FAQ - Professional Contractors Group

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The Professional
Contractors Group

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Q	Who are the PCG?
A	The PCG is an organisation run by Contractors for Contractors. It aims to be the representative voice for Independent Contractors in the knowledge-based industries. Since its inception in April 1999 membership has grown strongly to in excess of 10,000 members. Contractors elected from within the membership run the PCG and are responsible for it's day-to-day activities. As members, Contractors are the legal owners of a company called PCG Ltd.
Q	What happens to the membership fees?
A	The PCG uses the membership fees to aid contractors in running their businesses and for the day-to-day administration costs of the group. The PCG pays for general advice from the legal, accountancy and other professions, that is available to members at no extra charge. To date this has included the construction of "template" contracts that better reflect the realities of the way we do business and thus help with the IR35 problem. In addition the PCG employs the services of professionals in the fields of Lobbying and Public Relations so that we may be effective in putting Contractors views to the Government, Media and public at large. Some of the fee pays for the construction and maintenance of this website. Indeed it is the power of the internet that has made this organisation so effective in getting our voices heard. Admin costs are kept to a minimum to ensure that the fees members pay, are used effectively in "fighting their corner".
Q	What Benefits are there to membership?
A	Being a member of the PCG has many benefits and these are discussed elsewhere on this site. (Take a Tour!) However in a nutshell the PCG provides top quality advice in the areas of Law and Accountancy. Plus, a representative voice within the political system and a voice within the media. Free tax investigation insurance. A legal helpline and discounted Contract reviews by a top law firm. The power of the PCG is in the way we can use the internet to share ideas and experiences with one another. The forums are available for members to discuss experiences with agencies, accountants, clients and a whole host of other areas in which information is invaluable to the Independent Contractor.
Q	Who can join the PCG?
A	Membership is invited from Independent Contractors in the Knowledge Based industries. This means mainly (but not exclusively) IT and Engineering Contractors. Associate membership is also available to Law firms, Accountancy Firms, Agencies, and Clients that are involved in the Contract Marketplace. However the PCG is an organisation for Independent Contractors and so no voting rights are available to Associate Members. If you make your living in the knowledge based industries then the PCG is for you. Take a look around the website and you should quickly see if membership would be of benefit to you.
Q	How many employees does the PCG have?
A	In the traditional sense the PCG has no employees. All the admin work is outsourced and all the professional advisors are under contract to the PCG, either as Independents or as the employees of Large Companies. For instance our Press Officer is under contract from Vane Percy and Associates, a company with strong ties to Saatchi and Saatchi. The Board of Directors are the nearest thing to employees of the company but as Independent Contractors they are only paid compensation for fee earning work lost as a result of working for the PCG. Mostly the Board of Directors and the rest of the elected Council give their time for free. The Elected Chairman is the only directly remunerated member of the company and again this is only intended to allow him to devote more time to PCG business than would otherwise be the case.
Q	Is the PCG setting up an agency?
A	We have heard that some members of the industry are saying that the PCG is setting up an agency in competition with the existing agencies. This is not true! The PCG are setting up a contract marketplace for all grades of member (including agencies) to use when doing business with each other. This is called the PCG Portal, an internet based marketplace. The PCG are not charging for this service other than through membership fees.
Q	Why Doesn't the PCG set up an agency?
A	The PCG is not a commercial organisation. It is a trade organisation. In common with other organisations of this nature it does not seek to profit directly from the marketplace but does seek to foster profitable relationships for its members.