E&A Interim

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For Interims

E&A works with a range of organisations that require interim or freelance support across a variety of industry sectors and levels. We have successfully handled contracts across all communications disciplines.

Our dedicated interim practice can provide guidance on current market conditions, as well as advising you on rates, payment technicalities and how to go about setting up as a professional interim.

What is involved?

Whether you are required on a short-term ‘gap-plugging' or project specific basis, most organisations request assistance with the following: 

• Maternity cover or sick leave
• Support during a permanent recruitment process
• Crisis or change management
• A skills shortage or lack of dedicated industry knowledge on a project
• Increased workload

The contract opportunities that we can provide will vary in length from one to twelve months. We handle both part and full-time contracts across all regions.

Please note that you will be required to prove your eligibility to work in the UK on registering with our Interim practice.

Things to consider

There are numerous benefits associated with interim and freelance work; contracting enables you to build on your skills and experience within new sector areas, whilst offering increased flexibility and the opportunity to combine several projects simultaneously. However the way in which interim and freelance professionals are expected to work will not suit everyone.

There exists an established interim communications network of professional contractors who have actively chosen to work on this basis. To be a successful interim you must be very flexible in your approach, and you must be willing to roll up your sleeves to get the job done.

Because of the nature and immediacy of most requirements, an interim will usually be over-qualified for a role to ensure they are able to deliver on objectives from day one. Naturally you should be available at short notice and must be able to demonstrate a combination of strategic and tactical communications tools.

The nature of the industry can mean that the freelance and interim market is unpredictable; interim contracts are never guaranteed. In order to ensure consistency of contracts, you must network and plan between projects, and you must remain as flexible as possible. Realistically you may encounter gaps between assignments, and you must be financially prepared for this if you intend to establish yourself as a career interim.

How you are paid

This will depend on whether your services are engaged on a fixed-term contract (being paid via a client's payroll) or day rate basis. If a client is unable to pay contractors via their payroll, we offer a PAYE service. We can also pay contractors via their Limited Company or umbrella service provider.

If you wish to establish yourself as a career interim, we advise that you set up either as a Limited Company or Sole Trader. In either case you should use an accountant who will advise on which service will work best for you. Both scenarios offer great flexibility with regards to the payment process and which opportunities you are able to consider – when working directly with a client, they may wish to pay you as an independent contractor, and it can be very lucrative to do so.

For further advice on payment structures, day rates and how to choose which service will work best, please contact our Head of Practice, Jules Shelley.

Useful links

The Interim Management Association: http://www.interimmanagement.uk.com/
For VISA and sponsorship information: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/
For information on umbrella services: www.umbrellasupermarket.com/
Setting up a Limited Company: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/newbusinesses/iwtset-up-as-a-limited-company.shtml