A unique annual awards scheme which champions the often-overlooked contribution of freelancers in marketing, media and communications has been relaunched.
Recruitment specialists Xchangeteam, which covers Bath and the West of England from its office in Portishead, started the annual Freelancer of the Year Awards in 2003 to give freelancers recognition and also enhance their career prospects. They remain the only ones of their kind in the UK.
Xchangeteam chief executive Emma Brierley was inspired to start the awards through frustration at the lack of acknowledgement freelancers were receiving.
“I have always felt that freelancers can be overlooked and their work unrecognised, while fellow team members reap the rewards of a successful campaign,” she said. “That is why we decided to launch the awards to showcase the best freelance talent in London, and have now created separate awards for the South West. I know that from what past winners have said, winning one of these awards can do wonders for a freelancer’s career.
“It is estimated that there are at least 1.4m freelancers in the UK, growing 14% in the last decade and continuing to grow.”
Last year’s Advertising and Design Freelancer of the year Karen Cinnamon added: “Winning Freelancer of the Year has boosted my professional profile beyond expectation. Alongside the kudos, which always exudes a wonderful first impression, I have been exposed to some outstanding new roles, and have received huge interest from both the creative and business industries.”
The awards have six categories: content and editorial, digital excellence, creative, agency client services, PR and communications and marketing and events. To nominate a freelancer who deserves recognition go to http://freelanceroftheyear.co.uk/ .
Founded in 1999 by entrepreneur Emma Brierley, Xchangeteam has become one of the UK’s most respected marketing, media and communication recruitment specialists. It focuses on freelance and permanent recruitment from offices in London and Portishead. It recently became part of the Pertemps Network group of companies
