Consultant work - First time self employed, please help

Hi, I'm looking to change jobs. Currently I'm on PAYE, however, the new role (at a different company) has the opportunity to invoice initially on a contractor basis which I understand can be tax efficient?

I know that this is the best place to ask as a wealth of members deal with this all the time.

Any advice, rules or recommendations would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Richard