Not an 'old hand at this', infact in the same position as you. However, from what I've been able to glean so far, setting up a limited company is the way to go. You pay for the services of an umbrella company, although as a limited company, you my also want a tax adviser or accountant; so you would have to weigh the costs of one up against the other ?
But the nice people at my local tax office, did tell me that they spend a large amount of their time helping people fill in their tax returns though, and they don't necessarily need to see an accountants spread sheet when it'd just for an individual- just a simple balance book will suffice ! They're certainly worth a visit, website, in person, or by phone- very helpful. (And if you're out of the country for more than 183 days in a tax year, then you needn't bother them at all ;-)) !
I'm sure you'll get lots of good gen from experienced contractors, but thought I'd try and help get the ball rolling 1
L8.