Freelance Corner

IR35 for absolute beginners
2025-02-11 12:30 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | Virtual event
IR35 webinar series

The IR35 legislation (and it’s younger sibling, the off-payroll working rules) is as complex and unpredictable as ever. That’s why, starting in February, the IPSE Policy team will be hosting a short series of IR35 webinars covering everything from the basics of what IR35 is right through to IPSE’s campaigning for a change to the law.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to brush up on your IR35 knowledge, or a prospective freelancer in need of an introduction to the rules before launching your contracting career – we’re aiming to offer something for everyone in this series.
The IR35 webinars in this series are:

IR35 for absolute beginners on 11 February
Determining IR35 status: What does the case law say? on 11 March
IPSE and IR35: Campaigning for a change to the law on 1 April

What you’ll learn

In this webinar IPSE’s Director of Policy, Andy Chamberlain, and Senior Policy and Communications Adviser, Fred Hicks, will explain the fundamental principles of IR35 and the recent changes to the rules.
The webinar will answer the following questions:

What is IR35 (and why is it so controversial)?
What brought about the introduction of IR35?
What were the changes in the public and private sectors?
Who’s responsible for determining status and who is liable for the tax?

As always, there will be an opportunity to ask questions on the day – alternatively, you can submit your questions in advance when registering for the event.

Registration

IPSE members: free to attend
Non-members: £15 (+ VAT) for 1 webinar or £30 (+ VAT) for all 3 webinars in the IR35 series
Attendees will get access to the live webinar and the post-event recordings.
Please register via Eventbrite to join this event.

Book now!

Getting more referrals
2025-02-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual event
What you’ll learn

For the vast majority of professionals, referrals are still the main source of new business, outperforming social-media, promotional campaigns and most other forms of business development.
In this webinar, John Niland from the SelfWorth Academy outlines:

Why referrals are important now
The 5 steps of a referral conversation
Common obstacles and pitfalls
Reframing a referral conversation to exploring need
Why self-worth is important
Getting referrals in a digital conversation, tips for opening doors online

Registration

Free to attend.
Attendees will get access to the live webinar and the post-event recordings.
Please register via Eventbrite to join this event.

Book now!

Fireside chat with IPSE member Amritpal Gill
2025-02-28 11:00 - 11:30 | Virtual event
Join IPSE for a fireside chat with member Amritpal Gill about his inspiration behind his freelancing journey. He shares insights and advice for making the leap into self-employment, and what he’s learnt along the way.
Hosted by IPSE’s Senior Policy & Communications Adviser Fred Hicks, hear Amritpal discuss:

Navigating self-employment success from a young age; the rewards and the hurdles Amritpal has faced
Can you launch a freelance business for just £100?
What technology is vital to being self-employed, and what should you say no to?
Are websites a must-have? Hear Amrtipal discuss the options.
How does face-to-face networking benefit your business, and how do you set up your own local freelancer meet-up?

Amritpal is the Principal Consultant of Suzaku Consulting. He provides IT services to businesses ranging from international law firms to one-person consultancies.
Registration
This event is free to attend. Please register via Eventbrite to join this event. Register for exclusive access to the fireside chat and get the recording before it is launched on social media.

Book now

How can women turn their side hustles into full-time freelance success?
2025-03-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual event
With one in five side hustles now being undertaken by working mums – up by 8% since last year – we want to champion the ever-increasing number of women that are carving out their own paths to success.
Join us to celebrate International Women’s Day for an online event exploring how women can and have been able to turn their side hustles into fully-fledged freelance careers.
We’ll be hearing from expert speakers about their own journeys in self-employment and exploring how to transition to a sustainable freelance career. Whether you’re currently adopting a side hustle, thinking about going self-employed or simply want to join in the celebrations of fellow freelancers, we’ll have something for you.

Registration

Free to attend.
Attendees will get access to the live event and the post-event recording.
Please register via Eventbrite to join this event.

Book now!

The 9 styles of CV for independent professionals
2025-03-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual event
What will you learn?

Still sending out your “one size fits all CV”? Most people are aware that they need to tailor their CV for different types of roles, but did you know that there are over 9 different CV formats that you might need, depending on your status and the position(s) you are looking for?
Join us for our latest webinar where we will provide leading-edge advice on these different styles of CV, who needs what, and the specifics of how to put them together. The webinar will delve into the science and psychology behind a CV with specific guidance on how to write each section.
This exclusive webinar, specifically for independent professionals including contractors, interims, consultants, freelancers and board advisors, will be delivered by The CV & Interview Advisors, one of the world’s leading authorities on personal branding and winning work who have been featured by Authority Magazine, BBC, The Guardian, The Telegraph and many other publications.
Attending this 60-minute session will allow you to create a portfolio of CVs that will drive more opportunities, at higher rates, in less time.
You will learn all about the marketing techniques that are giving some professionals a HUGE increase in success. If you are not familiar with elevator pitches, value proposition statements, case studies, social proofing, business casing, and ATS optimisation, then this webinar is going to give you a huge leg up when pitching for roles.

Registration

IPSE members: free to attend
Non-members: £15 (+ VAT)
Attendees will get access to the live webinar and the post-event recordings.
Please register via Eventbrite to join this event.

Book now

Determining IR35 status: What does the case law say?
2025-03-11 12:30 - 13:30 | Virtual event
What you’ll learn

Working out when IR35 applies and when it doesn’t is notoriously complex. In this webinar IPSE’s Director of Policy, Andy Chamberlain, and Senior Policy and Communications Adviser, Fred Hicks, will examine the case law that sets out employment status rules and governs IR35 disputes. We will look closely at the recent Supreme Court judgement which clarified points of the law.
The webinar will answer the following questions:

The key criteria (substitution, control and mutuality of obligation) – what do they mean?
What are ‘business-on-own-account’ tests?
What does PGMOL tell us about how we should consider status?
How accurate is HMRC’s Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) tool?

As always, there will be an opportunity to ask questions on the day – alternatively, you can submit your questions in advance when registering for the event.

Registration

IPSE members: free to attend
Non-members: £15 (+ VAT) for 1 webinar or £30 (+ VAT) for all 3 webinars in the IR35 series.
Attendees will get access to the live webinar and the post-event recordings. If the webinar has already passed you will get access to a recording of the event only.
Please register via Eventbrite to join this event.

Book now!

IR35 webinar series

This webinar is part of the IR35 webinar series that IPSE are hosting. The IR35 legislation (and it’s younger sibling, the off-payroll working rules) is as complex and unpredictable as ever. That’s why, starting in February, the IPSE Policy team will be hosting a short series of IR35 webinars covering everything from the basics of what IR35 is right through to IPSE’s campaigning for a change to the law.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to brush up on your IR35 knowledge, or a prospective freelancer in need of an introduction to the rules before launching your contracting career – we’re aiming to offer something for everyone in this series.
The IR35 webinars in this series are:

IR35 for absolute beginners on 11 February
Determining IR35 status: What does the case law say? on 11 March
IPSE and IR35: Campaigning for a change to the law on 1 April

Annuities vs drawdown – how best to provide an income in retirement
2025-03-13 12:30 - 13:30 | Virtual event
What will you learn?

This session will cover the key questions about retirement income strategies, including:

The basics: how do annuities and drawdown work?
Strategies for self-employed individuals with fluctuating incomes.
Better ways to manage outgoings in the early years of retirement.
The pros and cons of taking your 25% tax-free lump sum early.
Why the money purchase annual allowance (MPAA) matters.
How pensions fit into your overall financial plan.

With expert insights from independent financial advisers at Chase de Vere, this webinar will provide valuable information to help you make more confident, informed decisions about your future.
Don’t miss this opportunity to take control of your retirement planning. Secure your spot today and ensure you are prepared for the next stage of your financial journey.

Registration

IPSE members: free to attend
Non-members: £15 (+ VAT)
Attendees will get access to the live webinar and the post-event recordings.
Please register via Eventbrite to join this event.

Book now!

Five ways to build a steady stream of clients
2025-03-20 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual event
What will you learn?

With a steep rise in the number of freelancers in the UK, standing out and building a steady stream of clients can feel like an enormous challenge. If you find yourself constantly worrying about where the next client will come from this webinar will guide you through 5 key ways you can build a steady stream of clients.
In this webinar business coach and consultant Helen Coston will cover:

What does a steady stream of clients look like for you and your business
A reflection on your business at the moment
How you get clients
Five key ways to build a steady stream of clients

You’ll take away fresh ideas that you can implement into your own business!

Registration

Free to attend.
Attendees will get access to the live webinar and the post-event recordings.
Please register via Eventbrite to join this event.
Book now!

In-person financial health check for the self-employed
2025-03-26 17:30 - 21:00 | 7th Floor, The Broker Lounge, Walkie Talkie Building, 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3M 8AF
Understanding the financial health of your business is vital for making informed financial decisions. Yet, too many self-employed businesses fail to employ diversification or investment strategies that could protect and grow their wealth. We’ve teamed up with our independent financial advice partners, Chase de Vere, and tax experts, Taxd, for an in-person event in London that’s designed to challenge the way you think about and manage your finances.
Our expert-led sessions are specifically designed to cover all aspects of financial planning, allowing you to make the most informed decisions for your future. These specialist speakers will then be free for 1-2-1 sessions where they can answer specific questions about your finances and investment opportunities. Further online 1-2-1 sessions are available to book as well.

Timings

5.30 – 5.45pm: Registration
Registration and welcome drink
5.45 – 6.45pm: Financial planning
Join Rhian Lawson, Chartered Financial Planner at Chase de Vere. Over the course of 60-minutes, Rhian will dive into the essential elements of a robust financial plan designed specifically for the self-employed. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your strategies, this in-person event will provide you with actionable insights to secure your financial future.
Key topics covered:

Pensions: Addressing the self-employed pension gap—fewer than 16% of the self-employed contribute to a private pension. Learn how to bridge this gap and safeguard your retirement.
Investing: Discover smart savings and investment strategies, helping you grow your wealth.
Protection: Explore essential insurance options to protect your income, business, and personal assets.
Estate Planning: Understand inheritance tax allowances and how they apply to your estate, ensuring your legacy is protected.

Important disclaimers: Investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you originally invested. Tax planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
6.45 – 7.00pm: Break & networking
7.00 – 8.00pm: Tax and accounts
Join Arjun Kumar from tax experts Taxd for a 60-minute session exploring the key tax and accounting consideration for the self-employed.
Key topics covered:

Tax: Understanding the tax implications for self-employed individuals
Business accounts: Setting up and managing business accounts effectively
Budgeting: Practical strategies for budgeting and managing cash flow
Expenses: Understanding business expenses
Invoicing & payments: Best practice for invoicing clients and managing payments

8.00pm – 9.00pm: Networking
Networking, refreshments and dedicated 1-2-1 sessions (more details available soon).

Registration

Don’t miss this opportunity to give your financial plan a thorough check-up with expert guidance. Secure your spot today! Please register via Eventbrite or at the ‘Book now’ link below to register for this event.
This event is in person only. The sessions will not be recorded or available online.
IPSE members: £10 + VAT
Non-members: £20 + VAT
Attendees will get access to all live sessions, 1-2-1’s and refreshments.

Book now

Book your 1:1 consultation

If you are interested in having a 1:1 with Chase de Vere on the evening of the event, please email events@ipse.co.uk to arrange a booking. Note bookings are allocated on a first come first served basis.

IPSE and IR35: Campaigning for a change to the law
2025-04-01 12:30 - 13:30 | Virtual event
What you’ll learn

IPSE was started twenty-five years ago in direct opposition to IR35 and we are still campaigning today. Over the years we’ve pushed for and achieved improvements to the rules, we’ve staunchly opposed damaging reforms, we’ve had a few moments of optimism and near misses but ultimately IR35 is still on the statute book and still causing big problems for contractors.
In this webinar IPSE’s Director of Policy, Andy Chamberlain, Senior Policy and Communications Adviser, Fred Hicks, and Senior Research and Policy Officer, Josh Toovey, will discuss how IR35 has changed, what the future for IR35 looks like and why we still believe IR35 should be scrapped.
The webinar will cover:

IPSE’s campaigning – past and present
Potential solutions –

IPSE’s Freelancer Limited Company concept
The engager’s levy
What’s being proposed by other organisations
How a change to employment status rules could improve IR35

As always, there will be an opportunity to ask questions on the day – alternatively, you can submit your questions in advance when registering for the event.

Registration

IPSE members: free to attend
Non-members: £15 (+ VAT) for 1 webinar or £30 (+ VAT) for all 3 webinars in the IR35 series.
Attendees will get access to the live webinar and the post-event recordings. If the webinar has already passed you will get access to a recording of the event only.
Please register via Eventbrite to join this event.

Book now!

IR35 webinar series

This webinar is part of the IR35 webinar series that IPSE are hosting. The IR35 legislation (and it’s younger sibling, the off-payroll working rules) is as complex and unpredictable as ever. That’s why, starting in February, the IPSE Policy team will be hosting a short series of IR35 webinars covering everything from the basics of what IR35 is right through to IPSE’s campaigning for a change to the law.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to brush up on your IR35 knowledge, or a prospective freelancer in need of an introduction to the rules before launching your contracting career – we’re aiming to offer something for everyone in this series.
The IR35 webinars in this series are:

IR35 for absolute beginners on 11 February
Determining IR35 status: What does the case law say? on 11 March
IPSE and IR35: Campaigning for a change to the law on 1 April

How to become master of the interview room to win more work at higher rates
2025-04-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual event
What will you learn?

Many people think they are good in interviews (or should we say client sales meetings?!), but how can you be good at something you have only done a few times in your life?
It’s not just about being able to talk confidently! Being good at something requires coaching and practice, so we are running a online career webinar all about advanced interview skills.
This live session will provide leading-edge information on advanced interview techniques specifically for contractors, interims, and freelancers.
In this fast-paced and engaging session, you will learn:

How to identify the true meaning of interview questions so your answers are always perfect
How to apply easy-to-implement sales techniques in interviews to increase your daily rate
How to use advanced communication frameworks to structure answers and prevent rambling
Why you should create a ‘Professional Autobiography’ to PROPERLY prepare for interviews

We will also reveal the top 3 mistakes and things you should never do in interviews.
This is a live webinar with a Q&A session at the end for you to ask any questions. Why not challenge our presenters and come armed with the hardest interview question you have ever been asked.

Registration

IPSE members: free to attend
Non-members: £15 (+ VAT)
Attendees will get access to the live webinar and the post-event recordings.
Please register via Eventbrite to join this event.

Book now

Anticipating how AI will change the world in your market
2025-04-10 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual event
How will AI impact your market?

We cannot predict our own future without taking account of our client world. In this webinar, John Niland from the SelfWorth Academy takes a look at what’s on the horizon and examine:

How AI will impact some current business functions e.g. HR / marketing
What this means for your value-proposition
Practices to guide your own career navigation
Some classic pitfalls to avoid
A glimpse of your future professional identity as a freelancer

Registration

Free to attend.
Attendees will get access to the live webinar and the post-event recordings.
Please register via Eventbrite to join this event.

Book now

Fireside chat with LinkedIn expert Adam Faulkner
2025-05-13 11:00 - 11:30 | Virtual event
Are you making the most of LinkedIn?

IPSE catches up with LinkedIn expert Adam Faulkner at our latest fireside chat.
Hosted by IPSE’s Digital Marketing Manager, Christina McLean, hear Adam’s thoughts on:

His LinkedIn journey, and how he uses the channel to present not only his work but also his experiences as a freelancer
Examples of effective LinkedIn posts and interactions
How and why you should use video on LinkedIn
Why your posts should start a conversation
How to align your online presence with your authentic offline self
Tips for overcoming the discomfort of self-promotion on LinkedIn
How to grow your confidence using LinkedIn in the right way
Use LinkedIn to open doors and attract the right contacts
Insights into common mistakes individuals make when promoting themselves or their businesses
The importance of treating your LinkedIn profile as a landing page rather than a CV

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from Adam and find out how LinkedIn can work in the background for you, whilst you run your business.
Adam runs an online media company working with brands and business owners to create content that starts conversations. Adam is a former newspaper journalist and TV producer and has run his own one-person business for 5 years.

Registration

This event is free to attend. Please register via Eventbrite to join this event. Register for exclusive access to the fireside chat and get the recording before it is launched on social media.

Book now
