The Brighton Fuse Freelancer Report Launch In 10 Tweets

On Monday 26th January Business Navigator Laura Evans went to the launch of the Brighton Fuse Freelancer Report. Check out 10 tweets from the event below. If you are a freelancer or a company, or even yet to start your business, you can speak to Laura for free about business support that is available to you by emailing laura.evans@c2cbusiness.org.uk.

1, 

The original Brighton Fuse Report looked at local companies and the CDIT sector. With the average company employing 7 freelancers it was clear that the freelance sector warranted investigation. 

2, 

Turns out the best paid freelancers are in the KIBS sector (Knowledge Intensive Business Services), for example, consulting, creative business services, professional services and the like. Their annual Median full time income being circa £60k. 

3, 

Turns out, freelancers are pretty happy being self employed! Are they on to something?

4, 

The report compared Brighton freelancers to national averages. The freelancers felt just as happy, satisfied and worthwhile, although they seemed to be a little more anxious than the general population (level of 3.4 vs. all population at level 2.9). Some people mentioned the difficulty of getting paid on time, perhaps that is a contributing factor.

5, 

Over 51% of participants didn't feel part of any community. Networking was deemed important for picking up new business so why are so few freelancers getting out there and doing it? Come to a Chamber event!

6, 

Maybe they aren't networking because just over 80% are working from home. Sure, it's warm and you can have plenty of cups of tea... but are you missing out by not meeting other business people?

7, 

The audience and panel went on to discuss difficulties for freelancers. That could be personal finance or business finance, amongst other things. What do you find difficult about being self employed?

8, 

Looking for business support? Drop me an email at laura.evans@c2cbusiness.org.uk.

9, 

The majority of freelancers were doing so because of aspirational reasons (more flexibility 87.8%, realise own business ideas 87.5%) rather than through necessity (couldn't find a suitable job 27.6%, redundancy 18.4%). For 40.5% it was about earning more money.

10, 

Almost 40% of people were engaging in voluntary or unpaid work in their working time as a freelancer. It's less clear whether they are trading skills or being altruistic for a cause. What do you think?

If you want to contribute to the Chamber blog, contact us on hannah@brightonchamber.co.uk