Sorry if this appears as a bit of a dumb ■■■ question, but here goes…
As mentiobed before, I work on a boat, and work a 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off roster. I have my Cat C / Class 2 test booked for the beginning of February. I don’t intend to wait too long before I take my Cat C+E / Class 1.
Would it be advantageous to go my own way (Ltd) or stick with agency work, which I suppose wouldn’t be as consistent as going Ltd once I could start filling the diary?
I appreciate I’ll need to gain some experience for a year or so (agency work), but would you guys and gals think Ltd is the way to go in my situation, eventually?.
Please note, I am thinking ahead possibly 1-2 years and have no intentions of leaving my job afloat on boat.
I don’t understand what you mean. By go your own way what does being a Ltd company have to do with anything? A Ltd company is just a way of being self employed but you pay corporation tax but you can offset some vat from certain things. Some agency’s want you to go Ltd, at which point I tell them to stick it.
A simpler approach is what I took, look for a full time job while also signing up too agencies, so you get the best of both worlds as it’s unlikely you will get a job on the day (sometimes you do mind). Try and remain paye as you then don’t need to do anything tax wise.
Ideally I would like to get in with a company who would employ me for the 2 weeks I’m available every month (PAYE). Then happy days…
However, the other option is to go self employed and hopefully book in work for every 2 weeks I’m off from boat (that is how Ltd drivers work,isn’t it?). At least if I do get work booked in then I’ll know what I’m doing, rather than relying on an agency to call.
My aim is to get a bit of consitancy whilst off from boat.
I would have thought that as a new driver you will find it hard to find a company that will give you regular work when you’re only available for 2 weeks out of 4.
I would think that your best bet of getting work would be through agencies, whether you choose to go Ltd company or PAYE is another story.