There is no doubt the nature of the traditional workforce is changing as more professionals are opting to go independent. And as a freelance community, every month we like to share one of their stories.

This month we spoke to PR Consultant & Copywriter Amanda, to understand how freelancing is transforming the way we live and has personally impacted her life. Hopefully, Amanda's story and others like Senior Comms Consultant Caroline and CMO Marc , can inspire others to take the plunge or consider more innovative methods of recruitment.

How would you describe your expertise Amanda?

With 15 years’ PR agency experience under my belt, over the years I’ve been lucky enough to work for some great companies (from Fishburn to Four) and some great brands (from Nestlé to Hotels.com), so I’ve had the opportunity to turn my hand to a number of sectors. However, over the last six years I have carved out a bit of a niche in food, hospitality, and lifestyle PR – leading creative campaigns for some fantastic clients, Bristol based and beyond.

What led you to start freelancing?

I chose to be freelance after having my first daughter. Being able to flex work around family life was a huge pull for me. At the time, very few PR and media businesses offered flexibility in senior positions, and I felt my options were limited.

Luckily, now, the tide is changing. Traditional ‘9-5’ agency models are being disrupted, freelancers are the fastest growing sector of the UK workforce, and with many of us operating at a senior level, clients are realising that freelance businesses offer serious competition to traditional agency structures.

I am a huge advocate of freelancing and believe it is the future way of working - not just for parents, but for the growing number of professionals whose lifestyles don’t fit with the typical 9-5.

It’s about changing the way that businesses (and brands) think, and it’s about investing in talent that may otherwise slip through the net.

What has been your biggest achievement in your freelance career?

Getting front page coverage for a client in a national newspaper last year has to be up there. It was the first time in my career that I have managed this, and I achieved it for a small client, as a freelance, without the back up (or overheads) of a large agency.

You recently won a project, tell us about it?

I’ve just started working with Always Kalanchoe - the group that represents the growers and breeders of the Kalanchoe plant (the ‘Flaming Katy’) on a consumer lifestyle brief. The biggest challenge with this one is lack of consumer awareness - most can recognise (or have owned) the plant, but very few have heard of it! However, it’s a strong product, and is a challenge that I’m looking forward to taking on!

Can we be a bit cheeky and ask about the game plan for Always Kalanchoe?

I can’t say too much just yet, but expect to see a highly targeted consumer media relations programme, expert and influencer collaborations, and creative social campaigns to spread the word across the interiors and lifestyle space.

That sounds great, we love a good influencer marketing campaign!  

“I am a huge advocate of freelancing and believe it is the future way of working - not just for parents, but for the growing number of professionals whose lifestyles don’t fit with the typical 9-5. It’s about changing the way that businesses think, and it’s about investing in talent that may otherwise slip through the net.” -Amanda.T  

If you'd  like to join a like-minded freelance community or thinking about innovative hiring, drop us a line here or register with us today.