Freelancer group, PCG evolves into 'zeitgeist' IPSE

Freelancer trade group, the PCG, has relaunched, rebranded and renamed itself as the Association for Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE).

The PCG - then known as the Professional Contractors Group - was formed in 1999 by a group of freelancers and contractors as a single-issue lobbying vehicle against the proposed Friday-to-Monday tax, IR35. Since then it has metamorphosed several times as it changed its governance, structure and agenda. Its latest reincarnation, IPSE, (pronounced ip-say) owes as much to the Latin pronoun meaning himself, herself, itself, as it does to the modern way of flexible working.

In keeping with the linguistic theme, IPSE's Chief Executive Chris Bryce and Chairman Julie Stewart both described self-employment as the 'zeitgeist' - the spirit of the age.

Julie Stewart said: "We've taken this step in order to be better able to represent all professionals working in the UK's growing self-employed sector.

"The way we work in the UK has changed almost beyond recognition in the last decade. Every month thousands of people are waking up to the benefits that come with starting a business and IPSE will be there to ensure they are supported and protected every step of the way."

The new IPSE used the opportunity to repeat their call often made as the old PCG for the Government to support the freelancer community.

Ms Stewart said: "It is time Government truly recognised the dramatic shift in the way we work in the UK. While there's never been a better time to work independently, much can be done to create a level playing field for the people brave enough to go it alone.

"IPSE's aim is to make self-employment central to the economic debate in Government and to ensure policies are in place that make it easier to become self-employed and to be self-employed."