Web-based accountancy business AscotDrummond.com and
CoconutStreet.com, an on-line IT recruitment and administration
site, have joined forces to provide contractors with integrated
access to each other's services.
The companies believe the deal - which is effective from this
month - will allow contractors to benefit from their "combined IR35
expertise", and will create a "complete solution" for contractors'
recruitment, office and accountancy needs.
Ascot Drummond provides a range of 'paperless' accountancy
services for small and medium sized businesses in the IT sector,
including company formation, accounts, bookkeeping, taxation
services, and IR35 advice and assistance.
Coconut Street, on the other hand, markets itself as an "on-line
IT people exchange" and offers a direct recruitment service to
clients and contractors, total back office support, and market news
and information. The site, which was launched last year, claims to
be able to eliminate "expensive and time-consuming inefficiencies"
by facilitating on-line all candidate-vacancy matching, fee
negotiations, contract signing, and timesheet and expense claim
submissions.
According to Ascot Drummond, customers who use the new link will
experience "seamless integration" of invoices, payments and expense
information processed by Coconut Street, into contractors' accounts
with the accountancy firm.
"We both offer services to support the independent IT
contractor," comments Ascot Drummond chief executive, Humphrey
Drummond. "Together we can become a complete solution for all their
recruitment and accountancy needs."