Hello, I'm moving to the UK after the Summer, any advice on how to set up a freelance career there? Thank you!
Replies12
- Alessandra, great that you are moving to the UK after the summer. What an exciting industry and best of luck with the move!I receive 100's of cv's and folio's on a weekly basis and although times are tough are the moment and competition is fierce, there are a handful of applications that stick out to me! Quite honestly, it's the ones that have taken time to personally write to me. It might be that they mention a mutual connection, or they talke about a recent piece of work that McCann has created, an award the agency has won, a recent publication about D&I for example.Here's my advice to you;Approach the right person, use Linked InNetwork and network!Ask for recommendationsLook on platforms such as Worksome as there are tonnes of jobs, not all related to your sector, but worth a noseLook at agencies/sites that are set up abroad, don't just concentrate on London roles as freelance work can be done remoteKeep it brief, a simple cv, easy accessible folioBe flexible with day ratesMention your home equipment as agencies will find it harder to courier out laptops in these timesApproach recruitment agencies specific to your area of specialityState your payment status (i.e. LTD/Umbrella) as this will effect the way you work with some agenciesIf using an Umbrella company, as for recommendationsHope this helps and best of luck with everything.Kat
- I’ve been asking around and it seems a lot of design businesses are still working from home... with their plans to come back to a studio environment ranging anywhere between July and January. I mention this because really your current location shouldn’t inhibit you from trying to get started freelancing in the UK straight away! ... Why not hit the ground running and aim to start freelancing in the UK before you are even located in the UK.Start reaching out to studios, agencies and recruiters today... (it’s hard to read at the moment where the opportunities will start bouncing back so probably good to cover all the bases)... make your approach memorable and personable because there are unfortunately a lot of freelancers who haven’t been continuously working throughout the UK lockdown... It will help to be the person with fresh positive energy so that your name and work will be front of mind when an opportunity comes up!
- @Javier Navarro Thank you, Javier. I also believe that (especially in the beginning) small project can be very helpful to understand the dynamic of the British work environment, and are a good training both for testing my own capacities and learning how to relate to others. Certainly a good advice, worth remembering.
- @Lu Li Thank you, Lu. I'm currently designing a strong portfolio, and will certainly submit for a review on this community, as it looks like a very nice and welcoming environment. I'm taking notes both of your business and suggestion for banking/invoicing solutions. I'll probably come back to you in the future after moving, and with a more shaped idea on my business in the UK.
- @Dan Kennedy Thank you, I think your practical advice on how to address things like appointments or emails is extremely important and necessary. Having already lived in different countries, I had to acknowledge by myself how sometimes cultural barriers can really affect both your possibilities to get a job or to do it at your best. I'll take great note on what you said!
- Hi Alessandra,Great advice all around, I would only add to start with almost any project that is related to your field. No matter how small or inconsequential it might look, you never know where this will lead you and it is a great way to start networking.Hope this helps!
- Network, network, network. Start now online / on social media before you even move. We still don't know how many in-person events there will be in the autumn. My take is, don't bet on them.As Aaaron mentioned, make sure your online portfolio is up to date and looks banging. This is how people will form an opinion about you.You might also want to look into the more practical things. There are freelancer banking / invoicing solutions such as Coconut. If you need a registered business address, then we at Blooming Founders can help!
- Hi Alessandra, I agree, Networking is really important. Go to meet ups, join FB forums (Creative Networking is a good one) Go to events held by people like https://www.itsnicethat.com/ (once they are up and running) In regards to dealing with people. Always turn up early for appointments. When contacting people by email make sure you always address them by name and reference their company/product so it shows you've done your homework. I'm sure you will have great success! Best of luck
- @Aaron Griffiths Thank you, you've been very helpful!
- In the UK you don't need a VAT number if your self emplyed. But if you see yourself earning over £21K annually I would recommend setting yourself up as a business as you'll pay less in tax and national insurence.You can do this yourself but I'd reccomend finding an accountant for the field that you're looking to grow your career further with. They should adivse you on your spending, but they should also understand your business and be able to give valuable advice.You'll find some good advice here: https://worknotes.co.uk/
- @Aaron Griffiths Thank you Aaron!I am also wondering about practicalities, for example here in Italy you have to open a VAT number for payments and taxes on your income. When I was living in Peru, I had to do a similar thing. How does that work in the UK (if you know)?
- My adivce would be to network as much as possible, go to events and talk to people. Have a good online portfolio that is up to date and try to find a niche area in what ever you do.
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