QA backs UK freelancers to help fill the skills gap by sponsoring the IPSE-QA Freelancer Awards 2016
QA is pleased to announce its’ headline sponsorship of this year’s IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed, annual Freelancer Awards which recognise the UK’s best independent professionals.
The Awards are in their third year and recognise excellence in freelancing. IPSE and QA have shortlisted fifteen finalists who were selected on the strength of their portfolio and their passion and commitment to freelancing.
Stuart Martin, Director at QA said “We are delighted to be the new headline partner of the Awards this year. They represent a fantastic incentive to encourage and praise inspiring freelancers in the UK. We very much look forward to the Awards ceremony in June, to crown the winners, and following the event, provide them with support to develop their skills even further, helping them to stay at the top of their game.”
Chris Bryce, IPSE CEO, commented: "It's great to have QA on board. These Awards are all about encouraging freelancers to shout about how great working for yourself can be. And as more people make the choice to go it alone, it's more important than ever to get the right training to stay ahead of the competition.
"All fifteen finalists of this year's Awards are a credit to freelancing. They are the driving force behind the UK's flexible economy and the IPSE-QA Awards show the best our sector has to offer. It's important to recognise those who choose to be their own boss and celebrate their successes".
The Awards finalists are divided into two categories. Ten finalists were selected for the Inspire Award, which recognises excellence shown by established freelancers aged 24 and above. This is judged on the basis of the quality of their work, the range and profile of their clients, their online presence, and the overall success of their business. Freelancers from a whole host of sectors applied and judges will be looking for a passion for freelancing and a good understanding of running a business.
Five finalists were selected for the Aspire award, recognising freelancing stars of the future. Applications for this category were open to independent professionals aged 23 and under, and included university students, full-time freelancers and those balancing employment with their own business
The winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony in London on the evening of 9th June. The Inspire prize is £5,000 for the winner’s business. The two runners-up in this category will receive £2,500 each. The winner of the Aspire award will receive £3,000. The two winners will also receive a significant training package from QA to help them develop skills to support them within their career, worth up to £5,000 (RRP) each.
The 2016 finalists are:
Inspire Award (for freelancers aged 24 and over)
Katy Carlisle, The Wheel Exists
Richard Jeffs, FreelanceDiary
Emmeline Pidgen, Emmeline Illustration
Mercy Obi, First Plus Consulting Ltd
Steve Folland, Steve Folland Creative Media & Audio
Katy Ratican, Freelance Writer & Editor
Fraser Lawson, Freelance Drilling Engineer
Lowri Roberts, Trosi Tanat Translation
Gary Howard, Complete Forensics
Karen Kay, Pink Ink Ltd & Shoot the Messenger
Aspire Award (for freelancers aged 23 and under)
Ben Franks, Ben Franks Wine
Lauren Ravazi, Freelance Journalist and Content Strategist
Alice Selwood, Alice Selwood Textile Design
Gareth Fient, Shoot N’ Snip
Zoe East, Opal
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITOR
About QA
QA is one of the largest learning services organisations in the UK, developing skills and capabilities for everyone from apprentices to business leaders. With training centres throughout the UK QA delivers an exceptionally broad training curriculum to meet the needs of individuals and corporate businesses.
With a client base covering 80% of the FTSE 250, and employing over 300 instructors, subject matter experts and learning professionals across a portfolio of 1,500 courses, QA is currently the number one provider of technical and business training in the UK.
More information is available at www.qa.com
About IPSE
IPSE is the Association for Independent Professionals and the Self Employed, is the representative body for the UK’s self-employed community, including freelancers, contractors, consultants and independent professionals.
IPSE was formerly PCG (Professional Contractors Group) and changed to IPSE in September 2014 to encompass all self-employed professionals. IPSE is also the Latin word meaning ‘self’ and is pronounced ‘ipp-say’.
For more information on the IPSE - QA Freelancer Awards, visit www.ipseawards.co.uk
For more information on National Freelancers Day 2016, visit www.nationalfreelancersday.co.uk