IPSE announces finalists for Freelancer of the Year Awards 2017

• 5 Apr 2017

IPSE is delighted to announce the 15 shortlisted finalists for the Freelancer of the Year Awards 2017.

The Awards, in their fourth year, are designed to recognise and celebrate the innovation and excellence of freelancers in the UK. The applicants are judged on a range of criteria including the strength of their portfolio, their passion and commitment to freelancing, business acumen and creativity, and the distinctiveness of their offering.

The awards will bring down the curtain on this year’s National Freelancers Day on 8 June. The event, now in its ninth year, also includes expert guest speakers, interactive workshops, panel sessions and seminars. With satellite events at Ziferblat in Manchester and Desklodge in Bristol, NFD 2017 promises to be bigger and bolder than ever.

Chris Bryce, IPSE CEO, commented: “We would like to extend our congratulations to all 15 finalists for this year’s Awards. Every year we are inundated with superb applications from freelancers who offer truly unique and inspiring business services. This year was certainly no exception and the standard of competition will make it very challenging for our judges to select a winner.

“Our finalists are indicative of the unique, dynamic and talented freelance workforce who are stimulating the creation and growth of a flexible and competitive economy. It’s great to see that record numbers of people, of all ages and from all backgrounds, are embarking on this way of working and we are delighted to be able to champion them with our Awards.”

Mandy Barker, a graphic designer and founder of Sail Creative, said: "I am positively overwhelmed to be a finalist in the freelancer Awards. I left a secure and creative role in an agency less than 12 months ago to follow my passion. Self-employment is hard work, but the rewards and recognition are invaluable. Being recognised at a national level is an honour, and has given me a huge boost. I will be proud to be alongside the other amazing finalists." 

Carl Lonsdale, an interior design specialist at Spruce My, added: "I'm still pinching myself - I'm one of 15 finalists nationally. IPSE is a fantastic community for the self-employed and it's a true privilege to be involved in the Awards. The flexibility and freedom of becoming a freelancer has enabled me to go above and beyond for clients, caring about quality of service from start to finish."

Ten finalists were selected for the Inspire Award for established freelancers aged 24 and over, and five for the Aspire Award for young freelancers aged 23 and under. Freelancers from a whole host of sectors applied – from dancers and IT contractors, to engineers and designers – including university students, full-time, established freelancers and those balancing employment with the passion of running their own businesses.

The Inspire winner receives £5,000 for their business, while the Aspire winner will receive £3,000. The winners will also receive a one-year IPSE membership, a one-year licence for QuickBooks accounting software, Microsoft Office 365, 123 Reg’s website building and business tools plus a one-year membership for Skwish’s freelance management tool.

There will be two runners up in the Inspire category, each of whom will receive £2,500 to put towards their business. Plus, a one-year IPSE membership, a one-year licence for QuickBooks accounting software and a three-month membership for Skwish’s freelance management tool.

All finalists receive a one-year IPSE membership, a one-year licence for QuickBooks accounting software and a three-month membership for Skwish’s freelance management tool.

For more information please visit the NFD page. 

The 2017 finalists are:

Inspire Award (for freelancers aged 24 and over)
Yoni Alter - Graphic artist - www.yoni.london
Mandy Barker - Graphic design - www.sailcreative.co.uk
Charlotte Beevor - Surface pattern design - www.charlottebeevor.com
Rich Daley - Software development consultancy - www.fishpercolator.co.uk
Alexy Dury - Deaf-related professional services
Chichi Eruchalu - Business coaching & strategy - www.chichieruchalu.com
Melissa Holloway - Medical copywriting and consulting - www.speakingdiabetes.com
Luke Nicholson - Communication & accent coaching - www.improveyouraccent.co.uk
Phil Richardson - Track design engineer
Michael Trew - Origami paper sculptor - www.papershake.com

Aspire Award (for freelancers aged 23 and under)
Abigail Baldwin - Creative design - www.buttercrumble.com
Charlotte Haldane - Hair & makeup artist - http://showtime.arts.ac.uk/CharlotteHaldane
Nisha Haq - Photographer - www.nishahaqphotography.com
Carl Lonsdale - Interior specialist - www.sprucemy.co.uk
Adam Smith - Video & photography production - www.hsqproductions.com