Consultant FAQs – We have the answers

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for here on elsewhere on this website, please don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0870 991 9000.

I am new to consulting. Where do I start?
Just give us a call. We’ll be happy to talk to you about your plans and explain exactly where you stand, and whether we can help, totally free of charge and obligation.

How do I join CPM People?
You need to complete and submit our registration form. If you have any questions about the form, or the joining process in general, just give us a call.

I am already halfway through a contract. Can I still join CPM People?
Absolutely. Simply sign up with us and inform your agency or client that CPM People will issue invoices in the future. You should then arrange for your agency or client to forward a copy of your contract for our signature.

I don’t have a contract yet. Can I still join?
You can indeed. Just complete our registration form and we’ll set you up for operation when you’re ready. It’s worth bearing in mind that we’ll only charge you for invoices that we process, so you won’t have to pay anything while you’re not working.

What are your charges?
Our charges vary according to the services you use, although we will always strive to provide excellent value for money. Give us a call to discuss your needs and any potential charges in more detail.

Can you help me if I’m working overseas?
Of course. Our services and expertise span the globe. Wherever you’re going, whatever you’re doing, we should be able to help make the experience as straightforward and tax efficient for you as possible.

Will you help me relocate overseas?
If you are planning to work overseas, we will be able to manage all aspects of your contract, payments, taxes etc. but we are unable to help you organise your physical relocation. That is, unfortunately, beyond the limits of our expertise!

Why CPM PEOPLE?
We believe that we have created a highly professional and rather special service provision for you. We are hugely knowledge intensive and this know-how enables you to gain benefits which you wouldn’t get elsewhere.  We truly believe that CPM People will be enjoying a premier series of unique services and true benefits as we exceed their expectations.  These days it is advantageous to ‘belong’ to a ‘club’ where the members are guaranteed full compliance as they travel and work, bank maximum financial retentions and have the option of special additional services which our competitors will not provide. CPM People are simply our ‘members’ in as much as we value their involvement with us highly and provide a real list of value added services which our competitors will not easily imitate.     

How soon will I be paid?
CPM People run all payrolls for all countries once per week (on Fridays).  This means that when we receive funds which are your gross earnings, we immediately list you for payment on the very next payroll run.  

My contract states that I must wait 30 days to be paid and that my agency will not pay you for that period after you ask them to do so. That is a cashflow disaster for me.
We appreciate that the payment terms within your contract may cause you some concern (and particularly if you have not been working prior to taking up your assignment). We suggest you consider CPM People’s unique Express Pay service which will cost you 4% of the gross sum transacted but ensures that you get paid right away, without waiting – on production of your timesheets which will be properly authorised by your line manager on site. You can opt in and out of this additional service to suit your financial needs - all we would ask is that you commit to the service for a minimum of 3 months.  We may be able to agree Express Pay for you – please ask your Account Manager for further information.

How am I contracted with CPM People?
We ask you to read our Terms and Conditions statement which is sent to you at onset and a copy appears on our website. In signing our Registration Form you are then entering into a contract with us.  Additionally there may be other contracts which you are asked to sign, most commonly one between you and your recruitment agency. Sometimes CPM People will also endorse this contract and all parties will use that as the basis of our triumvirate understanding.

Surely I must pay ALL tax on my earnings in the country where I am working?
This may be so. The answer to this question will depend on the length of your contract and the country in which you are to work. You can be certain that you will get the very best of advice on full compliance and tax efficiency from our most knowledgeable Account Managers and specialists.

How will I be able to work with CPM on a day by day basis. 
From the beginning of your relationship with CPM People you will be looked after by a specialist Account Manager who will be introducing themselves to you post-registration. All advice on claiming your expenses, submitting your timesheets and questions relating to getting paid will be regular topics you will want to discuss with them. Their knowledge is considerable and they will provide best advice as well as look after your best interests at all times.  New consultants should be made aware that they are never alone with the worries of contracting and will be steered towards making the right moves at all times. This will perhaps include registering in the country in which you are working, gaining your LIMOSA declaration documents, checking on what expenses are allowable and checking the detail in your contracts. This wide range of topics will be part of the knowledge base which your Account Manager will provide for you.

Might I be the only contractor in the country I am to work in whom you have assisted and supported there?
CPM People has been supporting consultants here in the UK and overseas for nearly ten years. We now offer our services in 32 different countries. We will very soon be having an information pack for each of them (some are available to you now – Germany, The Netherlands). You will be in safe hands working with an incredibly capable knowledgeable service provider – CPM People.