In the coming weeks, the contracting sector will be subject to fierce changes and many contractors and agents have been delaying decisions until the outcome of these issues is known.

However, there is one constant throughout - that is, the desire for clients to be able to engage highly skilled contractors from a pool of flexible businesses and the desire for contractors to operate as small businesses. Add to that, the agents whose raison d'etre is to put the two sides of this equation in touch with each other - then there is still a deal to be done.

Massive change means massive opportunity. And for the last two years we have been at the heart of these changes. Shout99's team, led by Andy White, has fought IR35 in the political, legal and media arena. Now, we are shifting attention to defeating IR35 on 'home turf' - the commercial sector.

Shout99 is holding a seminar and expert panel session on (Date Change) April 5, 2001 to explain what is coming and how best to prepare your business to take advantage of it. It is time for commercial certainty.

The seminar will be led by Andy White, who has been a contractor, an agent and a client. As founding Chairman of the Professional Contractors Group and current editor of Shout99, Andy has seen IR35 and the effects it will have on all sides of the contracting community from all angles. He is uniquely placed to advise on how to clear the IR35 hurdle via the commercial route. He also has a unique perspective of the agency regulations.

The conference will provide analysis on the Budget, the JR and the agency regulations, but the primary focus will be looking to the future and the commercial imperatives associated with running a successful business.

Andy will be supported by a panel of experts who will be able to answer questions for your individual circumstances.

The expert panel will include: (Other expert panellists will be announced shortly)

Kevin Miller; A chartered Accountant, Kevin is one of the country's leading experts in IR35 regulations and has analysed the Budget and Agency Regs. He will provide a clear understanding of what they all mean in practice.

Tony Askham; Senior employment lawyer and PCG's solicitor at the Judicial Review. Tony has also provided a legal analysis of the Agency regulations.

Your questions answered:

When and where does the Seminar take place?
Date Change - Thursday 5th April at central London venue. We are running three sessions during the day, starting 9.30am, 2pm and 7pm.

Central London – the New Connaught Rooms - See map: the New Connaught Rooms

Who should attend?
Key decision makers from contracting, agency, client and accounting businesses. Anybody who needs to understand and take advantage from changes in the contracting market.

How much does it cost?
Attendance is £135 per delegate.

However PCG 'Members' and 'Associate Members' are being offered entry at a discounted rate of £85.

How do I book?
Payment available by cheque, credit card or fax.

If you wish to pay online, please complete the online booking forms linked below. Please choose which of the three sessions you wish to book and pay for and follow the appropriate link (if the session is full, you will be told);

Or you can download and fill in this Booking Form and send your details to Shout99.com. Please indicate which session you wish to attend; morning, afternoon or evening.

Places offered on a first come, first served basis; space is limited.

Please post any questions as a reply to this article and we will do our best to answer them.

Mark Roderick
Shout99