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21st December, 2000 - The year in review
The year in review
Only the fact that we are hoping for even greater success next
year stops us labelling 2000 as the year of PCG! From just 5,000
members in January, PCG has not stopped growing, now representing
the interests of over 11,000 independent contractors.
It is impossible to list all that has been achieved here, but
highlights include:
- The work of the legal team - and winning permission for
the JR on all three counts
- Members raising �500,000 in a week to fund the legal challenge.
- Presenting to 3,500 contractors in three weeks for the
seminars
- Recruiting Sir John Harvey-Jones as Patron after a successful
first conference
Most important have been the on-going Lobbying and Press campaigns.
These have not only given contractors a voice, but PCG is clearly
now a force to be reckoned with. Our work with powerful groups
such as CBI and FSB shows how far we have come this year. And
although IR35 is the main focus, we are now seen to be representing
contractors on all relevant issues.
We must make mention too of the 'internal' work within PCG.
The discussion fora bind the group together and allow fast sharing
of information and analysis. The Portal will be re-launched
and 'go public' early in the New Year. We are also expecting
to re-launch a much-improved Contract Review Service. Kevin
Miller is currently updating the essential IR35 manuals as well.
Portal
IR35 Manual
As well as access to retained lawyers, accountants and tax
advisors, members are now able to benefit from tax investigation
insurance and discounted PI and Medical insurance.
So much has been achieved in the last year that members should
be proud of the organisation they have created - and we look
forward to more success in 2001.
Sir John Harvey-Jones accepts PCG role
Business guru Sir John Harvey-Jones has agreed to become patron
of PCG. Our Press Release and a transcript of Sir John's conference
speech are on the site. Also many members are using the association
of a high-profile public figure to interest their local press
and MP in IR35.
Press Release
PCG Conference
Forum
Link (having problems?? have
you read this...)
JR Fund contributions
In last weeks newsletter we published the date of the full judicial
review hearing as March 13-15, 2001 and asked for further support,
particularly from new (recent) members. Thank-you to those who
have now contributed. All monies are set aside purely for the
IR35 legal fight. If you wish to make a donation (by credit
card or cheque)
Legal Fund
PCG Shop
PCG T-shirts and badges are now available. Further details
see the notice board:
Forum
Link (having problems?? have
you read this...)
Updating your details
Please ensure we have a valid email and postal address for you
at all times. You can update your record by using the link on
the homepage:
Here
Discount PMI scheme
Leslie Smith, Managing Director, Medibroker Online makes the
case for members to take advantage of the discounted PMI scheme
and points out that Insurance premiums will increase from 1st
January 2001 so it is recommended that you apply before the
end of this year to avoid rate rises.
Here
Merry Christmas to all.
Susie Hughes (Head of Executive Services)
This newsletter is published by the Professional Contractors
Group. Some links in the newsletter will take you into the password-protected
members' area of the PCG website. If you have forgotten your
password, contact password
access. To view the Forum links in this newsletter, you
must be first logged into the Forum. Further details available
here.
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