Creative industry freelancers, or those thinking of becoming one, can learn about the benefits – and the pitfalls – of freelance life at an event being staged in Bristol by public relations group CIPR.
Called Freelancing in the Real World, it will hear from a panel of expert speakers on how working for yourself does not automatically mean that you are by yourself. 
It will also offer a chance to meet like-minded freelancers from across the creative industries in the South West and to learn top tips on how to successfully navigate freelance life.
The event takes place The Square Club, Berkeley Square, on July 11 between 5:30pm and 7pm.
The keynote speaker will be Sarah Townsend, the bestselling author of Survival Skills for Freelancers, who will share insights from her own freelancing journey.
Her presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with panellists Susan Fletcher, who has been freelancing for more than 10 years and is founder of Contented Communications, a consultancy working with charities and not-for-profit organisations, and Ben Veal, who started freelancing two years ago, founding Second Mountain Comms during lockdown.
Ben, who is the chair of CIPR South West and was awarded the Mark of Excellence for Independent PR Practitioner of the Year at the recent CIPR Excellence Awards, said there had never been a better time to be a freelancer within the creative industry.
“While starting out on your own, without the safety net of a monthly paycheck, can be a daunting prospect, if you can make it work for you then the benefits are endless – from being able to choose the clients you work with and the kinds of work you do, to fitting your professional commitments around family life and personal passions
“I’ve learnt a huge amount myself since becoming a small business owner and launching Second Mountain, and I’m looking forward to sharing some of the ups and downs of freelance life at this great event for the South West’s creative community.”
Attendance is free for CIPR members, £10 for non-members and £5 for Square Club members.
For more information contact Ronnie Jones at ronjones30@googlemail.com
