Professional Contractors Group

According to its own account 'the Professional Contractors Group was formed in May 1999 to lobby against the Government's IR35 proposals. It is a non-party political group and its patrons are cross-bench peer, Lord Weatherill, former Speaker of the House of Commons; and industry guru Sir John Harvey-Jones. Since its formation it has evolved into the representative body for independent contractors from many disciplines including IT and engineering on a range of issues affecting the knowledge-based sector.'

In 2002 the Group announced 'the appointment of a new team to strengthen the political consultancy and lobbying role of the organisation. Know Comment, the political consultancy arm of Bob Geldof's Ten Alps media group, run by Jo Phillips will join David Ramsden who has been re-affirmed as senior lobbyist for the PCG and Gurdial Rai, a member of the PCG's Consultative Council who has been instrumental in the campaign against abuse of the 'Fast Track Visa' scheme, and is now appointed PCG spokesman on work permits.'

PCG's Director of External Affairs, Gareth Williams said " We are delighted to have on board such an experienced team which can only be of benefit to our members. We believe that Jo, David & Gurdial will build on the solid foundations of PCG's campaigning record and will help to ensure that PCG continues to represent the interests of the diverse, independent professionals who are our members at every level of government and industry."