Mid-Week Matters

Welcome to the FIRST Edition of Mid-Week Matters

Hello, Josh here and thanks for subscribing. As it’s issue 1, let me give you the reason why I wanted to launch this newsletter and what you can expect. 

In a nutshell, I wanted to pull together the best stories, insights, and moves shaping the umbrella and contracting world. We’re in a brilliant position at CMR: we speak to people daily who are working in the market and running businesses. We’re seeing new stories unfold, new roles being created, candidates making moves, and a ton of insight you just don’t get unless you’re in the thick of it.

So every other Wednesday, I’ll be rounding up the highlights, spotlighting candidates, sharing live opportunities, and giving you my take on the good (and not so good) stuff happening across the sector.

Hope you find it useful — and if you want to see something specific covered, just let me know.

First Up: Umbrella Insights

Our take on the things that are making waves in the industry. Some of this, you’ll know. 

  • CEST Talk: April 30th, 2025, a day to remember, because the HMRC has just made the CEST Toolkit easier to use. Is this a good thing? I don’t know, but if you’re not aware of it and you’re in the industry, read this on Contractor UK > CEST guidance 
  • DING, DING – Process vs. Payments: Dave Chaplin’s post really caught my eye a few weeks back. It was insightful and brutally honest (no shock), and well worth a look at.

From CMR, With LinkedIn Love

Josh’s Highlight Post: 

“There’s a growing sense that HMRC is finally listening — and for once, the umbrella sector might actually have a seat at the table.”

Agree? Like it here. 

Luke’s Highlight Post:

“Fun in the sun… we’re undefeated if anyone fancies a game?”

Paddle? Like it here. 

Jake’s Highlight Post:

“We’re on the move again (and because someone asked us).”

Thoughts? Like it here. 

Role Up, Role Up – CMR Role of the Every Other Week

Business Development Manager
 Chester | Up to £50,000 + commission | Immediate Start

Leading payroll solutions provider seeks a confident BDM to:

  • Build/manage recruitment agency relationships
  • Drive new business & grow brand presence
  • Work closely with internal teams to ensure seamless onboarding and support
  • Hit revenue targets & KPIs

We’re looking for:

  • A confident communicator with B2B sales experience
  • Proven track record in building long-term client relationships
  • Recruitment/payroll industry knowledge is a big plus
  • Self-motivated, results-driven, and ready to grow with us

DM me for details.

Represented by CMR – Candidates of the Bi-Week

Josh’s Pick: Payroll & Umbrella Specialist

  • Current: Agency Support. acts as the bridge between the umbrella provider, agencies, and contractors
  • Manages agency/contractor relationships, onboarding, compliance
  • Skilled in payroll processing, KIDs, HMRC filings
  • In-depth understanding of umbrella payroll operations
  • Available immediately

Luke’s Pick: Payroll Administrator

  • Umbrella payroll expert (multi-agency)
  • High-volume processing: SSP, SMP, pensions, HMRC filings
  • Confident with BACS, HMRC submissions, and client/contractor queries
  • Background in finance admin, compliance, and high-volume processing
  • Actively looking

Jake’s Pick: Payroll Administrator

    • 9 years’ payroll & admin experience (CIS & PAYE)
    • Strong in onboarding, pensions (NEST/Peoples), compliance
    • Highly organised with excellent communication and problem-solving skills
    • Experience across customer service, team coordination, and compliance
  • Open to new roles

Ready to scale up your payroll team or need extra support? Message us for full profiles.

In Other News

And Finally…

Monday 19th May is fully booked, but the next UN Initiative event is in planning for September. Want to speak, attend, or sponsor? Let’s chat (note: this is an exclusive leaders’ network).

And that wraps up issue 1. I hope you found it useful.

Fancy contributing to future issues? Send me your news and views on LinkedIn or by email ([email protected]).

See you in two weeks.

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