Umbrella companies - what to look for?

[Stowickthevast]

I left my FTE in August to do contracting/consultancy roles for more flexibility and a higher day rate.

I've just been offered a contracting job for 6 months that is inside IR35. Any advise on what I should look for in an umbrella company? The recruitment agency has sent me a list of 5 but they seem pretty similar.

Look at their weekly/monthly fees. Also see if they support payment into a SIPP - most charge extra for this and may a support a limited number of providers. It's a great way to save some tax.

I've been with NASA the last 2 years - have had no issues. Not necessarily the cheapest, but they have been very responsive to any queries/issues and have been quick to setup new contracts, etc.

Thanks @LardyCakeLover . I've seen NASA mentioned as a good one somewhere else, that and Paystream which the recruitment company recommended. I'm planning on comparing a few on Monday but wanted to know what to look for.

SIPP contributions is a great point.

Look at their payment terms: when they invoice the client, and when they pass on the client's payment to you.

As I understand it, all employers have to enrol you in a pension so even if the umbrella company won't facilitate SIPP payments they'll sign you up to NEST or something similar and you can then transfer the balance out to your own SIPP after the contract. I did this after I finished a contract with Liberty Bishop and it took less than five minutes online.