What Seasonal Work Can Freelancers Pick Up During the Summer?

What Seasonal Work Can Freelancers Pick Up During the Summer?

It’s no secret that freelance work can be unpredictable, and especially if there are certain times of the year when your business tends to grind to a halt – like during the sleepy summer months.

Thankfully, seasonal work can be a great option, affording you the opportunity to earn additional income and gain experience during this dreaded ‘summer slowdown.’
 

What is seasonal work?

Before we get into it, what even is seasonal work? I’m glad you asked. Seasonal employees are basically short-term workers who come in and fulfil additional staffing needs during an organisation’s busiest months.

The main selling point is that the work is on a temporary basis, meaning there’s no long-term commitment and you can try new jobs to see if you enjoy them without having to dive in headfirst.

In terms of exactly when you can take up a seasonal role, this varies by both industry and individual operation.
 

What should I consider before taking on seasonal work as a freelancer?

The first thing to consider is how long the contract is, as having a seasonal job could eventually get in the way of your freelance obligations, which you may want to prioritise.

You should also take into account the type of work it is. This is because seasonal employment is a chance to upskill in something different and gain valuable experience which can be referenced on your CV in the future.

When it comes to the work itself, there’s likely to be a general lack of freedom or flexibility relative to freelance work (where you get to set your own schedule, for example). There also tends to be less pay than with a full-time job – close to minimum wage in some industries – and also fewer benefits, so you’ll want to consider whether or not it’s worth it to you.
 

Types of seasonal jobs for freelancers

  • Events/festivals – on an ad hoc basis – enables you to fill gaps in your income
  • Bartender/hospitality – may require more of a time commitment than events, but still not full-time
  • Retail – flexible hours, e.g. weekends only or 2/3 days per week
  • Barista – flexible working hours
  • Hotel staff – on an ad hoc basis or a few days per week, depending on contract
  • Dog walker – nice change from freelancing (not client-facing) and flexible hours

 

Should I look for employed or self-employed seasonal jobs?

The truth is it doesn’t really matter either way, so long as you’re comfortable doing your Self Assessment tax return (which you likely already are as a freelancer ).

That said, if you opt to take up a self-employed seasonal role, be sure to keep separate records and add a separate section to your Self Assessment. Also make sure you understand how this affects the way you pay tax.

As well as taking on seasonal work, you could also expand the freelance work you do to open up a wider client base. In today’s increasingly complex world, it’s good to have multiple strings to your bow.

 
Head over to our information hub for more guides, news and advice on navigating life as a professional freelancer, from finance to tech and more.

How to Survive the Summer Slowdown as a Freelancer

How to Survive the Summer Slowdown as a Freelancer

We all know freelance work can be unpredictable in nature (to say the least), so it’s fair to assume there’ll be times when there isn’t a whole lot of work to go around. Most notably during the summer months, when your clients are burning on a beach somewhere and you’re left waiting by the phone.

Fear not, though, as there are a number of things you can do to survive – and even thrive – during this so-called ‘summer slowdown’.
 

Run an expense forecast

Being financially prepared for an income drop is key.

Start by making a list of all the business and household expenses you will need to cover over the summer months. Your financial data from previous months and years can help, providing insights into your typical spending habits.

The next step is using this information to try and plan how you will pay your summer expenses if your income does slow down. It will also help you consider (or reconsider) any major purchases you might be planning.
 

Think about your summer schedule

If you know there’s a certain period (e.g. mid-August) that tends to be particularly slow for you in terms of work coming in, then why not align your own summer getaway with this?

You’ll get to enjoy some much-needed time off without worrying over an empty inbox. You also won’t technically be missing out on any income if you choose to go away during this time, as you don’t normally earn while on holiday.

Rest and relaxation are also vitally important, so there’s that, too.
 

Be clear about the time you’re taking off

Basically, just communicate your holiday plans consistently and often. If you don’t, you might receive work requests while you’re away, especially if you’re in a direct working relationship with a particular company.

Make sure to touch base upon your return, though, letting them know you’re back and available for new projects. (This also just gives you an excuse to reach out.)
 

Take the opportunity to market yourself

If, however, you’d rather keep working over the summer, you should start reaching out to your clients as early as possible and let them know about your continued availability. This will be very much appreciated by project managers in larger agencies, who will be glad to know they can reach out to you when many regular providers are out of the office.

You could also spend the time dedicated to building your online presence, in addition to generating leads. Now is the time to tinker and experiment with new services that complement your current ones. For example, if you’re a blog writer, you could consider offering a content calendar or SEO research.

There’s room for variability, too, as these new services can be add-ons or standalones; just play around and see what works.

They may bring in new clients (which is obviously the aim), but even if they fall short of that for whatever reason, they’ll still add value for existing ones and ultimately generate more revenue for your business.

So it’s kind of a no-brainer.
 

Consider seasonal work

While you may not have considered it, seasonal work can be a great option, affording you the opportunity to earn additional income during dry spells throughout the year – e.g. during summer.

The main selling point is that the work is on a temporary basis, meaning there’s no long-term commitment and you can try new jobs to see if you enjoy them without having to dive in headfirst.

It’s also a chance to upskill in something different and gain valuable experience which can be referenced on your CV, depending on what sort of seasonal work you pick up!

Seasonal employment also allows you to fill in any unemployment or missing income gaps you might have. This might be particularly useful if you’re worried about gaps in your National Insurance record affecting your entitlement to the State Pension in the future.

More broadly, though, you can forge connections within a new company – or even a new industry – and these can lead to future recommendations or job tips. (If you’re asked to do freelance work for an employer, just make sure you don’t fall inside IR35.)

Of course, there’s always the possibility of you being offered a full-time position after your seasonal contract ends.

 
Head over to our information hub for more guides, news and advice on navigating life as a professional freelancer, from finance to tech and more.

The Pros and Cons of Seasonal Work as a Freelancer

The Pros and Cons of Seasonal Work as a Freelancer

We all know that freelance work can be unpredictable in nature (to say the least), and so it’s fair to assume there’ll be times when there isn’t a whole lot of work to go around. Like those long summer months when most of your clients are burning on a beach somewhere, while you wait by the phone.

These dry spells can be frustrating – but there is a possible solution you might want to consider if you haven’t already: seasonal employment. As with anything in life, it’s not perfect, but it might just be the answer to your prayers. Let’s break down the pros and cons.
 

What is seasonal work?

Well, as the name suggests, seasonal employees are basically short-term workers who come in and fulfil additional staffing needs during an organisation’s busiest months. The specific season varies by both industry and individual operation, but that’s the general gist.
 

What’s the difference between full-time employment and seasonal work?

The key difference is that seasonal jobs are finite, or temporary, typically lasting for 6 months or less and have a start and end date. This is in contrast to full-time jobs, which tend to be infinite or unending (at least on paper).

Seasonal employees may work part-time or full-time hours, so this isn’t a determining factor, but most countries have specific labour laws around seasonal work to govern things like taxes, insurance, contract terms, and the deductions an employer is allowed to make.

In the UK, for example, seasonal employees are paid a National Minimum Wage according to how old they are.
 

Should I include my seasonal employment in my Self Assessment?

In short, yes. This is because the tax rate which applies to your earnings depends on how much you earn during a tax year, so you’re required to report all of your income.

Even if you’re primarily self-employed (e.g. a freelancer), you still need to include any PAYE (Pay As You Earn) income in your Self Assessment in addition to your freelance earnings. This doesn’t mean you’ll need to pay tax on your wages again, though.
 

Pros

The most obvious benefit of seasonal employment is the opportunity to earn additional income to make up for times your freelance work tends to be quiet. There are other potential plus points too:

  • Seasonal work is offered on a temporary basis, meaning there’s no long-term commitment on your part, so you can try new jobs to see if you like them without diving in headfirst
  • It’s an opportunity to upskill in something different, which will stand you in good stead moving forwards, depending on what sort of seasonal work you find!
  • It’s an opportunity to gain experience (for you personally, but also for your CV)
  • You can forge connections within a new company – or even a new industry – and these can lead to future recommendations or job tips
  • In certain situations, seasonal employees may be offered full-time positions after their seasonal contracts end (for example, if they impress or perform particularly well)
  • Seasonal employment also allows you to fill in any unemployment or missing income gaps you might have. This might be particularly useful if you’re worried about gaps in your National Insurance record affecting your entitlement to the State Pension in the future

If you’re asked to do freelance work for an employer, just make sure you don’t fall inside IR35. This is legislation introduced to close a loophole allowing ‘disguised employees’ to avoid paying tax on a self-employed basis, when the nature of the relationship is actually closer to permanent employment.
 

Cons
  • Having a seasonal job could eventually get in the way of your freelance obligations, which you may want to prioritise
  • In terms of the work itself, there’s likely to be a general lack of freedom or flexibility relative to freelance work (where you get to set your own schedule, for example)
  • Due to the temporary nature of seasonal work, training can often be quite limited, with employees having to adopt a ‘learn-as-you-go’ mentality
  • There tends to be less pay than with a full-time job – close to minimum wage in some industries – and also fewer benefits
  • Under a seasonal contract, employers have very few restrictions on letting people go, so there isn’t a great deal of stability
  • While it does happen, there’s no guarantee of you being offered a full-time position after your seasonal contract ends

 

Is seasonal work for me?

There are clear advantages to taking up a seasonal role if you’re a freelancer – most notably the fact that you might be able to keep earning at those times of year your freelance work tends to go quiet. Ultimately, like every business decision, it’ll be for you to decide for yourself, based on your own unique situation and preferences.

 
Head over to our information hub for more guides, news and advice on navigating life as a professional freelancer, from finance to tech and more.

Can Freelancers Set Payment Terms?

Can Freelancers Set Payment Terms?

One of the most empowering things about being a freelancer is being able to set your own rates and decide when and how you want to be paid.

Setting clear and realistic payment terms and conditions minimises the risk of delayed payments and helps build stronger client relationships.

Delayed payments are a real issue, as recent research published by IPSE shows that almost a third (32%) of UK freelancers experienced payment delays from clients in the 12 months leading up to the survey.

Separate GOV.UK research also explored the ever-present late payment problem and found that businesses attributed paying invoices late to:

  • Admin errors (36%)
  • Disputed invoices (31%)
  • Technical issues (23%)
  • Paying late on purpose (1%)

Unsurprisingly, the businesses surveyed didn’t admit to factors such as poor payment habits or cash flow issues being the reason for outstanding invoices – but it’s likely these are also factors in play.

Reducing instances of late payments is one of the key benefits of setting client payment terms. We’ll explore the methods of implementing payment terms and possible late penalties in this blog post.
 

What are payment terms?

Payment terms cover the agreed arrangement between you and a client regarding when and how they will pay you for your services.

The most common ways payment terms are set up between a freelancer and their client are:

  • Upfront: You are paid the full amount before the project begins
  • Deposit: The client pays a deposit before the work starts and the rest after the job is done
  • Fixed price/project rate: You and the client agree on a set budget for the work
  • Daily or hourly: You are paid based on the hours or days you work, calculated using your daily or hourly rate of pay
  • Milestone payments: You are paid at various phases of the project’s completion
  • Retainer: The client pays you a fixed fee at regular intervals, usually monthly

 

When should I set the payment due date?

It’s completely up to you – GOV.UK’s research found that the two most common payment terms among micro-businesses were 30 days (54%) and 7 days (22%) after invoicing.

These are typically calendar days, not working days, but you can confirm and outline this for your clients on your invoice and freelancer contract. You might be happy to exclude Bank Holidays from the terms, for example.
 

What payment methods should I allow?

How you’d like your clients to pay is your choice. If you only want to offer one way to pay, that’s your call to make.

Giving your client’s options when it comes to payment methods can be an effective way to speed up the process though and reduce the risk of your payment being delayed.

Popular payment methods include:

 

Can freelancers set client payment terms?

Yes, freelancers are allowed to set their own payment terms. This means they can tell clients when and how they prefer to be paid. This includes pre-project deposits and full payment on completion.

Not only are freelancers allowed to set payment terms, but it’s also a recommended practice to support good admin and bookkeeping habits as well as healthy cash flow.
 

Can I charge late fees if a client doesn’t pay me?

Yes – under late payment rules and regulations, you are allowed to charge penalties for missed payment deadlines as a fixed sum, plus statutory interest of 8% and the Bank of England base rate. Late payment rates are currently set at:

  • £40 – debts of £999.99 or less
  • £70 – debts of £1,000 – £9,999.99
  • £100 – debts of £10,000 or more

Note: you’re only allowed to charge the business once for each late payment. You can’t stack penalties. Check out the government’s free calculator for penalties and statutory interest on unpaid invoices.
 

What’s classed as a ‘late’ payment?

If you have a date specified on your payment agreement, anything after this is classed as late. If you haven’t though, don’t worry.

The payment will then be classed as late 30 days after your customer gets the invoice, or after you’ve provided the service (or delivered the goods if this came later).
 

Deciding what payment terms to set

You’re in control when it comes to deciding what payment due dates to set and which payment methods to offer. These might even vary depending on the client or project. When making these decisions, it’s important to consider:

  • Your cash flow – For example, if your cash flow isn’t in the healthiest position, you might want to opt for the shorter 7-day payment turnaround, so you aren’t waiting as long for your funds.
  • A client’s payment habits – If one of your clients is notoriously bad at paying their invoices on time, shorter payment terms can be an effective way of encouraging faster payment. It also means you can implement late payment repercussions sooner if necessary.

To build strong client relationships, we’d recommend agreeing on payment terms with your client together.

You can, of course, stand your ground if you’re not happy but treating these terms as a two-way street is a great way to show you are considering your clients’ needs as well as your own.
 

How to communicate payment terms to clients

You can simply add your payment terms to your freelancer contract at the bottom of your invoice document, including details about late payment penalties. However, for better client relationship management, follow these steps:

  • 1. Agree on payment terms and methods with your client before sending over your contract and get it in writing (e.g. email or Slack message).
  • 2. Add the agreed payment terms to your contract, which both you and your client should sign.
  • 3. Add your payment terms to the bottom of your invoice document as a reminder. This will help the finance team or whoever is releasing payment to know when to schedule it.

 
Head over to our information hub for more guides, news and advice on navigating life as a professional freelancer, from finance to tech and more.

Things to Consider Before Jumping on a Marketing Trend

Things to Consider Before Jumping on a Marketing Trend

The definition of a trend is ‘a general direction in which something is developing or changing’. Understanding the changes and directions happening in your industry and amongst your target audience can be incredibly valuable when creating a solid marketing strategy.

But it’s important to remember – just because something is a trend, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s something you should immediately jump on.

We explore the key things to consider first, so when the next trend comes along you can act quickly or simply ignore it all together.

 

The difference between regular trends and viral trends

In the world of marketing trends, there are two main categories to keep in mind:

  • Regular trends: This refers more to industry-related marketing metrics.
  • Viral trends: Specific content types that gain popularity and momentum rapidly on social media.

 

Industry trend examples:

In 2024, the number of vegans in the UK was estimated to be around 2.5 million, which was a huge jump from 1.1 million the year before. This is an example of a growing trend that has been happening in consumption habits over several years.

The increase in vegans worldwide and the trend towards plant-based products has caused brands in various industries to evolve what they offer and shift their marketing tactics.

Like fast-food giant McDonald’s for example, who launched the ‘McPlant’ burger in 2022 to meet the needs of the growing number of vegans. It enabled them to keep up with consumer trend and not fall behind in the market.

 

Viral trend examples:

Viral trends consist largely of social media content based on pop culture events. Think things like memes and videos.

It’s also common for brands to use popular content formats from content creators as part of their influencer marketing or brand collaborations.

A common example of this is a cosmetics brand jumping on the ‘Get ready with me’ social content trend. This is where someone films themselves getting ready for the day, but in this instance, they’ll use the brand’s promotional product as part of their routine.

 

Why is it important to understand the difference between regular marketing trends and social media trends?

The nature of viral social media trends normally means they have far less longevity than regular marketing trends.

While marketing trends like consumer buying patterns and competitor behaviour are something to consider as part of a broader strategy, viral social trends tend to enable more short-term wins.

This isn’t the case for all businesses, though. The makeup brand used in the example above could probably find much longer-term value from viral trending content. It’s all about understanding your brand, your industry and your customers.

 

Will a marketing trend benefit your business?

To answer this big question, you first need to think about the following:

 

Does it feel natural for your business?

Building a client base through social media is one of the most effective ways to expand your reach and engage with new and existing customers. For this to work, your content has to feel genuine, authentic and in line with what people expect from your brand.

If you implement a trend that doesn’t feel natural for your business, people will see this as disingenuous, and it won’t reflect well on you.

Shoehorning unlikely trends into your marketing strategy also runs the risk of feeling a little bit desperate, which, again, customers will sniff out quickly.

 

Will it connect you to your customers or alienate them?

Will the trend help you build stronger connections with your customers? Or will it make them feel confused about your brand or alienate them in some way? Will it reach the demographic you’re looking to tap into?

These are things you need to establish before jumping on any kind of trend.

 

Are you on the right platforms?

Not all viral social media trends will be accessible to your business if you aren’t on the right platforms or, more importantly, if your target customers aren’t on those platforms.

If you see a certain type of content going viral on TikTok, for example, this might have you wondering, ‘Hmm, does my business need a TikTok account?’. If this isn’t a platform your customers use, the answer is likely no and that particular trend probably isn’t right for your business.

Any marketing content you produce needs to be native to the channel you’re posting on, and shared in places where your customers will see it and want to engage with it.

 

What are your competitors doing?

You should always have a close eye on your competitors. What they’re doing and what they’re not doing can be extremely illuminating for you and something you can use to the advantage of your own marketing strategy.

The same is true when it comes to trends. Have your competitors jumped on a trend? If so, does it seem to be working for them? Of course, you won’t be able to see their internal metrics but you can get a good feel based on their social media engagement, for example.

Don’t simply replicate what they’re doing because you need to be unique and differentiate yourself in the market. If you think a trend might be working magic for them, figure out how you can implement it in your own way.

 

Is the juice worth the squeeze?

Whatever type of trend you’re looking into, whether it’s a consumer-based pattern, a new industry direction or some viral social media content, investing in it has got to be worth it.

This will depend on your resources (time, capacity, money) and it’s something you should weigh up before jumping on any bandwagon. You’ve got to be reasonably sure that implementing a trend in your tactics will bring you a solid result. If not, you might put your marketing budget, cash flow and brand reputation at risk.

 
Looking for more freelancing advice? Head to our hub, where we’ve got a whole host of resources waiting for you.

Best Apps for Freelancers 2025

Best Apps for Freelancers 2025

Once upon a time, our devices and phones served just a handful of purposes. These days, they’re more like an extension of ourselves.

Our smartphones (and other devices) are now our calendars, online banks, health trackers, nutrition guides, maps, the key to instant communication with contacts all around the world, and so much more.

Professionally, apps can drive productivity, boost organisation, automate some of your most arduous tasks and help you set up and maintain robust processes and systems.

That’s why, as a freelancer, staying up to date with the latest apps is such an effective way to stay on your A-game and make your life a whole lot easier, faster, smarter and sometimes, even cheaper.

 

The apps every freelancer needs in 2025 (and beyond)

The world of apps is fast-paced and quick-changing with a seemingly endless list of options. So, figure out where you would most benefit from some app-based support and focus your efforts there.

We share 10 of the best apps for freelancers in 2025, broken down into five key categories:

  • Finding freelance work
  • Project management
  • Design and creation tools
  • Social media
  • Bookkeeping and accounting

So, let’s get stuck in!

 

Finding freelance work

Finding freelance work is no mean feat, especially when you’re also trying to focus on the active briefs and clients you already have. Apps can make sourcing and securing work far less daunting and time-consuming.

Two of the most popular apps to help find freelance work are Upwork and Fiverr.

 

Upwork

One of the most professional and reputable platforms for finding freelance work, the Upwork app is a must. You can search for jobs, send files and communicate with clients on the go, whenever, wherever.

 

Fiverr

Promote your services, set your prices, and compete against other freelancers. Build up positive reviews and remember to price yourself competitively but not too cheaply. Great for quick turnaround tasks – but watch out for spammy listings.

 

Project management apps for freelancers

As a freelancer, you’re almost always juggling a number of different projects, clients and deadlines at a time. Centralising it all into one place using a project management tool is a brilliant way to keep on top of everything, plan your capacity, manage expectations and avoid burnout.

Two go-to project management apps (for good reason) are Trello and Monday.com. As a freelancer or ‘solopreneur’, you might prefer the simplicity of Trello. If you’re interested in built-in budgeting, invoicing and marketing tools too, monday.com should tick all your boxes.

Other great options include Asana and ClickUp (which can even be added to Chrome, Alexa and Google Home).

 

Trello

Organise all your tasks visually into different boards and use the customisable Kanban workflow to easily manage multiple projects and deadlines.

If you’re working in a team, invite others to your Trello boards and assign tasks with the click of a button. View tasks and projects by calendar or category, depending on how you’re working.

 

Monday.com

This comprehensive project management platform and productivity app makes managing tasks and organising collaboration at scale a total breeze. Integrate your widgets and other favourite tools to streamline your entire workflow.

 

Design and creation tools

If you require creative design tools, but you don’t need the full-on power of Adobe, then Canva and Figma might be a useful starting point.

 

Canva

This app gives you access to millions of high-quality photos, icons, illustrations and templates so you can create things like social media images, business cards, decks, portfolios and advertising assets from your mobile.

Canva is a beginner-friendly alternative to more specialist (and costly) tools like Adobe Illustrator.

 

Figma

This is a fantastic collaborative tool that enables designers to co-work with clients and peers (such as copywriters and developers) to create, collect feedback and test designs in one platform. It’s a super-efficient way to share work, gather feedback and implement changes.

When it comes to copy and content, check out Grammarly to save valuable time and keep your spelling and grammar in check.

 

Social media

Social media can be an invaluable tool for getting your name out there, building your audience and sharing your content far and wide.

However, to get the most out of your social media channels, they require investment of time and effort, which can be significantly optimised with a scheduling and management app. Two of the most popular right now are Hootsuite and Loomly.

 

Hootsuite

Download the Hootsuite app to draft, schedule, and publish social media content across all of your platforms from one dashboard. You can also engage with your audience and access performance analytics directly from the app, without having to log in to separate social media accounts.

 

Loomly

This other popular social media management platform has recently launched a brand-new mobile app. Once all your social media accounts are connected, you can then create, optimise, schedule and analyse performance of your social media content all in one place.

The main difference between Hootsuite and Loomly is that Hootsuite has great social listening capabilities. This means you can monitor when people are talking about your chosen keywords online and what they’re saying. Loomly doesn’t yet offer this functionality.

 

Bookkeeping, accounting and invoicing

Keeping your accounts up to date and staying on top of invoices is critical for success as a freelancer. Doing so will help you run as tax-efficiently as possible and reduce instances of late payments to protect your cash flow.

That said, recording things like transactions and invoices and uploading expenses can feel daunting and downright painful at times. Using an app makes the whole thing feel far easier and more efficient.

 

Quickbooks

The Quickbooks accounting app is one of the most popular of its kind, especially as it has a plan exclusively for self-employed freelancers. Having an app like this on your mobile, while you’re out and about, makes it quicker and easier to track miles and record transactions as and when they happen.

 

Pandle

This is a free accounting app that is also a bookkeeping software and invoicing platform. Manage customer and supplier invoicing, upload receipts, view reports and complete banking straight from your mobile.

The best thing about Pandle is that all the cloud-based tools are all designed “with real people in mind”, making it perfect for small business owners and freelancers just like you.

Both accounting apps have a long list of features designed to support the financial growth and stability of your freelance business.

 
Done here? Check out our article on free tools for running a business solo—or find more expert advice and resources in our freelancer information hub.

How Do I Protect My Intellectual Property as a Freelancer?

How Do I Protect My Intellectual Property as a Freelancer?

When you’ve poured your time, skills and funds into creating something as a freelancer, releasing it into the world can be a bit scary. Especially if you’re worried other people might claim it as their own. This is where Intellectual Property (IP) protection comes in.

The first thing you need to do if you want to protect your IP, is get to grips with what Intellectual Property is. When you know what you’re dealing with, you’re in a better position to make the right moves for your business.
 

What is Intellectual Property?

Intellectual Property is something that has been created in the human mind, for example an invention you’ve come up with or a story you’ve written.

When something qualifies as IP, it means it has been protected by law against unauthorised use by anybody other than the person who owns it.

If the person who owns the IP wants to make money by allowing other people to use it, this legal protection makes commercialising it a whole lot easier and far more secure.
 

What counts as Intellectual Property as a Freelancer?

Based on popular freelance services, these are the kinds of things freelancers can register as their Intellectual Property.

  • Designs (e.g. logos, graphics, symbols, prints and websites)
  • Photography
  • Video content
  • Artwork
  • Written content like blog posts, guides and video scripts
  • Code for things like games, apps and software
  • Processes (e.g. templates and workflows)
  • Inventions, machines, mechanisms, hardware
  • Names (e.g. product names and brand names)

 

Different types of Intellectual Property

There are different types of IP that something can be registered as and protected under. The main ones being:

  • Patent
  • Copyright
  • Trademark

You can get some types of protection automatically, but others you’ll need to apply for.
 

Patent

Patents are designed to protect IP related to inventions. In the UK, a patent allows you to take legal action against anyone that uses your invention without permission.

If you’re a freelance developer, for example, and you’ve created new photo editing software, you can patent this process and/or technology so only you can use it.
 

Copyright

Copyright is specifically targeted at protecting IP related to literature, art, music and dramatic work. So, things like books, songs, films, paintings, textiles and sculptures can be copyrighted, for example.

Copyrighting is also often used to protect software IP, including things like databases, programmes and technical drawings.

Let’s say you’re a freelance interior designer, and you generate a 3D render of a design scheme you have created. You’ll be able to register this as IP and protect it by copyright.

This stops anybody else using your 3D drawings, or the 3D files, technical drawings and models used to create them.
 

Trademark

Trademarks are used to protect things like business names, product names, logos, sounds, designs and symbols that distinguish one brand from another. This type of IP protection actually dates back centuries to when artisans would put their “mark” on their products to distinguish them from others.

One of the most common ways a freelancer might use a trademark is to protect their brand identity (name, logo, colours, design, etc.) from being used by any other business.
 

What other types of Intellectual Property are there?

There are other types of Intellectual Property you may not have come across yet. We haven’t detailed them above but they’re still just as important, so we’ll give a brief overview below.
 

Trade secret

This type of IP protection covers confidential company information relating to something that competitors don’t have, such as formulas or specific processes. McDonald’s Big Mac sauce, the formula of WD-40 and KFC’s recipes are all examples of trade secrets registered as IP.
 

Industrial design

This type of IP protects a visual design element of something, such as its shape, colour or pattern. The Volkswagen Beetle, the iPhone and the Coca-Cola bottle are all examples of industrial designs covered by IP rights.
 

Geographical indication

This type of IP protects something from a specific place and which has some form of distinguishable factors related to that location. Champagne from France, Darjeeling tea from India, Swiss watches and Scotch whisky are all examples of GIs protected by IP rights.
 

Who owns Intellectual Property?

In short, you own intellectual property if you’ve created or invented something, and it meets the necessary requirements for copyright, a patent or design. You can also buy intellectual property rights and sell or transfer your own if you wish.

Unfortunately, if you’re employed, your employer owns the IP of anything you’ve created or invented within their business.

As a freelancer, you own the rights to your own creations, for example things like your logo etc. But, if you’re asked to create or invent something for a client, it’s important to put a contract in place to understand who has the legal rights.

 

How can I transfer intellectual property rights?

If you want to transfer intellectual property rights, it must be done through a legal process, but which one depends on the circumstances.

The most common ways IP is transferred are:
 

Purchase

If a business is sold or liquidated, ownership of IP is often reassigned as part of this process. IP can also be sold to a new owner even if the whole business isn’t being sold.
 

Licensing

Licensing enables the original owner to permit others to use their IP within agreed legal terms. It means they retain ownership but can still commercialise all or part of the creation or invention they own.

Licensing can be exclusive, whereby only specific people are allowed to use the IP, or it can be non-exclusive so the IP is available publicly.
 

Assignment

This is where all or some IP is reassigned from the original owner to a new one through a legal written document. It’s a permanent change and normally needs to be made official by registering the new ownership with the specific IP authority (e.g. copyright, trademark, etc.).
 

Mergers and acquisitions

If two companies merge or one acquires the other, ownership of IP will typically be transferred in this process unless otherwise stated in a written agreement.
 

Inheritance

If the person who owns the IP dies, they may leave it as part of their estate to a beneficiary. In this scenario, the transfer of IP ownership happens through inheritance.
 

Top IP protection tips

Before you go, here are three top tips to keep your Intellectual Property safe and sound:

  • Use watermarks on your work – If you’re sharing things like photos, videos or design previews, add a branded watermark on top so nobody can use the original versions.
  • Always use written contracts – As we covered earlier, contracts are super important when dealing with IP protection, so make sure you’re using them. Make sure you’re both in agreement about who owns what in advance and have it documented in writing.
  • Consult an IP expert – There are dedicated legal professionals who specialise in Intellectual Property, so speaking to one of those will help ensure everything is watertight.

 
Looking for more freelancing advice? Head to our hub, where we’ve got a whole host of resources waiting for you.

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A Guide to Writing Up Contracts as a Freelancer

A Guide to Writing Up Contracts as a Freelancer

Being a self-employed freelancer usually means you’re wearing so many hats that it can be easy to skip something. Forgetting to share a social media post or pushing back a self-imposed deadline might seem harmless, but there are other more critical things that shouldn’t be overlooked.

For some freelancers, creating contracts of work can be one of those things you keep high on your priority list and share with every client you have. After all, a well-drafted freelance contract can often support smooth working relationships, align expectations and protect your business in case any issues arise.

We share our tips and tricks on what a freelance contract is, what it should contain and why it’s so important, including agreeing on deadlines, payment dates and legal terms and conditions.
 

What is a freelance contract?

You’ll normally draw up a freelance contract when you start working with a new client. It’s a legally binding document that details the terms and conditions of the project or the working arrangement.

In a similar way to an employment contract, a freelance contract outlines important information and agreements made with a client so that everybody involved is, quite literally, on the same page.

Your freelancing contract might not need to look like a long and wordy document, and could instead be something as straightforward as an email agreement which outlines what work will be undertaken, timeframes, and costs.

Both the freelancer and the client should digest and sign the contract before working together on a new project or if there are any changes to an existing setup. Each party should have a copy of the contract stored somewhere securely for the duration of the project and after.
 

Why are contracts important for freelancers?

Although freelance contracts are legally binding, they aren’t legally obligated. In other words, you won’t get in trouble with anybody if you work without contracts in place, providing everything runs smoothly. But if any problems arise with a project or a client, you might regret not covering yourself with a contract.

The benefits of a carefully crafted freelance contract include:

 

What should be included in a freelance contract?

Hopefully the benefits of freelance contracts are now clear. The next thing to clarify is what you need to include in a freelance contract to really reap the rewards of having one. The document needs all of the key elements in order for it to be a valuable and functional tool.

Below are the key points a freelance contract should include, whether you’re creating one from scratch or looking to update your existing document.
 

Personal details

Before you get stuck into laying out all the other information in your contract, start by providing the following information about you, such as:

  • Full name
  • Business name and address
  • Website, if applicable
  • Email address
  • Contact details

 

Scope of the project

The first clause you should create in the main part of your contract is the scope of the project and the agreed deliverables. In other words – what are you doing for the client? Don’t be afraid to get specific here – the more detail you go into, the less chance there is of misunderstandings between you and your client.

If possible, itemise the parts of the project you plan to undertake and deliver and give a rough time estimate for each. Not only will this help manage expectations, but the client will also appreciate being able to see where and how their budget is being spent.
 

Rates and payment terms

The rates and payment sections are arguably the most important part of a freelance contract because it outlines how, when and how much the client has agreed to pay you for your services.

This section of the contract should include details about:

 

Agreed deadlines, milestones and timeline

Prior to signing the contract, you will already have had a conversation with the client about the desired timeline and your availability. So, when writing the contract, include what you agreed in a clause about deadlines and planned milestones. You should also provide a date for when work officially commences.

It’s worth adding a line about flexibility around delivery deadlines in this clause. You never know what the future holds, and you may need a certain amount of slack. Committing to a specific date, unless the client really needs you to, too far in advance can cause problems further down the line.
 

Cancellation terms

In some rare cases, a client may decide to cancel the project before the full scope of work is complete. A cancellation terms clause in your contract will ensure you’re still paid and not left out of pocket.

The cancellation form should clearly state what your ‘kill fee’ is, which is the amount the client will have to pay on top of what they owe so far for cancelling the project midway.

In this section, you should also include details about what will happen if you need to cancel the project or if you can’t complete it due to unforeseen circumstances.
 

Information regarding your IP

If you have any details about your Intellectual Property (IP) terms, you should share these in your contract. It will help make sure your work is being used how you want it to be and will also prevent clients from being able to use your work without paying for it first.

Normally, the freelancer retains the rights to work until the client’s bill has been settled. After that, you won’t be able to use or resell the same work to any other client. It would be worth noting this so the client knows you have considered ownership.
 

Dated signatures from all parties

To seal the deal, both you, your client(s) and anybody else involved should print and sign the document, e-sign in, or send email confirmation. You will need this for the contract to be officially legally binding.
 

Staying IR35 compliant

When creating your contract, you should make clear that you’re working in a freelance capacity. This needs to be obvious so you don’t look like you’re an employee in disguise, which would trigger the IR35 rules.
 

What is an employee in disguise?

An employee in disguise is a contractor (or freelancer) who has been hired on a self-employed basis, but the nature of the working arrangement is more like permanent employment. This is what IR35 rules and regulations are designed to clamp down on.

Disguised employment occurs because employers hire contractors and brief them to work like permanent employees but pay them invoices rather than through payroll. This means the employer gets to avoid paying National Insurance and other contributions and employee benefits.

Non-compliance can sometimes be the result of an honest lack of awareness, but failing to comply with IR35 rules runs the risk of hefty financial penalties so it’s important to ensure you’re ticking all the right boxes.
 

What to include in your freelance contract

If your relationship with a client is authentically in a freelance capacity and you are operating as an autonomous self-employed contractor, you are what’s referred to as being ‘outside IR35’.

Demonstrate your ‘outside IR35’ status on your contract by detailing your freelance working processes and working arrangements with your client. This will show HMRC that you are indeed a freelancer and not an employee – or a disguised employee.

 
Head over to our freelancer information hub for more guides, news and advice.

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