Churchill Knight Umbrella

Churchill Knight Umbrella: PAYE payroll for contractors in the UK

Churchill Knight Umbrella is a UK umbrella company specialising in PAYE payroll management for contractors and freelancers. Founded by professionals with over 50 years of combined experience in the contractor payroll sector, the company processes payroll for thousands of temporary workers every week. Its proposition focuses on regulatory compliance and transparency, and it is accredited by the FCSA (Freelancer and Contractor Services Association), the UK's leading professional body dedicated to ensuring that the temporary worker supply chain complies with UK tax legislation.

Payroll and management services for contractors

The company offers several main services:

• PAYE Umbrella: weekly payroll service for contractors and freelancers, with access to independent, AI-powered payslip audits.
• CIS Sole Trader: service for construction workers operating as sole traders under the CIS (Construction Industry Scheme), making it easier to get paid for their services.
• Salary Sacrifice: salary sacrifice service to tax-efficiently increase personal pension contributions.
• Self-assessment: assistance with filing tax returns, aimed at umbrella employees with additional sources of income.

FCSA accreditation and commitment to compliance

Churchill Knight Umbrella presents itself as one of the first umbrella companies to obtain FCSA accreditation. To achieve this, the company underwent a series of audits and assessments demonstrating its adherence to the compliance codes published by the FCSA. The company also undergoes annual audits to maintain compliance standards. According to its own presentation, compliance is its priority and constitutes a differentiating factor compared to other umbrella companies in the market.

Tools and resources for contractors

Churchill Knight Umbrella's website includes an instant calculator that allows contractors to estimate their potential net pay by entering a daily rate. It also offers a specific calculator for the CIS scheme. In addition, the company publishes informative guides on topics such as how an umbrella company works, how to switch umbrella companies, payroll calculations, statutory payments, IR35 legislation, the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) regime, the Apprenticeship Levy, the Loan Charge, and employment intermediary reporting requirements, among others.

Rewards programme and additional services

The company offers a programme called Churchill Knight Rewards, which includes access to a 24-hour GP helpline, free entry to prize draws, retail discounts, and exclusive savings on travel and hotels. In addition, employees have access to wealth management support services, employee benefits, and insurance. The company also offers international payroll services through a partnership with Access Financial, aimed at recruitment agencies.

Relationship with recruitment agencies

Churchill Knight Umbrella works with hundreds of UK recruitment agencies. The company encourages agencies to include it in their preferred supplier lists (PSL), highlighting its compliance and transparency as values aligned with those of responsible agencies. For agencies, it offers specific services such as candidate payroll management, IR35 status assessment tools, and Key Information Documents (KID).

Foundation and team experience

The company was founded by professionals with over half a century of combined experience in the contractor payroll sector. Its team presents itself as expert in PAYE payroll management and in compliance with UK tax regulations applicable to temporary workers. The company operates from the UK and its website is in English.