Freelancing and Contracting The Business Model of the Future
Date: November 25, 2009
Monday 23rd of November was declared the National Freelancers Day by the freelance community represented by the Professional Contractors Group (PCG). (see our related articles: Freelancer Day logo released and National Freelancer Day announced.
The celebration took place as planned 23rd November 2009 aiming to highlight how freelance contractors and consultants provide flexible solutions to assist our economy’s recovery, claim more recognition from the government and celebrate freelancing as a valid career choice supported by the community network.
An estimated number of 800 people and a long list of companies who have supported the programme participated in a range of events held in the evening of the 23rd in various cities around the UK. Practical advice and support was provided to freelancers and an online seminar looked at the socio-economic impact of freelancing and how the role of freelancers is becoming increasingly important within our economic structure.
Several business leaders including Sir Tom Farmer, founder of Kwik-Fit , and futurologist Dr James Bellini believe that the next ten years could see one of the biggest societal shifts since the industrial revolution. The emergence of a networked society of flexible working has the power to create fundamental changes in the way of where and how to work while business with foresight will have the opportunity of become “nimbler, greener and more innovative” and Dr Bellini adds” The future is size neutral. An individual will be as important as a big company in 10 or 20 years time because their importance will be the value they can bring to a particular task”. This type of thinking is already attracting freelance contractors throughout the UK to highly paid rewarding positions where they can access high level roles within companies whilst remaining an independent contractor.
John Brazier, director of PCG commented in agreement “An increasing number of companies and company leaders are recognising the skills, strengths and expertise that freelancers can bring to their organisations”
PCG has commissioned a study carried out by ComRes of 1,597 freelancers across the UK on what freelancing means to them. The majority agree that specialist knowledge, years of experience with added enthusiasm and objectivity make the recipe for valuable benefits to clients. The enthusiasm is shown in that one third of freelancers are not planning to retire because they love what they do.
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