Ready to get started?
Book your initial consultation today to get started with Competex Pro.
About Competex Pro.
Charles Fowler set up Competex as a specialist accountancy practice in 2000 to assist interim managers and consultants who were affected by the IR35 legislation. Charles originally trained with Price Waterhouse in London and qualified as a chartered accountant in 1972. Competex is now one of the longest-standing contractor accountants in the UK, and paved the way for other accountants to open practices serving this particular industry.
22 years on, the Competex group has further evolved, as not only have the rules appertaining to IR35 become more complex but other compliance issues and regulations have also become more stringent.
Competex opened its payroll umbrella company, Competex Pro Limited, in 2017. Competex Pro is suitable for all independent professionals who are required to work via a payroll umbrella company, and specialises in looking after those in management and board level positions. Our extensive experience working with interim agencies and end-clients engaging management and board level professionals clearly sets us apart from other umbrella companies on the market.
The Competex group also includes the Interim Hub, an online resource offering a wide range of services for people who are either leaving the security of permanent employment to set up as interim managers, or for seasoned interims wishing to access further skills and knowledge to expand their business or improve efficiency. Through the Interim Hub, consultants can access a range of professional services, training events and free online resources to help them further their interim businesses.
We look after our employees.
At the heart of our business is our employees. We strive to build relationships with all our employees, so that we can we can best serve you and provide a platform from which you can perform your assignment to the best of your ability. Every member of our team is driven by these common core values.
service
Friendly and approachable, we are always here to listen, guide and advise.
excellence
Our highly qualified team prides itself on its attention to detail and meticulous approach.
integrity
We believe in doing the right thing, we mean what we say and we keep our promises.
diligence
We work hard to provide you with attentive support.
communication
We keep in touch with you, and we communicate in a timely and professional manner with agencies and end-clients.
teamwork
We regard ourselves as part of your team, and we have your professional interests at heart.
Competex Pro compliance audit.
EY Auditors have recently undertaken a very thorough compliance audit of Competex Pro Ltd, which aims to provide you the contractor, agency or end client with the security that the service you will receive and the processes that are undertaken on your behalf are compliant with HMRC. The audit was based on the FCSA Codes of Compliance.
The assessment included a review of detailed documentation, discussions with management and on site testing covering compliance in the following areas:
- Financial stability
- The tax implications of classifying workers as employed or self-employed, including IR35 consideration if applicable
- Expenses paid to employed workers
- Operation of PAYE and NIC on pay for employed workers
- Management of tax risk
- Adequacy and appropriateness of insurance cover
- Managed Service Company legislation
- Take-on procedures
- Effectiveness of overarching contracts of employment
- National Minimum Wage
- Agency Workers Regulations
- Pensions auto-enrolment
- SDC and IR35 reviews
- Policies and Procedures
- Compliance management
Competex Pro are pleased to announce that we have passed the compliance review process in August 2020.
Meet the team.
Charles Fowler TD DL FCA
PRINCIPAL DIRECTOR
Charles trained with Price Waterhouse in London and qualified as a chartered accountant in 1972. After qualifying, he spent two years in the firm’s Special Services Department, looking after a large number of newly incorporated and small business clients. Since then he has worked as a financial director in the printing industry and later in commodities. Charles obtained his accountancy Practising Certificate in 1983, and set up the Competex Group in 2000.
Charles Fowler TD DL FCA
PRINCIPAL DIRECTOR
Charles trained with Price Waterhouse in London and qualified as a chartered accountant in 1972. After qualifying, he spent two years in the firm’s Special Services Department, looking after a large number of newly incorporated and small business clients. Since then he has worked as a financial director in the printing industry and later in commodities. Charles obtained his accountancy Practising Certificate in 1983, and set up the Competex Group in 2000.
Sandra Lau
HR & COMPLIANCE MANAGER
Sandra is the Practice Manager and Compliance leader in our specialist Accounting Practice, with a focus on change management and transformation based on global and regional business support experience. Sandra is an experienced, results-oriented HR generalist with focus on strategic and operational HR management and leadership. Her particular strengths lie in organisational development, supporting and coaching senior business management. She has expertise in strategic program design, compliance program management, effective communication, global programs, operational HR and strategic HR initiatives and executive collaboration with broad management skills across ethics and compliance, human resources, project management, retail and international HR processes. Sandra is a qualified business coach and has held leadership roles in regional ethics & compliance and HR. Sandra’s role within Competex Pro is enhancing compliance, communications and processes across all departments, as well as being the point of contact for contracting and HR related enquiries.
Sandra Lau
HR & COMPLIANCE MANAGER
Sandra is the Practice Manager and Compliance leader in our specialist Accounting Practice, with a focus on change management and transformation based on global and regional business support experience. Sandra is an experienced, results-oriented HR generalist with focus on strategic and operational HR management and leadership. Her particular strengths lie in organisational development, supporting and coaching senior business management. She has expertise in strategic program design, compliance program management, effective communication, global programs, operational HR and strategic HR initiatives and executive collaboration with broad management skills across ethics and compliance, human resources, project management, retail and international HR processes. Sandra is a qualified business coach and has held leadership roles in regional ethics & compliance and HR. Sandra’s role within Competex Pro is enhancing compliance, communications and processes across all departments, as well as being the point of contact for contracting and HR related enquiries.
Michelle Gerrard
PAYROLL MANAGER
Michelle is a payroll generalist with 25 years’ experience and in-depth knowledge of payroll processes for contractors and freelancers, including furlough, statutory payments and auto enrolment. Michelle has a Payroll Alliance certificate in payroll practice and an AAT foundation certificate (payroll section). She is responsible for the day to day processing of umbrella payroll and liaises with employees, agencies and end-clients to assist with payroll related queries. Michelle has lead the implementation of new payroll software and supported the compliance accreditation process with her expertise in umbrella payroll. Michelle’s role within Competex Pro is processing payroll, timesheets and invoicing and responding to enquiries from employees, agencies and clients.
Michelle Gerrard
PAYROLL MANAGER
Michelle is a payroll generalist with 25 years’ experience and in-depth knowledge of payroll processes for contractors and freelancers, including furlough, statutory payments and auto enrolment. Michelle has a Payroll Alliance certificate in payroll practice and an AAT foundation certificate (payroll section). She is responsible for the day to day processing of umbrella payroll and liaises with employees, agencies and end-clients to assist with payroll related queries. Michelle has lead the implementation of new payroll software and supported the compliance accreditation process with her expertise in umbrella payroll. Michelle’s role within Competex Pro is processing payroll, timesheets and invoicing and responding to enquiries from employees, agencies and clients.
Amy Fowler
MARKETING AND CLIENT LIAISON MANAGER
Amy is a communications specialist with 12 years’ experience working in digital marketing and communications and an in-depth knowledge of the interim world. Amy’s strength is in understanding the breadth of issues faced by contractors, consultants and interims. Amy is currently studying for an ACCA Foundational Diploma in Accountancy. Amy was instrumental in setting up and managing a resource for contractors called the Interim Hub which is closely working with Competex Pro, and which developed and delivered workshops for starting interims as well as specialist workshops for established contractors. Amy is leading the communications and marketing programme within the Competex Group. Amy’s role within Competex Pro is responding to first contact enquiries, onboarding new employees and writing regular communications to existing employees, clients and partners.
Amy Fowler
MARKETING AND CLIENT LIAISON MANAGER
Amy is a communications specialist with 12 years’ experience working in digital marketing and communications and an in-depth knowledge of the interim world. Amy’s strength is in understanding the breadth of issues faced by contractors, consultants and interims. Amy is currently studying for an ACCA Foundational Diploma in Accountancy. Amy was instrumental in setting up and managing a resource for contractors called the Interim Hub which is closely working with Competex Pro, and which developed and delivered workshops for starting interims as well as specialist workshops for established contractors. Amy is leading the communications and marketing programme within the Competex Group. Amy’s role within Competex Pro is responding to first contact enquiries, onboarding new employees and writing regular communications to existing employees, clients and partners.
Nibu Joseph
ADMINISTRATION TEAM
Nibu is a Hospitality Manager with 10 years’ experience in the high class hotel sector and customer service roles. Nibu has a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Hospitality Management with a focus on Administration and Management. He is responsible for the day to day running of our operations and liaises with employees, agencies and end-clients to assist with all general matters. Nibu’s role within Competex Pro is supporting the day-to-day activities of our payroll umbrella service, assisting the team and responding to general enquiries.
Nibu Joseph
ADMINISTRATION TEAM
Nibu is a Hospitality Manager with 10 years’ experience in the high class hotel sector and customer service roles. Nibu has a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Hospitality Management with a focus on Administration and Management. He is responsible for the day to day running of our operations and liaises with employees, agencies and end-clients to assist with all general matters. Nibu’s role within Competex Pro is supporting the day-to-day activities of our payroll umbrella service, assisting the team and responding to general enquiries.
