Research suggests that self-employed likely to flourish in Devon, but Northern England and Scotland also attractive for contractors and freelancers
Exeter is the best place in the UK for freelancers, contractors and flexible workers, according to recently published research from Markel Direct – a specialist insurer of small businesses.
The research looked at five key metrics to determine which locations in the UK offer freelancers the ultimate conditions for success: freelancer availability, the percentage of freelance roles paying more than £40,000 p.a. equivalent, full-fibre internet coverage, train connectivity and the number of working spaces with free WiFi.
These factors were then scored from 1-50 when compared to other cities on Markel Direct’s index, with Exeter coming out on top once all scores were totalled.
For those considering relocating, however, the research also suggests that moving north of the midlands would be wise; Leeds, Wakefield, Manchester and Liverpool all made the top ten, as did Aberdeen. Bristol, Brighton and Milton Keynes were the next most highly-rated cities in the south.
“Irregular income” tops list of 2024 concerns
As well as establishing where the self-employed can flourish, the research closely examined the state of self-employment in the UK.
Over 500 self-employed workers were surveyed on a range of topics and, while the autonomy of working this way remains attractive to many, over half of the respondents were concerned about “irregular income”, citing it as their main challenge in 2024.
Limited customer bases and seasonal reductions in demand were the second and third most pressing issues. Other factors included tax and regulatory compliance, which were considered less problematic.
Indeed, the research is surprisingly positive about the impact of IR35 – suggesting that it “could be positively impacting the growth of self-employment in many industries in the UK”, including “professional, scientific & technical activities”.
Turning a corner on off-payroll?
Acknowledging that “many companies took an extremely cautious approach” to engaging contractors following the introduction of the IR35 reforms, the research suggests that businesses have since begun to “understand the boundaries”.
This familiarity with the rules, and the confidence of operating within them – as well as “the introduction of the new IR35 offset legislation in April 2024” – means that businesses are now “more comfortable” engaging contractors once again, the research states.
As a result, the research states that “people who were perhaps self-employed before IR35 [reform]” have begun to resume operating this way, “as the opportunities are better now, and the assumed risk is less”.
It states that “the freelance landscape is robust and diverse”, with a growing number of freelance opportunities opening up across the construction, professional services and healthcare sectors.
In part, this has been driven by the shift to remote working following the Covid-19 pandemic, which has seen individuals empowered “to offer their services globally and thrive” by working with clients in “metropolitan cities” from anywhere in the UK – or even the world.
Such circumstances mean “the self-employed can more easily tap into emerging markets and sectors”, the report concludes.
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