Survey 1: Tell us what you want to read...
In the early days of UKTECH (last week) we conducted the first survey to discover what type of information contractors wanted to read about and respond to.
UKTECH is a news, information and analysis site. The intention is to give independent contractors the same access to up-to-the-minute news and information that their larger competitors employ people on a full-time basis to provide.
Coupled with the contractors' ability to adapt faster and operate leaner than the larger competitors, this, we felt, would enable contractors to gain a commercial advantage in the market-place.
Before we informed a wider audience of the existence of the site, we asked 'Tell us what you want to read?'
Of the 181 votes 50 per cent (92 votes) pointed to IR35 - a clear indication of the on-going importance of this issue. In the recent Budget and subsequent debates, the Opposition has ensured that it stayed on the political agenda in the Houses of Parliament - and we will work to ensure that all relevant information about IR35 is posted here. We are working closely with the contractors' representative body, the Professional Contractors Group, to ensure that every voice is heard on this issue.
Over the coming weeks, we will be continuing to publish news about how contractors, agents and clients are adapting to the new, enforced regime and any developments as they occur.
Ask an Expert (14 per cent/26 votes) and news (13 per cent/25 votes) were close for second place. We have asked a number of experts in a variety of fields to contribute to the site, and, to date, all have agreed. We will be posting their informative views over the coming weeks. The news content will be updated daily with stories of relevance to contractors.
Gadgets for the Boys (four per cent/nine votes) will be a feature we will be developing. Letters from….(two per cent/five votes) will be of particular relevance to contractors who are considering moving overseas as many of those who have already made that jump feed back their experiences.
Although only two per cent, four votes, wanted to 'Chill Out', maybe there will soon be room for some light relief as contractors share their advice or opinions on non-work issues.
Final figures for Survey 1