Crystal Umbrella

Today marks the arrival of the much anticipated National Freelancers Day, an event organised by the Professional Contractors Group (PCG).  It is sure to be of much interest to the UK’s freelancing community, whether they work through umbrella companies or have their own limited companies.  PCG has devised the day as a way of showcasing the vital role of freelancers in the UK’s economy.  And it’s a contribution which hasn’t been missed by Prime Minister David Cameron, who has written to the organisation expressing his deep admiration for, “people who leave the comfort of a regular wage to strike out on their own.  It takes a lot of courage and without that courage this country would be a much poorer place.”

One of the main speakers at the event will be Dr James Bellini, a leading futurologist, who will be exploring the role of the freelance contracting community in the UK’s economic future.  The PCG also intends the event to address the issue of how contractors can survive in the midst of the current economic uncertainty.  PCG Manager Director, John Brazier, and the Telegraph Media Group’s Head of Business, Damian Reece, will be joining Dr Bellini on the day’s lecture circuit, along with a host of other prominent media, business and political figures.

Simon McVicker, Head of Public Affairs at PCG, hailed the day as an “exciting and exhilarating event” and expressed his admiration for the stature and quality of the panellists taking part.

Following the success of last year’s National Freelancers Day, PCG have just announced that the event will run again this year. The date for your diary is Tuesday 23^rd November. The National Freelancers Day is an opportunity to celebrate the growth of the contracting community and the contribution that all freelancers make to the UK economy.

Last year the theme of the event was ‘The Future of Work’ which ultimately resulted in the launch of the PCG’s ‘Manifesto for Freelancing’. This year, PCG have decided to centre the even around the concept of ‘Freeing up Potential’.  Particular emphasis will be placed on the flexible lifestyle choices afforded by freelancing and the continued strength which contractors bring to the economy.

Managing director of PCG, John Brazier, believes that this annual event will become an important date in the calendars of the 1.4 million freelancers in the UK. He commented: “The success of last year’s events underlined the growing importance of the freelance community to the economy of the UK. More and more people see freelancing as their ideal 21st century work choice. They see the potential of freelancing as a positive and rewarding choice for their work while enhancing their lifestyle.”

Mr Brazier concluded: “We reached out to the freelance community throughout the UK and the attendance at regional events underlined the growing confidence and pride freelancers have in their role in society.”

Monday 23^rd November sees the very first National Freelancers Day. This has been the brainchild of the Professional Contractors Group in a bid to celebrate the work that is done by contractors and the important contribution that they make to the UK economy. PCG was originally set up to provide a voice for contractors during the implementations of the contentious IR35 tax rule. The group now has 18,500 members across all sectors and continues to speak up and fight for all contractor rights.

Now, in the run up to this important day, PCG has launched the ‘Spirit of Freelancing’ campaign. The aim is to celebrate work as a contractor or freelancer by hearing about the experiences of the people who are out there working in this way. As such, contractors are being asked to contribute by providing their story, anecdote, one-liner or even an artistic piece such as a photograph or drawing which sums up their experiences. It doesn’t matter whether these are injected with humour or deadly serious, as long as they are real. These contributions can be sent to spirit@pcg.org.uk

Managing director of PCG, John Brazier, said: “As National Freelancers Day approaches, we are asking freelancers and client organisations to let us know what freelancing means to them and we would like as many people to get involved to mark the day and capture the spirit of freelancing.”

With intentions of highlighting the many and significant contributions made to the UK economy by freelancers, contractors and consultants, the Professional Contractors Group (PCG) has announced the launch of the first-ever National Freelancers Day, to be celebrated on 23 November this year. The day will be marked by special events in recognition of all key sectors within the contracting business.

Several key themes have been presented by the PCG to make clear on this day the place and importance of contractors in the UK economy, as well as to educate those outside the business about what a contractor/freelancer does and why people choose to engage in this type of work. These themes include the right of workers to pursue a career as freelancers; recognition of the freelance trade as a valid and respectable career choice; and the Government’s need to make the engagement of freelancers easier for employers.

The PCG hopes that the National Freelancers day will encourage people interested in becoming freelancers, as well as inspiring individuals and companies to consider hiring contractors, while also providing advice on the procedures involved.

John Brazier, PCG’s Managing Director, told Contractor Calculator: “PCG wanted to establish a special day for them and on National Freelancers Day we can recognise freelancing and celebrate the talents, achievements and worth of freelancers up and down the country…these events will bring together, and emphasise the importance of the UK’s freelance workforce.”