Skip to main content

Maggie Darling's first steps into Umbrella contracting

Steven Cheeseman

Steven Cheeseman | Marketing Manager

Tuesday 11th Feb, 2020

Deciding to become a contractor can be nerve-wracking. Find out how Maggie managed it, as well as how PayStream were able to help her start her journey.

Maggie, originally from Canada, works in marketing and events. She recently decided to enter the world of contracting and found that her role fell inside IR35 meaning she had the choice of agency payroll or an umbrella company. Maggie chose the umbrella company route and decided to work through PayStream’s My Max umbrella service in order to secure work with a department of the Scottish government. We asked her how she found the set-up process and how life has changed since becoming an umbrella contractor.

"I would definitely recommend PayStream to others, it was a really straightforward, simple process and it made the whole job hunt just that much simpler."

1. What made you decide to start contracting?

I had just moved from Canada to the UK, so I started searching for contract positions to make the job search easier. I decided not to create my own limited company so I'm working through an umbrella company for my contract position.

 

2. Why did you choose PayStream’s My Max umbrella service?

They were actually recommended to me via the recruitment agency that found me my contract role. I did some research and PayStream seemed the most straightforward and easy-to-understand. Then when I contacted the customer service team about setting up, they were super helpful and knowledgeable on what they were doing, and it just made the whole process very simple.

 

3. How easy was it to set up?

It was very simple and straightforward. I think it only took a couple of days for me. And during that process I had the chance to talk on the phone with someone directly, which is a little bit nicer than going through email. They were able to answer any questions I had. And then from there, I was set up and ready to go within a few days.

 

4. How has your My Max experience been so far?

It's been pretty simple. I haven't had a whole lot of issues. All my payments have come in on time. I would definitely recommend PayStream to others, it was a really straightforward, simple process and it made the whole job hunt just that much simpler.

 

To find out more about Maggie’s first steps into contracting, you can read her full case study here. Or if you’re thinking about making the leap into contract work, you can always get in touch with us and find out how we can help you become your own boss on 0161 929 6000 or email newbusiness@paystream.co.uk.

Read our full interview with Maggie Darling in our PDF download.

Read the full case study

Make an enquiry.

By completing and sending this form you agree to receive a telephone call from a member of our New Business Team. You also agree that we may reach out to you via email and in some instances via postal communication regarding your initial enquiry. From time to time we’d also love to send you exclusive offers and useful PayStream info by email and other electronic means, if you’d like to hear from us please check this box. We’ll always treat your personal data with the utmost care and we would never sell your data to other companies for marketing purposes.

Related article - Martin Whalley's journey from PSC to Umbrella

When you’ve made the decision to work as a contractor, there are several ways in which you can operate. Do you go down the umbrella or limited company route? Several factors can influence this decision, ranging from government legislation to your working circumstances. Martin Whalley recently made the move from PSC to umbrella. Find out why here.

 

Read more here
Back to the Top