Crystal Umbrella

A simple solution, seamlessly delivered for hassle free contracting; Crystal Umbrella was incorporated in 2008 to take over the pioneering and industry leading work initiated by our predecessor No Longer Limited. Two budding entrepreneurs, convinced that there must be an easier way for contractors to process their invoices, whilst avoiding the ever-changing legislative minefield presented by HMRC’s tax and expense guidelines.

Since those humble beginnings in a rather cramped garage, Crystal has gone from strength to strength over the last 10 years, securing it’s current stake as the UK’s No 1 Umbrella (as voted by contractors themselves).

Now employing over 45 staff at period head office building in the picturesque town of Hertford and working with some of the most respected agencies and clients in the UK. We have supplied compliant, prudent and profitable employment management services to some 15,000 contractor employees.

Our team of dedicated professionals are each committed to their role within the company. The frontline team at Crystal is supported by a range of specialist departments each manned by a dedicated staff, with years of experience in all relevant areas, including; Tax, Payroll, Credit Control, Finance, Sales, Administration, Compliance, Management and HR to name but a few.

Our service guarantees

• An accurate salary illustration is supplied to you in writing prior to joining. We base this on your individual circumstances and never use assumptive web calculators or guesswork.
• Simple and quick form free registration ensures that opening a new Crystal account couldn’t be easier. Whether you choose to do it over the phone or online, the whole process shouldn’t take more than five
• 94% of all agency/client contracts are processed within 24 hours of receipt, before being forwarded to you, where necessary, for authorisation and approval.
• 70% of all payrolls are triggered early by the receipt of an agency/client remittance. This speeds up the payment cycle to you by up to two days. All received cleared funds are processed on the day of receipt.
• 97% of all timesheets are processed and issued as invoices within 24 hours of receipt. 100% of timesheets submitted using the Crystal Web Portal are processed and raised as invoices within 24 hours of receipt.
• Our Web Portal, with 99% uptime, is continuously maintained so that you can access your online account 24/7, 365 days a year. You can therefore submit timesheets, expenses and queries at your convenience, any time of the day or night. This is especially useful if you work shifts or unsocial hours.
• Our contractual compliance team will assess every one of your agency contracts, supplying you with a schedule for each. This enables you to identify any unfair clauses or excessive conditions, which may adversely effect you.
• We take responsibility, which means whenever you call we will take the time to listen, before going on to explain matters clearly and effectively so that you fully understand what is going on. If we have to seek further advice, we will give you a clear timeline for the full resolution of your query.
• If you have any problems we will acknowledge your complaint quickly and efficiently and get started on putting things right. The majority of our queries are resolved within 24 hours.
• Keeping you informed is a priority and we will endeavour to update you with industry news affecting the contracting and freelance community, as well as providing internal service updates and improvements as they arise.

To find out more

Simply give our experienced New Business Team a call today on 0800 848 8888, chat to us online or feel free to submit your query using our quick online form

Ready to join?

Call us on 0800 848 8888, download an application form or open an account online