Nominations for the IPSE Freelancer Awards are now open. The awards are to recognise not only the best and brightest freelancers from across the UK, but also the organisations and individuals who have done most to support the freelance community.

As the Awards did not take place last year, freelancers can submit work and achievements from over the last two years. The deadline for submissions is 6th August 2021.

Freelancers from across the UK can put themselves forward for national recognition in one or more of eight categories:

• Outstanding Freelancer – to recognise outstanding freelancers in all age groups.
• Young Freelancer – to recognise the best freelancers under the age of 30.
• Freelancing Project – open to full- and part-time freelancers, for projects from events and individual pieces of client work to campaigns and fundraisers.
• New Freelancer Award – for freelancers who started out in the last two years.
• Collaboration Award – for a joint venture by two or more freelancers.
• Covid-19 Success Story of the Year – for the freelancers who have done most to support their community, virtual or physical, during the pandemic.
• Wellbeing Award – to recognise the individuals and organisations that have done most to raise awareness about wellbeing in the freelance community.
• Best Self-Employed Supplier – for the businesses that do most to support the freelance community.

The application process is straightforward and completely free: nominees just need to fill in the relevant nomination form based on the last two years of work. They will be asked a few simple questions and those that are shortlisted will be invited to pitch for an award at a virtual judging day in September.

There is no limit to how many categories individuals and organisations can nominate for.

The IPSE Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday 14 October at Kings Place, London.

Derek Cribb, CEO of IPSE (the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed), said: “It has been a tremendously difficult year and a half for the freelance community. We are running these awards to recognise the hard work and high skills of freelancers across the UK not only getting their businesses through these difficult times, but also supporting their fellow freelancers and communities.

“That’s why this year, as well as celebrating the best and brightest freelancers – those who have made the greatest success of their business – we are also celebrating the freelancers who have done most to support their communities through the pandemic.

“Nominations are open until 6th August: so, whether you’re a freelancer with a business success story or a community project; whether you’re an individual or a business who supports the self-employed community – or if you just have an interesting story to tell about your freelancing over the last two years – I urge you to nominate yourself now.”

More info and nominations: https://membership.ipse.co.uk/freelancer-awards-2021/

IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed, is the only dedicated representative body for the UK’s self-employed community, including freelancers, contractors, consultants and independent professionals.