Being a Freelance Member: What are the Benefits?

Are you a freelancer looking for support to develop your business? Every year we help hundreds of freelancers in the local digital sector to find work, make connections and promote their business. 

Membership to Wired Sussex costs just £72 per year (that’s only £6 a month!) and places you at the heart of one of the UK’s largest and most recognised digital communities. Here are just some of the ways you can benefit from membership:

 

1. Get new clients

Hear about the latest paid work opportunities with access to our exclusive Commissions & Briefs board.

We see loads of posts each month from local boutiques to multinational agencies (and even a recent £700k+ commission to rebuild the Louvre Museum website!). There are fresh opportunities every day for you to access new clients and pitch for work, so why not take a look at what’s currently available.

 

"I couldn't have started my freelance career without Wired Sussex. They gave me a huge kick-start in building a portfolio of contracts by helping me get in touch with local businesses requiring work!"

- Alex Stephenson, Freelance Web Developer/Designer

 

2. Make connections and build your expertise

Throughout the year we run a full programme of events - including regular freelance events - to help our members connect, collaborate and learn from one another.

These range from Breakfast Sessions that cover a variety of topics to help you develop your skills, large quarterly meetups where you can network with others in the community, and 1-2-1 drop-in sessions with Plus Accounting to receive financial guidance.

Take a look at what we have coming up (with many more events to be announced soon!)

 

“Wired Sussex has allowed me to meet prospective clients and attend workshops on a diverse range of topics, from science to the arts. The best thing is that everyone is welcoming, interesting and open to collaboration. Networks and networking at their best.”

- Becky Palmer, Freelance Digital Project Manager

 

3. Promote your business

There are loads of ways we can help you promote your business and get your name out there locally.

Many of our members regularly secure direct leads and referrals as a result of their listing on our business directory, as it’s searched by thousands of people every month looking to engage and collaborate with freelancers on projects.

Through your directory listing, you can build a portfolio to showcase your work and achievements, share your latest success stories and add testimonials for prospective clients to see when browsing our website. Member profiles also rank high on google, so it’s a great way to gain more visibility and traffic to your own website.

Plus, we regularly share news from members across social media channels and in a monthly newsletter.

 

"Wired Sussex is an invaluable member organisation to be part of: I have access to a network of like-minded peers, a variety of events to support my L&D and challenge my thinking, and a regular feed of potential jobs/contracts from in and around Sussex.”

- Hayley Maisey, Freelance Marketing Consultant

 

4. Have a stronger voice

We’re passionate about supporting freelancers and raising awareness of the vitally important role you play in our digital ecosystem. 

Freelancing shouldn’t be seen as anyone’s second-best option, it’s core to the success of our sector, and we’re committed to amplifying your voice and achievements at both a local and national level.

Whether it’s research into the make-up of the sector, investment in freelance communities, or teaming up with co-working spaces to help you save money, we strive to support your interests and help you to address challenges faced.

 

“Without the weight of Wired Sussex, I believe local businesses would be more hesitant of where to find and work with freelancers. But the representation Wired gives has been fantastic at reducing those barriers and perceived risks to make freelancing something to be proud of.”

- Adam Bastock, Freelance eCommerce and SEO Consultant

 

5. Find great workspaces

We recognise the importance of having a decent workspace where you can thrive and build new connections. Beyond just a desk, shared workspaces and co-working can provide a sense of community and foster shared learning. From our website, you’ll find leads on the latest co-working and desk spaces available across the region.

We’re also partners in The Skiff as we see the vital role it plays in supporting the freelance community and we helped PLATF9RM set up in the city. Plus, we’re currently collaborating with five of the best co-working spaces in Brighton to offer our members a 15% discount.

 

So, why not become a Wired Sussex member and, together, let’s do great things!

If you have any questions about membership and how we can best support you, feel free to get in touch with our Member Services Coordinator, Hannah.