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Freelancing 'can complement people's lifestyles'

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Self-employed people are well positioned to make the most of flexible working, it has been suggested.

John Brazier, managing director of PCG, discussed the ways in which entrepreneurs can make the most of both their professional and personal lives.

"More and more people see the potential of freelancing as a positive and rewarding choice for their work while enhancing their lifestyle," he stated.

Mr Brazier added that contract jobs are increasingly becoming "a growing and valuable sector of the UK’s economic community".

In addition, the expert hinted that it is welcome news that the government appears to be undertaking measures to help freelancers.

For instance, it has claimed it will review the controversial IR35 rules.

The remarks may find favour with self-employed people who are eager to put their bright business ideas into practice this year.

In order to combine the best of a professional and personal lifestyle, apportioning strict time deadlines for certain tasks could be a good way in which to maintain an efficient daily schedule.

Could dual screen laptops enhance contractors' efficiency?

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Self employed people's productivity might be enhanced by the emergence of dual screen laptop technology.

Lucy Hedges, a multimedia journalist at Stuff.tv, outlined the ways in which such an innovation can quicken the pace of those who work from a desktop location.

She said: "A dual screen arrangement means users can not only carry out tasks quickly, but they can also run different applications side by side, again putting a strong emphasis on speed and ease of use."

Those who regularly find themselves multitasking - from opening emails to editing pictures - might benefit from such a feature.

Also, the ability to drag content across screens could be an innovation that catches the attention of tech-savvy entrepreneurs.

The remarks come after Toshiba announced it is set to release the world's first dual-touchscreen laptop from late July or August 2010.

It can be used as an e-book reader and comes with two seven-inch wide monitors.

Can online advertising pay off for contractors?

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Self-employed people might want to consider the ways in which online advertisers can generate maximum exposure through web advertisements.

Karin von Abrams, senior analyst at eMarketer, discussed the prospects for those who promote their skills via digital formats.

She stated: "The UK is a mature market for online advertising and the internet is firmly established as an accountable channel that can deliver excellent return on investment."

Ms von Abrams hinted that now could be as good a time as any for freelancers to use the web to their advantage and identify a target audience.

One method of generating exposure might involve writing a blog, which can boost an entrepreneur's search ranking.

Other issues that web page operators could consider are the domain name and the user-friendliness of a site.

Recently, the GroupM report entitled This Year, Next Year predicted that global media spending will rise by 3.5 per cent in 2010 compared with the previous year.

Freelancers 'can sometimes live without clients'

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

It could be said that contractors can sometimes get by without the need for a roster of clients.

A blogger called Amber Weinberg wrote a piece on Freelance Folder which described some of the ways that can lead people to generate cash on their own.

"No matter what kind of freelancer you are, there's something you can do to make money without clients," she claimed.

Ms Weinberg said there are a variety of services that self-employed people can offer independently, from web apps to how-to books.

Producing stock graphics and smartphone tools might also be an ideal way to stand out from the crowd.

The expert suggested it is important to generate a great idea and run with it.

In fact, the author explained: "The biggest wall that stops almost everyone from doing something is the beginning."

Moreover, entrepreneurs may want to keep their number of clients at a manageable level in order to give sufficient attention to each customer.

Why a rise in apprenticeship places could benefit contractors

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Self-employed people could benefit from any future measures that see the rate of apprenticeships rise, judging by the comments of an expert.

Phil Flaxton, chief executive officer of Work Wise UK, asserted that training places have a significant value in terms of giving young people the skills they need to progress.

As such, it could be said that such opportunities present an ideal way for contractors to outsource responsibilities to ambitious university leavers.

He said that the country can "never invest enough in training people for now and the future".

Mr Flaxton added that most young adults want to work and it is important to "make sure that the processes are in place to ensure that we can get these people trained and skilled up for the next 15-20 years".

Graduates with skills in areas such as ICT and engineering could be increasingly in demand in the years ahead, given the shortages of expertise in these areas.

Self-employed competitors 'could be viewed as friends'

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Freelancers may agree that it is important to consider self-employed competitors as potential friends rather then enemies.

A piece on Freelance Folder by Laura Spencer, who makes a living as a writer, highlighted how a number of positives can come about following polite correspondence with a commercial opponent.

"I tend to view freelance competitors as possible friends," she stated.

Ms Spencer added that this strategy has resulted in her receiving referral work from those whose operations are positioned in a similar market.

She said: "None of this could have happened if I had chosen to view my freelance competitors as enemies instead of as potential friends."

As such, those seeking contract jobs might want to consider how such a relationship can be mutually beneficial.

Moreover, self-employed people may also want to put referrals on their marketing literature - from websites to business cars - in order to impress would-be clients.

IR35 changes are essential, expert says

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

It is vital that the UK government carries out changes to reform IR35 legislation, according to an expert.

John Brazier, managing director of PCG, claimed that the rules have been an unfair measure against self-employed people and any steps towards scrapping it are to be welcomed.

He stated: "IR35 is a cumbersome and ill thought out piece of legislation that has been a blight to freelance workers for over ten years."

Mr Brazier added that while HMRC have received minimal revenue from the levy, the distress to contractors has "caused great heartache".

The expert also revealed that PCG has dealt with about 1,500 IR35 cases - and approximately ten of these resulted in additional tax liabilities owed to the authorities.

Recently, the treasury announced as part of its emergency Budget that it is committed to a review of the IR35 rules and will release further information in the near future.

Blogging 'a good way to tap into an online market'

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Self-employed people looking to make the most of their abilities might want to generate exposure via a blog, judging by an expert's comments.

Nick Baggott, founder of Navigate Consulting, noted that it is important to get web users to post comments - as this can boost a site's online presence.

"Blogs are about creating content that other people are going to link to," he observed.

Compared to other online copy, Mr Baggott added that blogging is "more interesting and less sales focused. This makes it more search friendly".

In addition, the expert highlighted how a blog does not require a big budget, but nevertheless can prove to be an effective promotional tool for entrepreneurs.

Recently, a post on the Google Webmaster Central blog by search quality strategist Kaspar Szymanski outlined how it is crucial to interact and engage with forums and blogs.

This can be an effective strategy when starting out a website.

How blogging can enhance a contractor's reputation

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Self-employed people can take advantage of the opportunities brought about by blogging, it has been suggested.

Nick Baggott, founder of Navigate Consulting, discussed the ways in which online platforms can be an ideal way of engaging with likeminded audiences across the globe.

"Blogging is about thought leadership and sharing opinions and a much more personalised view of things," he stated.

Mr Baggott went on to add: "A blog is good for reputation management as well."

The expert also highlighted how it is easy to update a blog on a regular basis and at a time of a writer's choosing.

As such, self-employed people might want to touch upon a broad range of topics in order to strike a chord with web users far and wide.

Recently, EPiServer carried out a report which found that 40 per cent of sites analysed featured a blog of some kind.

However, it also showed that 34 per cent of these are updated frequently.

Entrepreneurs 'could identify new markets'

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Self-employed people might want to identify new opportunities for marketing their skills and expertise this year.

Noel Quinn, head of commercial banking at HSBC, outlined the ways in which those in the business community can capitalise on their commercial presence.

He said: "I don't think innovation is just about product innovation or technology. I think innovation is also about changing your business model; opening up new channels, opening up new markets."

In fact, taking on graduates in order to complete tasks that require niche abilities might be one such way in which entrepreneurs can stay ahead of the pack.

Having these kinds of web-savvy associates could be a good way of testing products or services before they are promoted to broader markets.

In addition, the Confederation of British Industry recently released a report which suggested that flexible working is going to form a big part of the country's economic future.

Why joining the right forum 'is essential for contractors'

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

The importance of identifying the right online forum through which to communicate with likeminded contacts has been outlined by one expert.

In a piece published on Freelance Folder, self-employed writer Laura Spencer revealed that it is vital for contractors to think carefully about their web presence.

She observed: "If you hope to find jobs through a forum you should also join some forums where your prospective clients are active."

In addition, Ms Spencer highlighted how it is important to use the same name on all such online communications.

This can attract the attention of would-be customers who frequent these sites and foster a sense of a consistent brand.

Whether it's social media, a website or forum correspondence, having a recognisable moniker that can be tracked to a specific service could prove invaluable.

Furthermore, freelancers might want to think whether they should use their own name or a brand title when carrying out all their business affairs.

Can entrepreneurs help combat youth unemployment?

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

It could be said that self-employed people can make a positive difference in terms of giving young people training or apprenticeship opportunities.

Tom MacInnes, research director at the New Policy Institute, discussed the economic opportunities available for those who have left school or university.

"If you were to look at 16-25 year-olds the unemployment rate amongst that age group is incredibly high," he said.

Mr MacInnes added: "The one thing I would say is that youth unemployment is a chronic problem in the UK."

As such, it may be a good idea for entrepreneurs to dip into the talent pool of young graduates and school leavers.

Such a strategy might be an ideal way of capitalising on people's expertise in issues such as ICT and science.

According to recent figures from the Office for National Statistics, the unemployment rate for the three months before April 2010 was 7.9 per cent - a 0.1 per cent rise compared with the previous quarter.

Entrepreneurs 'could be given more support'

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Self-employed people might be encouraged by some – but not all – of the details within the emergency Budget, judging by an expert's comments.

Steve Huxham, chairman of the Recruitment Society, outlined the importance of unleashing the nation's expertise in the years ahead.

He said that although the Budget was positive overall, many innovators will be looking for extra support.

Mr Huxham stated: "In terms of really getting the private sector moving, we need to give entrepreneurs a lot more encouragement than they've got on the Budget."

The expert asserted that it is vital for those with specialist skills to be handed the confidence in order to realise their potential.

Micro-business operators might have noted that chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne announced that the threshold at which employers start to pay national insurance will increase by £21 per week above indexation.

Such a move may encourage freelancers to outsource particular roles to bright individuals.

Fairer tax system may benefit contractors

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Changes to the UK's corporate tax system could bring some rewards for those who work for themselves, it has been suggested.

Will Morris, chair of the Confederation of British Industry's Taxation Committee, claimed that measures to simplify people's liabilities announced in this week's emergency Budget are a welcome step.

He stated: "The coalition's plan for corporate tax sets a very positive course for the future direction of tax policy."

That said, Mr Morris observed that the policymaking process behind such decisions could be improved, both in terms of legislation and during an idea's development.

Elsewhere, the organisation's director-general Richard Lambert welcomed news that the capital gains tax rises were not as high as previously anticipated.

He said this approach has limited the impact of the charge "on entrepreneurial activity and long-term savers".

Self-employed people might be gladdened by any measures that ensure potential clients have sufficient access to finance in the years ahead.

Pulse Umbrella launch Pension Scheme

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:09:37 +0100

The umbrella company sector isn’t exactly a thrill-a-minute industry; contract worker solutions and tax legislation is what it is but one UK umbrella company are looking to change all that through an exclusive VIP Club packed with benefits for all members, including a new discretionary pension scheme.

Danbro 10th anniversary fun day

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:09:12 +0100

Danbro, the specialist accountancy firm for contractors, has marked its 10-year anniversary with a Wild West-themed party.

More than 200 friends and family of the award-winning firm attended the celebration at the home of managing partner Damian Broughton and his wife, Helen, on June 12^th.