Paula Birtwistle, who returned to freelancing following a career break and who attended the day commented: "I really enjoyed the day and I felt like every minute was useful to me. I made a last-minute decision to come along and I'm really glad I did! Every part of the day seemed relevant to what I was after and at the level I'm at in my career."
The main objectives of the day were to get closer to freelancers and to provide them with a day designed with their interests in mind. Most importantly though was the opportunity for freelancers to network and come together in a social but informative event. During the day there were presentations on finance and health and safety for freelancers, through to industry trends from Martin and Yamaha.
Stage Electrics was supported in the event by PLASA, who presented on the benefits of PLASA membership and offered advice on insurance and healthcare for freelancers. Ruth Rossington, executive director at PLASA comments: "Freelancer Day was a great day and really highlighted the importance of keeping in touch with freelancers and providing them with the advice they need to carry out their roles. Stage Electrics created an event which was just the right balance of information and networking."
The day also saw the successful launch of Stage Electrics' new e-newsletter for freelancers, Wired, which was specifically created for freelancers to provide industry advice and updates. Following the outcome of the first freelancer day, Stage Electrics and PLASA plan to host more in the future at venues across the UK.
(Lee Baldock)
