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List of UK Umbrella Companies - Top Rated Firms [2025]

Top 10 Umbrella Companies in the UK

• 1. DASA Umbrella
• 2. Pay Guardians
• 3. Templeton Brook
• 4. Contractor Umbrella
• 5. Umbrella Company UK
• 6. Brookson One
• 7. Giant Group
• 8. Parasol
• 9. PayStream
• 10. Danbro

Umbrella Companies

Below is a list of all current UK umbrella companies, including those accredited by the FCSA, approved by Professional Passport, and certified by SafeRec for contractors. This list was last updated on 17 May 2025.

• A Pay Services
• Advance Umbrella
• Atom Freelance
• Azebra Group Ltd
• Bishopsgate
• Bright Sky Umbrella
• Brookson One
• Caroola
• Champion Contractors
• Churchill Knight Umbrella
• Clarity Umbrella
• Clipper Contracting Group
• Compass Contracting
• Cool Company
• Crest Plus
• Danbro
• Fair Pay Services
• Focused
• ForeTwo Group
• giant pay
• Husp
• ICS Accounting
• JMK Group UK
• Liquid Friday
• Mortimer Childe
• NWM
• Orca Pay Group
• Parasol
• PayStream
• SmartWork

What are umbrella companies?

Umbrella companies are businesses that employ contractors who work on fixed-term assignments, typically through recruitment agencies. Instead of setting up a limited company, a contractor becomes an employee of the umbrella company, which takes care of all administrative tasks—such as invoicing, tax deductions, National Insurance contributions, and payroll processing.

How umbrella companies work?

The umbrella company receives payment from the agency or end client, deducts the necessary taxes and fees, and then pays the contractor their net earnings. This setup simplifies the process for contractors, offering a compliant and hassle-free way to work, along with employee benefits like holiday pay, pension contributions, and statutory rights.

Key benefits for contractors

• Quick Setup: You can start working almost immediately - no need to set up a limited company or register with HMRC.
• Ideal for First-Time Contractors: A great starting point if you're new to contracting and not ready to manage a limited company.
• No Admin Burden: The umbrella company takes care of all paperwork, invoicing, and payments - saving you time and hassle.
• Hassle-Free Payroll: Your tax and National Insurance are handled through PAYE, so there’s no need to file a self-assessment or worry about HMRC.
• Weekly or Monthly Pay: You receive regular payments, often with same-day or next-day processing, giving you consistent cash flow.
• Insurance Included: Most umbrella companies provide essential cover like public liability, professional indemnity, and employer’s liability insurance.
• Employment Rights: You get rights like sick pay, holiday pay, and pension contributions – just like a permanent employee.
• IR35 Compliance: Since you're employed by the umbrella company, IR35 doesn't apply - helping you stay compliant and protected.
• Flexible Engagement: Ideal for short-term contracts or those new to contracting who want simplicity.
• Continuity of Employment: One employer across all contracts, simplifying mortgage applications and credit checks.

Which accreditations or certifications do umbrella companies hold?

Umbrella companies often hold professional accreditations to show they operate ethically and compliantly. One of the most respected is FCSA (Freelancer and Contractor Services Association) accreditation, which confirms the company meets strict standards in tax, employment, and accounting practices.

Another key accreditation is from Professional Passport, which checks that umbrella companies follow proper compliance and payment procedures. Additionally, SafeRec certification ensures real-time payslip audits, helping to prevent unethical deductions and improve transparency for contractors.

These certifications offer reassurance to contractors and recruiters, showing the umbrella company is committed to professional, compliant, and transparent operations.

What to consider when choosing an umbrella company

• FCSA Accreditation: A company with FCSA accreditation demonstrates a strong commitment to compliance and industry best practices.
• SafeRec Certification: If the company isn’t FCSA accredited, check if it has SafeRec certification, which ensures compliance, transparency, and protection against tax avoidance risks.
• Understand Fees and Margins: Review how the company's margin structure affects your take-home pay.
• Read Online Reviews: Look for reviews on reputable platforms like Trustpilot and Google to gauge customer experiences.
• Customer Support: Evaluate the quality of customer service and responsiveness based on user feedback.
• Verify Compliance Standards: Ensure the umbrella company follows all necessary regulations and legal requirements.
• Review Payment and Expense Policies: Check how they handle payments, reimbursements, and allowable expenses.
• Setup and Service Quality: Evaluate how easy it is to join the company and the level of service they provide.
• Check Preferred Supplier Lists: Find out if recruitment agencies or clients recognise the company as a trusted supplier.

Don’t get caught in tax avoidance schemes

Some umbrella companies promote schemes that promise higher take-home pay by avoiding tax through offshore arrangements or disguised remuneration. These may seem appealing but are often non-compliant and carry serious legal and financial risks.

Always choose an umbrella company that is transparent about its pay structure and holds recognised accreditations. Sticking to compliant providers protects you from HMRC investigations and unexpected tax bills.

Here is HMRC’s list of umbrella companies involved in tax avoidance schemes.

Learn more about umbrella companies

• Umbrella Company Guide
• Umbrella Pay Calculator
• Umbrella Payslip Explained
• Umbrella Company Fees
• Umbrella vs Limited Company
• Umbrella Company Reviews
• Umbrella Company PSL
• IR35 and Umbrella Companies