Workshops in Lynn will look at the smart way to get new businesses noticed

According to the Office for National Statistics, self-employment is one of the fastest growing sectors with over 4.8 million working for themselves in 2017.

Getting started in a new career being self employed means finding new customers. It’s not uncommon, particularly in the creative industries, to be offered jobs providing you work for free in return for other benefits.

Typically this means you can add the work to the list of clients you’ve worked for and build your portfolio. Whilst very attractive this doesn’t pay the bills. So is this a slippery slope down or a smart way to get noticed?

The jury appears to be out. Some argue freelancers are in danger of becoming free workers. In New York for example a recent law has come into force to help protect the rights of freelancers that includes the right to be paid on time and the requirement for a written contract for work over $700. There are calls for similar legislation this side of the pond.

Others argue good work will always sell and it’s a question of valuing your work. If you undersell yourself, why would anyone pay you more?

So if you’re thinking of starting a business, these are just some of the debates we have during our First Steps to Start up programme which now runs in a number of towns each month across Norfolk and Suffolk including Lynn.

Over the two days, we also talk through how to get started, discuss tax and bookkeeping and how to avoid the common pitfalls of starting a new business. We also take a look at marketing, social media and other inexpensive ways to get your new business going. If you live in Norfolk or Suffolk and can attend both days the programme is fully funded and free to attend.

Our next course runs in Lynn at KLIC on May 14 and 15. We’re also running the programme in Fakenham on May 21 and 22 and in Dereham on June 4 and 5. For full details or to book a free place on line visit www.nwes.org.uk/events or call 01603 227840.