Parasol and the PCG bring industry together in debate

Posted on 14 April 2008

The thought leadership event opened up channels of communication and debate from contractor, umbrella, recruiter, legal and professional bodies and was designed as the trailblazer for a series of networking debates across the year. 

Many aspects of the current flexible working landscape were discussed from various perspectives by a host of notable attendees, including author and academic Patricia Leighton, ATSCO CEO Ann Swain, Orange & Gold CEO Jonathan Shellard and the CBI’s Lizzi Holman.

One of the key messages to come out of the meeting was the often difficult relationship between agencies and contractors, and how it can sometimes be characterised by misconceptions and lack of mutual understanding on either side.  The debate continued with issues including the extent and necessity of advice agencies offer contractors on their working and tax arrangements.

Parasol’s Head of Commercial Strategy, Marc Morris said:  “It’s increasingly important that all who have a vested interest in the well being of contracting, pull together to find solutions, discuss current issues and create a rhythm across the industry.   At Parasol we do our best to listen to contractors and understand how things work for them.   We spend time in discussion with the PCG, our recruitment agency partners and other bodies, we lobby Government and try to ensure we remain at the forefront of the industry.  A series of thought-leadership events that gives everybody the chance to sit down and feedback has been something we’ve wanted to do for a while and I’m incredibly pleased at the input and outcome of the first event”.

John Brazier, Managing Director of PCG added:   “Our intention was to begin the process of exploring "Best Practice" around developing the right agendas, protecting the industry, understanding and supporting Contractors motivations, and of course conforming with legislation. It is clear that in the time available we barely "scratched the surface" of much of this so it would be good to build on this initial gathering to further explore many of the issues that were raised and debated on the day.  I look forward to working with all those involved to provide clarity, consensus and where appropriate, calls to action.”

   

        

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