Kick-start your freelance career: introducing the IPSE Incubator

In my blog this week I would like to tell you about the recently launched IPSE Incubator, our new programme to support members who are taking the first steps on their freelance journey. The Incubator provides tools, advice and services to those looking to become self-employed, the newly self-employed, or even anyone just wanting a refresher, to make sure that starting your independent career doesn’t mean being on your own.

Expert guidance, tools and templates, networking, events and more all included

As we guide you through the Incubator process you will get monthly updates to walk you through everything you should be doing to get your business up and running. Plus, these updates feature links to tools and templates such as: a business plan template, project planner, invoice and cashflow templates, template contracts and a range of other useful resources. Alongside these you will also have access to videos, blogs and webinars on subjects such as winning work, negotiating rates and marketing yourself, to give you all the information you need to make your business a success.

You will receive advice on important subjects such as insurance, mortgages, tax, pensions and savings and will be introduced to our partners providing banking, mortgage, accountancy and insurance solutions with whom we have negotiated great deals for our members. You’ll also be invited to our online and offline events and have access to case studies so that you can network with fellow freelancers and learn from others who have been there before.

How does the Incubator work?

Your account manager will take you step-by-step along the twelve-month program, ensuring that you have all the information you need, when you need it. We will keep you motivated and well equipped to deal with any challenges that come your way. The Incubator runs alongside your IPSE membership so as well as the regular Incubator updates you will have access to our full webinar library, expert tax and legal advice via our helplines and all the other benefits of membership too. How better to begin your self-employed career than with the support of the UK’s only dedicated voice for the self-employed?

Free to access this year

The Incubator programme is only available to IPSE members and to celebrate the launch we are offering it free of charge for the whole of 2021. If you sign up for a new IPSE membership with any level of membership using the code INC-IPSE you will automatically be enrolled. If you're already an IPSE member but want to enrol in the Incubator, simply get in touch and we can make sure that you are signed up.

If you have any questions or feedback about the Incubator program please email [email protected] or, as always, you can get in touch with the membership team at [email protected] or on 0208 897 9970. We always like to hear from you.

Finally, the IPSE Member Survey is still open and we would really appreciate your feedback. It takes just a few minutes to complete and helps us to understand how we can support you better, and you could win £500 of Amazon vouchers for your time.