Comparator

Since 2006, Liquid Friday has supported contractors and recruitment agencies with a clear commitment to doing business the right way. We provide PAYE umbrella and CIS payroll and a range of supporting workforce solutions, underpinned by award-winning customer service, innovation and strong financial stability. Stride, our industry-leading platform centralises contractor management, making onboarding, compliance and payroll faster and easier than ever.

As long-standing FCSA accredited members, compliance is embedded throughout our processes and customer journey. We enable agencies to move faster, reduce risk and deliver a better experience for contractors and clients alike. Known for our transparent, straight-talking approach and contractor-first ethos, Liquid Friday is a trusted and principled partner within the contingent labour market.

Why Core?

We put you first! We have a team of experts here to ensure you have all the support you may want or need through every process. We work hard to ensure our reputation is second to none and you can rest assured that compliance, efficiency, and professionalism are key values we uphold here at Core. We are an accredited member of Professional Passport and a tier one founding member of trade association body Prism.

Lauren Baker also sits on the executive board of Prism as their Payroll Intermediary Representative, meaning we are always ahead of the curve when it comes to legislation changes. We work with thousands of contractors in both the Public and Private Sectors and are specialists in IR35, allowing you to safely navigate this legislation and get on with what you do best, your contracting work. We would welcome a call; Matt and the team would be delighted to hear from you on 0800 211 8121. You’ll receive:

• Dedicated Relationship manager

• Set up (paperless) in as little as 24 hours with no exit fee

• Online portal for payslips and document viewing

• IR35 assessments

• Weekly, Bi-Weekly or Monthly payroll services

• Insurance cover, Professional Indemnity up to £5 million, Employers Liability up to £10 million, Public Liability up to £10 million

• Workplace pension via NOW or Salary Sacrifice

• Full statutory employment rights

Umbrella Company UK was launched in 2019 and has revolutionised the way contractors and freelancers are paid through an umbrella company. We live in a digital world, and we wanted to modernise the umbrella experience. How did we achieve this? We introduced a state-of-the-art app. The app is intelligent. It will allow you to submit their hours and view your payslips – all while on the go!

We’re relatively new on the scene, but we have already received exceptional feedback from our clients. When you join us, you’ll be able to take advantage of:

• Our state-of-the-art app (meaning you’ll have hardly any administration) • Easy sign-up process • £25 million insurance package • Same Day Faster Payments • Employee Benefits, including Sick Pay and Maternity/Paternity Pay • No tie in period, and no joining or leaving fees • Access to Umbrella Company UK Rewards – our employee discount scheme* • Fully compliant payroll (PAYE) – we’re proudly accredited by the FCSA.

• Available for clients who opt for the Umbrella Company UK premium service only.

Compliant payroll for contractors, agencies, and self-employed workers since 2009. PAYE umbrella, CIS, and Bureau payroll solutions to suit your business.

Pay by credit card for enhanced cash flow and loyalty benefits.

Proud winners of Contractor Accountant of the Year 2024 & 2025, ICS is the only umbrella provider accredited across all four FCSA payroll standards. Trusted by thousands of contractors and rated 5 stars on Trustpilot, we combine market-leading compliance with exceptional service.

Join ICS and benefit from no margin retained in your first two weeks, same-day onboarding, daily payroll, pension and SIPP support, contractor mortgage advice, a 24/7 Wellbeing Hub, and exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, entertainment and family days out – saving you over £500 per year.

Plus, through ICS Umbrella Plus, contractors can access a BUPA Cash Plan, £100 emergency advance facility and enhanced financial wellbeing support.

✔ FCSA Accredited & SafeRec Certified ✔ Umbrella, CIS & Limited Company Solutions ✔ £50 Amazon Voucher for Successful Referrals ✔ 100% Reimbursement of Approved Expenses

Get Started Today!

We believe contractors should be supported and rewarded throughout their careers.

Businesses across the UK rely on skilled contractors every day – bringing specialist expertise, experience and fresh thinking into their teams, often exactly when they need it most.

We have enormous respect for the professionals who choose to work this way and believe they deserve an umbrella company that recognises the contribution they make.

That's why we've been supporting contractors across the UK since 2003. More than two decades and 130,000 contractors later, our principles remain the same: to make umbrella employment straightforward, transparent and supportive, so you can concentrate on doing what you do best.

When operating through your own limited company isn't an option, choosing the right umbrella company matters. As a Key Portfolio employee, you benefit from the protections and rights that come with employment, together with the support of an experienced team that understands the contractor market.

We're FCSA Accredited and SafeRec Certified, providing additional independent reassurance over the standards behind our service and the way your pay is processed.

But for us, being a good umbrella company is about more than processing payroll. It's about valuing you as an employee, being there when you need us and making sure you always have someone to turn to when you have a question about your pay or employment.

After all, we've been looking after contractors since 2003 – and we're very proud that more than 130,000 of them have trusted us to do just that.

Our focus at Atom is ensuring we provide simple and cost-effective services to those who wish to contract or freelance in the UK and internationally.

To that end, we offer Atom Freelance and Atom International, the banners under which we offer our Umbrella Company, Construction Industry Scheme, and international payroll services.

We use up-to-date technology and have a team of highly experienced staff who ensure our clients are free to enjoy the flexibility of the contracting and freelancing lifestyle.

Please email info@atomhub.co.uk to speak to the team about our services.

Compliant and efficient umbrella company with extensive experience within the construction industry