Freelancing

Article archive on Small Business UK about becoming a freelancer and freelancing advice. Topics covered include how to start freelancing, getting paid, securing work, networking, contracts and related subjects.

Small Business Insurance

Do I need freelancer insurance? A full guide

Oh, where to start with freelancer insurance. We've done our best to guide you through why you need it, what types you need, plus extra tips

Finding and selling to customers

The best freelancer platforms

Freelancer platforms can be useful to people who work for themselves. We explore some of the best ones around

Marketing

Building a personal brand as a freelancer

Launching as a freelancer and have no idea what to do to build your personal brand? We show you how to be the face of your company

Advice

A small business guide to going freelance

In this piece, we look at the main considerations when going freelance, from procedural advice to managing your work-life balance.

Taking payments as a small business

Best mobile phone payment for self-employed

Payment devices you carry around with you have revolutionised how customers pay. We look at six of the best mobile card readers

Employing & managing staff

Ensure your contract keeps you out of IR35

What can contractors and freelancers learn from HRMC’s win against Sky Sports presenter Alan Parry? Here are tips to make sure you stay out of IR35

Employing & managing staff

How small businesses should approach outsourcing and finding the right freelancer

Using a freelancer can be a boon for any small business struggling with a specific skill, whether it’s web design, SEO or social media. And best of all, you’ve got a global talent pool to draw on

Sole trader

Number of self-employed falls one fifth since Covid-19

IR35 taxation changes, Brexit and Covid-19 blamed for choking off rise in self-employment

Government Grants

MPs give taxman six weeks to sort out Covid payments for freelancers

Over 500,000 freelancers wait to see if they will be included in final round of self-employment Covid-19 grant.

Tax

1m self-employed face having to pay tax bill larger than what they earnt

First HMRC prepayment deadline for self-employed tax looms in January, based on what freelancers earned pre-Covid

Advice

How to start a freelance career in the UK – a beginner’s guide

Freelancing expert Dave Chaplin explains how to set your freelance rate, the importance of tailoring your CV and where to find your next project.

Government Grants

Self-Employed Income Support Scheme now open for applications

HMRC has opened the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme, where freelancers and contractors can apply up to 80% of lost earnings in a £7,500 lump sum

The importance of vocational rehabilitation services for SMEs

In Aviva’s latest SME research*, 57 per cent of employers surveyed agreed that nowadays employees expect benefits to protect against loss of income or earnings. What do you offer your people?

Partner content

What are the benefits of business broadband?

Business broadband offers a host of advantages over standard domestic connections, here’s why you should be considering an upgrade