News

Using Gmail’s new “Priority Inbox” to overcome email overload

Michael Rose | Editor's Blog,Technology

74 unread emails! Since last night? Are you kidding! We all know what email overload feels like, especially if we’ve been away on holiday or if our American cousins don’t realise that Bank Holidays are sacred. It’s hard enough working out what work has priority but even worse when client email are hidden within an inbox cluttered with newsletters, calendar reminders and “special offers”.

If you use Gmail you might be interested to know that Google are working on the problem.

Gmail is great at filtering out spam but today the Google gmail team announced that they will use similar technology to automatically sort your emails by importance.

Are HMRC going soft?

Mel Dixon | News

Well that’s the question being asked after it was announced that HMRC would adopt a new strategy in dealing with tax disputes.

Instead of taking a ‘black and white’ approach, resulting in court proceedings or no action at all, they will look to be more pragmatic in seeking agreements with individuals.

A chance to vote against IR35

Mel Dixon | Accountancy & Tax,News

Over the last month the coalition government has been taking suggestions from the public on how they can save money quickly and effectively. Some have argued for the scrapping of the digital switchover while others have suggested making MP’s use hostels rather than a have a second home.

A number of people have also taken the opportunity to argue for the repeal of IR35…

How to Use Twitter for Marketing and PR

Michael Rose | Editor's Blog,Lifestyle & Time out

At Freelance Advisor we’ve spent a lot of time sharing advice on how you can effectively use Twitter and social. As a tool for finding more friends, colleagues clients and work. We’ve discussed how to use it for Marketing your personal brand and for PR for your own company.

This cheeky little site has a different view…

HowtoUseTwitterforMarketing&PR

Telegraph Media Group gives backing to National Freelancers Day

Mel Dixon | News

National Freelancers Day may still be a few months away, but this year’s event already looks set to reflect the growing recognition of flexible-working as an increasingly important part of the UK’s economy.

Last year’s event was the first of its kind and was successful in further promoting the virtues of freelance working. But the PCG has already got some heavyweight backing for the event when it returns on November 23…

Government’s PR initiatives reveal tax collecting priorities

Mel Dixon | Accountancy & Tax,News

Last week the Government announced a 52% cut in the amount spent on advertising and marketing, leading to 287 redundancies.

One of the few Government campaigns to escape the axe was the HMRC’s ‘paying business taxes’ series of adverts which surely reveals a determination to ensure that businesses don’t escape their tax paying responsibilities. Freelancers and contractors should be on their guard.

In the midst of a freelancing boom

Mel Dixon | News

The Federation of Small Businesses has recently predicted that over 300,000 new small firms will be set up over the next year.

Many of these will be people leaving corporate companies to go it alone as a freelancer, some by choice, others by necessity. It’s further evidence that for many people freelancing is the way forward.

Flexibility is key to the Future of the Freelance Economy

Michael Rose | Employment,News

Great news for freelancers and contractors looking for freelance work from a recent survey conducted by freelance marketplace PeoplePerHour.com.

The survey reveals how the recession has affected small businesses’ approach to flexible hiring, results show that the freelance economy has been an ‘ace’ for small-businesses during the recession whilst there is also conclusive evidence that small businesses intend to adopt the flexible hiring method for the long run.

Shout99 : Review on IR35 begins

Michael Rose | Accountancy & Tax,News

“Ten years after its introduction, the review of IR35 finally got underway, signaling the beginning of the end for the tax. The Government announced the terms of reference for the long-awaited review of small business tax measures. The new Office of Tax Simplification will look at the issue and have been specifically tasked with trying [...]

Office for Tax Simplification launches

Mel Dixon | News

It’s good news for UK contractors after the coalition government’s launch of the new Office of Tax Simplification. The body will be tasked with making the tax system in the UK less complex, which will include a review of IR35.

The swift launch suggests that the government is looking to change the tax system sooner rather than later.

“Home business of the year” award added to Startups Awards 2010

Michael Rose | News,Starting Out

Despite cuts across the board, overall, UK business is seeing a positive change thanks to the new Government. Tax breaks, including extended relief on the increase in Capital Gains Tax and National Insurance have been introduced and support for SMEs has been very positive.

To mark the importance of SMEs, The Startups Awards 2010 have added a Home Business of the Year category to their annual awards.

Book of the week: ‘Rework’

Michael Rose | Editor's Blog,Managing Business

Part manifesto for the Web 2.0 generation and part ‘Screw You’ to just about anyone who doesn’t get it, Rework is a short but sweet business book for small to medium, agile companies.

Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hanson’s contrarian style matches their work and life philosophy — the duo eschew traditional business models, pulling down everything from meetings to planning, from traditional office culture to going it alone without investment.

PCG wins trade awards

Mel Dixon | News

The PCG has been awarded two accolades at the prestigious Trade Association Forum 2010 Best Practice Awards in London. The award represents good news for freelancers and contractors for whom the PCG works.

IR35 has been the biggest issue for the PCG ever since its inception – and now that the coalition government has promised to review and replace the complex ‘disguised employment’ legislation, it seems that their work may get the biggest reward of all.

Computer Science graduates ‘least employable’

Michael Rose | News

Depressing news from the BBC today shows that graduate unemployment is up 2% on last year with the worst news for Computer Science graduates — with unemployment rates at 17%.

While we’d hope that Computer Science students are going for Freelance or Contracting jobs the data shows a worrying trend in ex-students signing on and remaining unemployed for six months or more.

The Death of the Office?

Michael Rose | Editor's Blog,Working From Home

Who needs an office? Well, the Prime Minister I guess. Your accountant, perhaps. The CEO of a corporation with multiple divisions for sure. But if you’re an agile company producing web-content, applications or software do you really need to have all your troops all lined up ready for battle at 9am every morning five days a week?

Freelance Advisor has always tried to promote home working as a flexible, sustainable and more productive option for 21st century working and this week Seth Godin, Hive Logic and Chris Ashworth all made excellent points about the failings of the traditional office.

Post-Budget Analysis for Freelancers

Michael Rose | News

In case you missed George Osbourne’s Emergency Budget here are the highlights for Freelancers:

Income tax personal allowance to be increased by £1000
Public sector pay will be frozen for 2 years for people on less then £21,000
High rate income tax threshold to remain frozen to 2013
Capital Gains Tax up to 28% people on the upper rate of taxation, but entrepreneurs relief to £5m for lifetime at 10%
Small companies corporation tax to be reduced to 20%
5 year plan to reform the corporation tax regime

June Budget 2010 – in pictures

Michael Rose | News

HM Treasury have just released a series of graphs and charts displaying the past ten years of UK economy data.

Well worth a look if you’re interested in UK economic performance.

Budget Data Visualisation » Where Does My Money Go?

Michael Rose | News

Cuts in the Budget June 2010

See a live, updated, visualisation of where the cuts are happening.

The only way to stay on top of Twitter

Michael Rose | Editor's Blog,Technology

A few years ago getting heard on Twitter was easy. When I first joined there were less than a million users and it was easy to find friends with common interests and it was even possible for a couple of friend to create a trending topic.

Now with 70m+ users (sending 50m tweets a day) the story is a little different…

What will the Budget mean for freelancers?

Michael Rose | News

Chancellor George Osborne delivers his Emergency Budget on the 22nd June. But what will it mean for freelancers? Join the PCG for comprehensive and insightful analysis. What will the red box contain this time for freelancers, in an era of austerity and cuts?

PCG will be providing live coverage at http://twitter.com/insidepcg from noon.

Are local councils overspending on web services?

Mel Dixon | News

A report by PeoplePerHour.com – the online marketplace for freelancers and contractors – has uncovered some interesting data about how much money local councils spend on web services.

Logo competition – Contractor Advisor [closed]

Michael Rose | Editor's Blog,News

Update: The competition is now closed, the votes are in, winner announced soon

It’s not quite the World Cup but, after that, it’s surely THE most interesting competion of 2010 :)

We’re launching a sister-site Contractor Advisor and we’re looking for your help.

Ch.. ch.. ch.. changes

Michael Rose | Editor's Blog

Hello there!

The more eagle-eyed of you may have noticed a few subtle changes to the Freelance Advisor site recently. If you’ve not noticed then take a look… you’ll see it is looking a little smarter, tidier and, we hope, more readable. We’ve also added Google Search (let’s face it the old search worked… but only just!).

I also wanted to let you in on a few of the Big Plans™ we’ve got for the future.

Queen’s Speech confirms positive news for freelancers says PCG

Michael Rose | News

PCG, the voice of the UK’s 1.4 million freelance workers, has responded positively to yesterday’s Queen’s Speech. The Speech outlined plans to make the tax system fairer and simpler, welcome news for many PCG members who have struggled under the ‘IR35’ legislation. Commenting, PCG Managing Director John Brazier said: “This builds on the Government’s announcement [...]

Joy for PCG membership as IR35 looks set for the scrapheap!

Michael Rose | News

PCG was established to fight the introduction of IR35, so today’s announcement that it is to be replaced will be welcomed by freelance workers throughout the UK.

In the Coalition’s full programme for Government, published today (20th May) the Government declares it will:

“Review IR35 as part of a wholesale review of all small business taxation, and seek to replace it with simpler measures that prevent tax avoidance but do not place undue administrative burdens or uncertainty on the self employed, or restrict labour market flexibility.”

The commitment appears as the fourth of 20 priorities for improving the UK’s ability to do business.

Freelance world welcomes new Government — ready for optimism

Michael Rose | News

Following an unprecedented period of political uncertainty after the election of the first hung parliament for decades, PCG (the professional association supporting freelancers, contractors and consultants) have welcomed the fact that the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats were able to put together a coalition to tackle the current economic crisis.

PCG believe that the members of the new Government will work together to address the issues faced by freelancers. In particular they will continue to encourage both parties to pursue the abolition or full review of the unfair IR35 tax, which hinders the ability of freelance workers to contribute to the UK’s economic recovery.

PCG still optimistic despite possible Tory u-turn on IR35

Michael Rose | News

Following an article on Contractor UK’s website last week “Scrapping IR35 is not the answer, say Tories,” PCG, the largest UK organisation representing freelancers and contractors, are remaining optimistic in their campaign to overturn the UK’s IR35 leglislation.

According to a PCG spokesman they have now had a series of “fruitful and productive” meetings with various political parties and they detect from all political sides “a desire for a revision of IR35 legislation”.

What can I ask my parliamentary candidate about freelancing?

Michael Rose | News

With the General Election fast approaching, prospective parliamentary candidates will be out and about, doggedly canvassing on the streets in your neighbourhood.

The Professional Contractor’s Group (PCG) has produced a Guide to possible questions you can ask your candidate should they appear on your doorstep, with useful background information on some of the main issues facing freelancers.

71% of small businesses are not planning for post-recession recovery

Michael Rose | News

Research from The Open University Business School has revealed that only one in nine small firms (11%) are implementing post-recession recovery plans. These firms are also the most optimistic about their immediate prospects.

Some 15% of small firms are currently developing their post-recession recovery plans, but 23% do not see the need to bother as their existing plans are already working.

Is the Digital Economy Bill a threat to co-working?

Michael Rose | News

A lot has been said about the Digital Economy Bill. But it looks like too little has been said too late. Last night’s final reading, and the resultant Twitter response, has a silver-lining, more and more people are aware of parliamentary procedure, have read the bill, and have voiced their dissent.

But this bill could have a real impact on digital creatives and anyone with a shared network. We’d love to hear from any freelancers or contractors who think their work and project will be affected by the new bill. As it stands it looks like Internet Cafes and Co-working places might be most affected by the proposed changes in law — effectively any wireless hotspot owner will be liable for all content accessed via their network… and your entire network can be shut down, or given limited business threatening access, for any one possible infringement.

How this will play out in practice remains to be seen, but we’d be very interested to hear from co-working spaces and cafe owners who think they might be affected… and what steps you might be taking to get around, or comply, with the proposed law.

Tories will review IR35 if they win election

Michael Rose | News

The PCG’s continued lobbying of Tory top-brass has finally paid off in a firm commitment to a review of IR35 legislation by a future Conservative government.

The Conservative Party made the landmark announcement today that IR35 will be reviewed as part of an overall review of small business taxation should they win the General Election in May.

In a letter today to Chris Bryce, PCG Chairman, the Shadow Business Minister, Mark Prisk MP said that due to PCG’s strong representations to him and to Shadow Treasury Ministers “a Conservative Government would undertake a fundamental review of small business taxation matters, including IR35.”

New freelance startups to win a share of £20,000 in the Virtual Business Awards

Michael Rose | News

Fledgling freelancers, contractors and small business owners have a chance to win a share of £20,000 in a new award, the People Per Hour Virtual Business Award 2010. Aim at rewarding, new, fledgling companies that make progressive use of the web and technology in the way they operate, innovate and compete the awards are the first of their kind.

Organised by [People Per Hour][] and sponsored by [Crunch][] are looking for companies that can demonstrate how they have used the web in innovate ways to remain lean, efficient and competitive.

How does the budget affect freelancers and contractors?

Michael Rose | News

The PCG’s John Brazier and Brookson’s Martin Hesketh respond to Alistair Darling’s budget.

How will the changes affect you and your business?

Time to think seriously about the VAT deadline

Michael Rose | Accountancy & Tax,News

The deadline for online VAT returns is drawing close. As from April 1st this year, it becomes mandatory to file online.

Businesses that do not comply with the new online regulations will face a fine from HMRC.

Read the full story on Contractor Accountants

Freelance News: Time for Britain to put its ‘brain’ in gear

Michael Rose | News

A national advertising campaign highlighting Britain’s Brain Gain has been launched, spotlighting the rich talent pool amongst the UK’s 1.4 million freelance workers and highlighting their £82 billion contribution to our economic output.

The newspaper campaign and the Britain’s Brain Gain website reflects on the ability, imagination and effectiveness of freelance workers throughout the UK.

Freelance Manifesto: “Flexibility is the key to Britain’s economic success”

Michael Rose | News

As electioneering and policy pledges seem to have started in earnest the PCG, the representative body for freelancers, contractors and consultants in the UK, is marking the New Year by calling on Government and policy framers to take a fresh approach to freelancing at the start of a new decade.

Download the Freelancers Manifesto

Review: National Freelancers Day

Michael Rose | News

Monday marked the first ever National Freelancers Day with a series of events hosted by the Professional Contractors Group (PCG) up and down the country.

Freelance Advisor, Crunch and Freelancer Mortgages Made Easy hosted an event in Brighton with over 50 freelancers and it was a fantastic success.

National Freelancer Day videos are also now available to view online.

Bank on freelancers say top business experts…they’re the way to UK prosperity

Michael Rose | News

“Bigger is dumber…..” according to Sir Tom Farmer, founder of Kwik-Fit. Along with several other business leaders, Sir Tom has come out in support of tapping into freelancers’ talents as the country strives to get back on its feet over the next decade and beyond. Via NationalFreelancersDay.org

The future is bright, the future is freelancing

Michael Rose | News

As we approach ‘National Freelancers Day’ Freelance Advisor has created a new ‘Future of Freelancing’ section to focus on debate about the the biggest opportunities and threats to freelancing and contracting.

What does the recession mean to us? Do we get the help we deserve from the government? How important are we to the economy’s recovery? What is the role of technology in the future?

Freelance Survey

Michael Rose | News

You may have heard that 23rd November is National Freelancers Day. The aim of the day is to gain wider recognition for the contribution that Freelancers, consultants, interims and contractors make to the UK economy.

We’re helping the PCG promote the day as their support for freelancers and lobbying for all of our interests in Parliament is vital.

Help the cause by completing our Freelancer survey

Freelance news: The End of Self-Certification Mortgages

Michael Rose | Financial & Insurance,News

This week the FSA chief executive Hector Sants outlined a radical shake-up in the mortgage market. The new proposals by The Financial Services Authority (FSA) include a ban on all Self-Certification Mortgages.

This is potentially worrying news for Freelancers and Contractors as Self Certification Mortgages were designed for workers who have trouble proving their income in a conventional manner such as freelancers, contractors, self employed, and company directors but Ian Burrows at Freelancer Mortgages Made easy actually welcomes the news…

Freelance News: PCG calls upon freelance spirits to support national campaign

Michael Rose | Events,News

PCG, the representative body for freelancers, contractors and consultants in the UK, has launched its ‘Spirit of freelancing’ campaign to capture thoughts and ideas from freelancers in the run up to Monday 23rd November, National Freelancers Day.

PCG is urging its members and other freelancers to get involved and send PCG their views on what freelancing is all about, what it means to them and how they would define it.

Read on for details on how you can get involved.

Accountancy News: Crunch continues to cause ripples

Michael Rose | Accountancy & Tax,News

The specialist freelancer and contractor-focused accountancy world is hotting up as Crunch continues to cause ripples in the sector. It’s been a busy month for Crunch with the news that the all-in-one online accountancy service has received investment from Bebo co-founder Paul Birch and Skype chairman Michael van Swaaij. Combined with news of an award [...]

Employment, contract and work advice for freelancers and contractors

Michael Rose | News

Today we are pleased to announce that Freelance Advisor have teamed up with employment specialists Workline UK to bring you essential, free-advice on employment and contract topics.

Freelance News: National Freelancers Day

Michael Rose | News

November 23rd, a date for your diary. Why? Because it is a day of recognition for the contribution that freelancers and contractors make to UK economy, a day to be proud of who you are and what you do. To help mark the day the PCG have launched a dedicated National Freelancers Day website.

Launched this week: UK Freelance Forums

Michael Rose | News

Whether you are looking for a job or just some advice on how to run your business the UK Freelance Forum is here to help.

Read on to register…

Freelance Advice: Community Comments

Michael Rose | News

You may have noticed that this week we’ve added Facebook Connect, Twitter and OpenID logins to Freelance Advisor. This is part of our plans to energize the FA community and create a trusted network of Freelance Advisors who can help each other with the questions, queries, advice and collaboration. We’ve opted for the DisQus commenting [...]

Freelance News: PCG exposes the truth of IR35′s tiny tax take

Michael Rose | Accountancy & Tax,News

The PCG, the association that represents freelancers and contractors in the UK, has revealed the exact amount of money raised by the Government’s IR35 tax regulation rules.

Following a request under the Freedom of Information Act to HMRC, asking just how much tax revenue IR35 raises for the exchequer, PCG have found that between tax years 2002/03 and 2007/08, IR35 directly raised just £9.2 million. This equates to an average of around only £1.5 million per tax year – a tiny sum in Governmental terms.

Small Business: Niche business

Emma Jones | Managing Business,News

In best-selling book ‘The Long Tail’ author Chris Anderson says the future of business does not lie in blockbuster hits but in niche products. Home businesses up and down the land are testimony to this. Emma Jones looks at why niche is good and showcases a few shining examples.

Freelance Event: Free business events for Brighton-based freelancers

Kasey Brunt | Events,News

Brighton and Hove-based freelancers have the opportunity to attend free events aimed at helping small businesses survive the economic downturn.

The Business Lifebelt events have been developed in partnership with Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce and Business Link Sussex to provide relevant advice to businesses operating in the area.

Freelance News: A supportive spouse ‘the key’ to business success

Kasey Brunt | News

Having a supportive spouse can be the key to a business’ success or failure, new research has found.

The research, by Bibby Financial Services, found that 38 per cent of spouses believed their partner working weekends was acceptable when running a business, and 44 per cent believed working late nights was also acceptable.

Freelancer of the Year: Anna Cowie

Michael Rose | News

Xchangeteam Crowns PR & Communications Consultant Freelancer of the Year Freelance Design consultant, Anna Cowie, has been named Freelancer of the Year for 2008 by leading recruiter Xchangeteam. Anna beat more than 300 entrants and 45 finalists to take the overall title, having been victorious in the Design category, sponsored by Design Week, earlier in [...]

Freelance News: Small businesses not happy with Government support

Kasey Brunt | News

Small businesses in the UK are unhappy with the support they are receiving from the government, a poll has revealed.

The poll of 4,000 small traders and freelancers by the Federation of Small Businesses revealed the traders believe the Government’s efforts to stimulate the economy had so far made no impact.

Freelance News: HMRC releases online tax help videos

Kasey Brunt | Managing Business,News

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has released a series of online video guides to help businesses and start-ups understand their tax requirements. The guides cover a variety of topics, including VAT, corporation tax and PAYE. They also cover areas such as importing and exporting, keeping accurate records, and things to consider when employing other people. [...]

Freelancer News: Downturn survival guide for businesses launched

Kasey Brunt | News

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has launched a guide to help businesses plan downturn survival strategies. The “Eight ways to survive the downturn” guide, which can be downloaded at www.icaew.com, aims to provide businesses with practical help and topics to help them through the credit crunch. The guide includes information [...]

Freelance News: Small firms still have trouble accessing finance

Kasey Brunt | News

A leading business organisation says small firms are still having trouble accessing finance, despite Government lending guarantees. The Forum of Private Business (FPB) says its members have reported they are still unable to access finance from banks, despite the Government implementing schemes such as the Enterprise Finance Guarantee, designed to help small businesses access bank [...]

Freeleancer News: Green is good for business

Kasey Brunt | News

Small businesses go green Small businesses are ‘going green’ in a bid to save costs, an expert says. Erica Russell, a sustainable business advisor from Business Link, said many small companies were adopting recycling methods and using low-energy applications in an effort to cut down on costs. “When switching off your lights could save you [...]

Freelancer News: Government cash flow help for small business

Kasey Brunt | News

Government unveils plan to help small business’ cash flow problems THE British Government will guarantee up to £20bn in loans to UK small businesses to help them manage cash flow problems in the current economic downturn. Business Secretary Lord Peter Mandelson unveiled his “real help for small to medium businesses” plan this week, saying its [...]

Freelancer News: Female business owners optimistic in economic crisis

Kasey Brunt | News

FEMALE business owners remain optimistic despite the economic crisis, a survey has revealed. The business risk survey, undertaken by the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, found 58 per cent of female business owners believe their business will grow in 2009. And 13 per cent said they would take their business to an international level in [...]

Freelancing News: Freelancers urged to take Union survey

Kasey Brunt | Lifestyle & Time out,News

Media freelancers are being urged to take a wellbeing survey from the National Union of Journalists (NUJ). The NUJ survey aims to assess the well-being of freelance journalists based in the UK. Those who take part in the online survey will be asked questions about their work, and how their job affects their social life [...]

Freelancer News: This week in Freelancing

Kasey Brunt | News

Freelancer News: by freelance news journalist Kasey Brunt Help needed for small software contractors, says report A GOVERNMENT system should be simplified to help out smaller businesses, a report has found. The joint Intellect and the British Computer Society report has recommended the government procurement system allowing software firms to apply for public-sector contracts be [...]

Search for advice:

Working Hours, Rest Breaks and Holiday Entitlements - Working Time Directive - and Bank Holidays 43 comment(s)
Awesomitise: Discover the Radical Alternative to Searching for Clients 33 comment(s)
Freelance Hacks: 10 Benefits of Rising Early, and How to Do It 15 comment(s)
Better Business Cards 15 comment(s)
Legal Checklist - six things you must consider when going freelance 14 comment(s)
Go Freelance - 2010 Edition 13 comment(s)
ReceiptFarm takes the hassle out of receipts and expenses 12 comment(s)
Marketing yourself as a freelance designer: Six simple tips for your CV and portfolio 11 comment(s)
Ltd Company: Detailed information on the expenses you can claim 10 comment(s)
Starting out: 10 things no one told me about freelancing 8 comment(s)

Recent Comments:

Home office: One size doesn’t fit all: I am 6′ 3″ and shopping for a new office chair, where could I start looking? London UK >>
Contractor debate: Umbrella versus Limited Company: Good article, I would like to add though that that nearly all good umbrella companies will offer free impartial advice as... >>
Making money with screencasting: Great guide for both screencast makers and owners. I’ve read your screencast handbook and really enjoy it Ian. Hope you can introduce... >>