Free Stuff
We’re 100% online during the current pandemic, and happily running media training and business skills courses using a variety of online tools.
- Check out our webinars for freelancers and people going through redundancy
- Scroll down for a section of free templates and help sheets
If you’re a trainer check our free stuff for trainers page too >
Advice & support:
Check out our list of bodies that might provide emotional or financial support for creative freelancers:
Not sure what sort of freelancer you are?
We’ve drawn up a handy guide to the three types of freelancer and the financial support available to each type:
Check out our ‘what is a freelancer’ guide >
The government support schemes:
The government has extended the furlough scheme and SEISS to help people cope with the pandemic. Download our latest short guide here:
UPDATED 7 July 2021 1-minute guide to government support
Shows freelancer types, includes Universal Credit/ESA
For sole traders/partnerships who registered before April 2020:
- Self-employment Income Support Scheme Grant 5 >
- Self-employment Scheme Eligibility Checker >
- How HMRC works out trading profits >
How much might you receive from the SEISS grant 5?
Check out our SEISS grant calculator to give you a rough idea >
For employers and bigger businesses:
- Job Support Scheme – part of Winter Economy Plan >
- Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (‘furloughing’) >
Job Retention Bonus – for employers who previously furloughed staff > - Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme >
For smaller businesses – incl sole traders and ltd company freelancers:
Martin Lewis, the ‘money saving expert’, has a very good explanation of bounce back loans. Applications closed on 31 March 2021, but you can read how they work, and how the loans get repaid:
Business templates:
For production and entertainment freelancers:
NEWSpreadsheet – Monthly budgeting sheet for freelancers >
NEWSpreadsheet – Cash flow planner incl. PAYE income >
Spreadsheet – Income & Expense (Profit and Loss) for sole traders and small companies >
Apple ‘Numbers’ format spreadsheets:
NEW
Spreadsheet – Monthly budgeting sheet for freelancers >
Spreadsheet – Cash flow planner incl. PAYE income >
Spreadsheet – Income & Expense for sole traders and small companies >
Business help sheets and advice:
Help sheet – Types of business >
NEWHelp sheet 2f – Defining production freelancer status
Help sheet – Tax and National Insurance (NOT Scotland)>
Help sheet – Tax and National Insurance – Scotland >
Getting paid:
Invoice – template >
Invoice example with notes >
Getting organised:
A Q&A checklist to help freelancers plan like a business:
Business plans for freelancers >
A grid to help you plan your time when working from home:
Keep well. Keep positive!
Please note:
Although every effort has been made to provide accurate tips and information, David Thomas Media Ltd accepts no responsibility for any errors, omissions or out-of-date facts. Trainees are advised to seek up-to-date professional advice on all financial and tax matters before making decisions relating to these subjects. Nothing in our notes, courses, webinars, downloads or social media should be considered as financial advice.
We believe our tips are useful - but they are only tips!
Available courses are listed below:
Beyond Redundancy: Setting up as a Sole Trader (ScreenSkills)
For staff creatives going through redundancy and wanting to set up as self-employed for the first time. This interactive course runs across two consecutive days using Zoom.
From 09:30 until 12pm
Networking skills for freelancers (ScreenSkills)
Networking is the most important marketing tool for freelancers. But what's the most effective, least stressful way of doing it?
From 8:30 until 9:45
Beyond Redundancy: Setting up as a Sole Trader (2-day workshop)
Small group training for creative people going through redundancy and/or wanting to set up a business of their own. This interactive course runs across two consecutive mornings using Zoom.
From 10:00 until 12:30 each day
Networking skills for freelancers (ScreenSkills)
Networking is the most important marketing tool for freelancers. But what's the most effective, least stressful way of doing it?
From 12:30pm until 1:45pm
Beyond Redundancy: Setting up as a Sole Trader (2-day workshop)
Small group training for creative people going through redundancy and/or wanting to set up a business of their own. This interactive course runs across two consecutive mornings using Zoom.
From 10:00 until 12:30 each day
