National Freelancers' Day

A series of events around the country marked National Freelancers' Day 2011 today, (November 23).

Freelancer group, the PCG is hosting the second annual Freelancer Lecture in London where speakers include Dr Karen Stephenson, the CIA's 'trust adviser'. The group is also holding a number of 'webinars' on subjects such as using social media, getting referrals, and running email campaigns.

Prime Minister David Cameron also applauded the contribution made by freelancers as new research was released showing that the sector had grown by 12 per cent.

Toby Perkins Labour also added its support. Labour MP, Toby Perkins, Shadow Minister for Small Business told UKTECH: "We are clear that the recovery needs to be private-sector driven and led by business. As well as growing existing businesses, this means we need to see more people setting up their own businesses.

"There are more than three million enterprises across the UK which consist of a single self-employed owner manager or owner-director representing a hugely important section of our economy. I am pleased that National Freelancers Day is recognising their contribution."

Coffee

To coincide with the event, online accountants Crunch, conducted some light-hearted research into what freelancers most value. It found that smart-phones are rated only seventh in a list of the most important things UK freelancers can't live without - lower than coffee.

Other 'can't live withouts' were the main computer, online communication, task management tools, and networking events.

Only five per cent of freelancers rated the smart-phone as their most important tool at work, compared with 34 per cent who chose their main computer and 21 per cent who selected online communication tools, such as Twitter. Coffee came in at fifth place with eight per cent of the vote.

The research also found that male freelancers appear to be more social with 12 per cent of men stating that they couldn't live without social business support networks, compared to only four per cent of women.

Owner and MD at Crunch, Darren Fell, who is hosting an event in Brighton to mark the day said: "This research is fascinating. It seems to show that despite a push towards more mobile working, today's freelancers are still tied to their desks."