well-known umbrella companies in the UK charge as a weekly margin for contractors seeking payroll services.
Don’t base your decision solely on pricing. Cheap umbrella companies aren’t always bad, and expensive ones aren’t necessarily good. You need a balance of both, competitive pricing and compliance. While you can compromise on pricing, you should never compromise on compliance.
We have an in-depth guide on umbrella company services. You can read our guide to learn more.
To find umbrella company reviews that are 100% authentic, trustworthy and reliable, you need to check out Reddit, LinkedIn, Trustpilot, Google Business Reviews, and Forums like Mumsnet & UK Business Forums. These are the places where you will find unbiased reviews for umbrella companies. Everywhere else, you may just find advertisements, and they're not always reliable.
We have written an entire article on umbrella company reviews if you would like to find out more.
When choosing an umbrella company, it is important to note that the cheapest or largest option may not necessarily be the best. Focus on what they offer and how compliant they are. Cheaper umbrella companies might compromise on certain aspects, which could ultimately prove costly for you as a temporary worker, particularly from a tax perspective. In other words, the cheapest or largest umbrella companies are not always the best choice.
If you need any help with choosing the right Umbrella Company, simply email us at [email protected], and we will get in touch with you.
