Freelancing in the UK is big business, everyone wants their voices heard. There are almost five million UK freelancers. You may be one of the lucky ones who want a piece of that pie! Looking to get to grips with how to freelance in the UK?

Let’s explore further to find out what it is like to be a part of that freelance lifestyle you have always dreamt up!

Photo by Adeolu Eletu 

Freelance in the UK today!

Working as a freelancer in the UK is rewarding, whether you’ve just graduated or you’re already highly proficient in your skill. Having a passion and a strong commitment to delivering professional services will determine your brand and allow you to elaborate on your freelance activities, encouraging you to make your business a success.

It will be a challenge. But once you get the ball rolling and figure out how to keep the passion going, you’ll be able to focus on your craft and improve continually. The following is our guide on how to begin the freelance journey. Commit it to memory or pin it to a corkboard as long as you keep it close.

You will be starting a business centred around your skills. The same as any professional business person. What this will bring is a shift in your perspective. Any responsibility you have will shake to the point of having to plot out a few new lifestyle changes.

The clearest of these are financial and family commitments, your regular income ensures that you gather liabilities; rent, bills, a mortgage all of those financial commitments that you know are going to deduct when you get paid. There isn’t a single person who has a regular wage that doesn’t already have some form of the financial obligation that takes a bite out of their payslip.

On the other side are less immediate obligations, such as a streaming subscription or a monthly membership. Smaller outgoings are a lot easier to control than a missed insurance payment or extension. Do you have children or any dependents living with you? You will need a complete and up to date mind map in place to keep track of your financial comings and goings, to avoid the danger of any missed payment.

You aren’t working for a person in a high chair anymore. You are your boss, and you now have more freedom than most! You will be the sole proprietor and bear a high level of responsibility; there will be no record of time lost, no dress code and nothing that looks remotely like a structure, that you will be familiar. The routine that you set yourself to meet your quotas is crucial in this time.

If you’re a person who’s able to stay on top of your workload, then you’ll most likely be a natural fit for freelance work. If you find this new-found freedom takes some getting used to, you may wish to draw up a plan for your working day. Set yourself a do-able goal for hours you will work and bill for your first invoice. Keep in mind that you’re on the clock even though you report to yourself. Once you are in a work rhythm, you may find yourself able to modify and fine-tune your schedule to suit your objectives.

Embedding your plan is a priority, and reducing any strenuous tasks such as a long commute will ease stress as a freelancer — no rushing to grab a snack from the shop before the bus. You are in your element of work, and this means you can utilise that to your benefit. Have a good breakfast, dress nicely, and don’t set the alarm too early. While you should never forget that you are in your work environment, you shouldn’t be afraid to feel comfortable in your environment.

Having a clear focus on the rates you wish to set should be a priority; however, make sure you remain competitive as you do not want to detract your potential client’s. Working out how much you’re going to charge is crucial, whether it’s a project-based fee or an hourly rate, you may even be open to offers.

Start by getting a sense of the going rate for your skillset. The experience you have will factor into this, but it’s a moot endeavour to charge a client more when you’re just starting, they will most likely be able to find a cheaper rate elsewhere, so don’t set yourself up for a fall.

A good reputation is a key to your progress, like any good curriculum vitae you will need good referrals from your clients. You can earn your clients trust with a well-structured and in-depth portfolio, not forgetting to charge the going rate. It’s essential to work to the client’s high standard along with the customary you’ve set yourself. Clients will be more agreeable when you are fair and may even leave you a useful review!

You will save yourself time and pressure by gradually becoming an invaluable resource to your client. Freelance work may not sound like it earns a lot on paper, but once you’ve got a reasonable rate worked out and a steady set of clients, you’ll find it gets easier to manage. 

Two types of registration are open to you now that you’re up and running. Becoming a sole trader or a limited company, and you’ll need to decide on which one to be before registering with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Sole traders tend to enjoy a more private existence with less paperwork, though on the flip side, there are still financial liabilities that you will be personally responsible.

Limited companies tend to be much more open about their finances, but that, of course, comes with the baggage of paperwork. When starting as a limited company, it may be worth getting an accountant on board to ensure you are filing your quarterly returns properly.

Do your homework before making your choice and by no means rush into this as it is crucial for your future as a freelancer in the UK. If you have any friends or colleagues who have worked in this area of the industry before, it’s always worth asking for their experience on the matter.

You’re a freelancer in the UK, you have skills, and it’s time to figure out how to market yourself. Set yourself a target on how much you can do in a set amount of time. If you end up deciding on too little, you may become complacent, but if you take on too much, you may find yourself struggling. Before you take on this responsibility, it is vital to have a good outline of who your clients may be and how to contact them.

As stated before, you need to do homework. For example, if you’re looking to become a freelance photographer. Start by talking to local publications about who they employ. Enquire about fellow freelancers and follow their example. If the people you’re talking to handle that sort of thing themselves, consider offering your services at a low starting rate. Make it good with them, and they may recommend you to other local clients. 

The moment you’ve set yourself up, register with HMRC. Whatever business you’re structuring will need to undergo this step. Thankfully you can do this online.

Two points for this. Hard and digital copies. Ensure you have an email folder for all communications with HMRC and hard copies as well. As you go with this service year by year to keep up to date with your tax as a business, you’ll need to store your login details and tax codes for your protection. Organising this now will pay off in the long term especially since you won’t need to endure the hold music as you wait on the phone.

Since you’ll be working from home, you’ll need more than just home insurance. Consider looking for bespoke business insurance policies that will cover you as a company. This will ensure cover for you as a small company as well as any equipment and areas related to your trade.

Over to you now, don’t be afraid to take that plunge! You can make a good start by becoming a freelancer in the UK and loading a free portfolio on Skillbox; alternatively, you can hire a freelancer.