Free Stuff
Workshops are best, of course. All that joshing and chat.
But in the days of Covid-19 we’re
- expanding our webinars
- increasing the number of free templates and help sheets
Below you will find lots of free stuff to help get you organised. We’re constantly updating relevant financial advice as it becomes available.
If you’re a trainer check our free stuff for trainers page too >
Keep positive. This too shall pass.
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 support schemes are being updated regularly. Download the latest version of our guide here:
UPDATED 29 May 1-minute guide to government support
Shows freelancer types, includes Universal Credit/ESA
For registered sole traders/partnerships with a year or more trading:
- Self-employment Income Support Scheme >
- Self-employment Scheme Eligibility Checker >
- How HMRC works out trading profits >
For employers and bigger businesses:
- Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme >
- Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme >
- Bounce Back Loans – suited to sole traders and small companies >
For smaller businesses – incl sole traders and ltd company freelancers:
Martin Lewis, the ‘money saving expert’, has a very good explanation of how sole traders and company directors could use bounce back loans, and where to get them:
Self-employed Income Support Scheme indicator:
If you’re a sole trader and you’re wondering what 80% of monthly profits averaged over three years looks like, we’ve thrown together this online indicator tool:
Self-employed Income Support Scheme Indicator >
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 grid to help you plan your time when staying in:
Self-isolation routine planner >
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:
Business Toolkit for Freelancers (WEBINAR)
An online course across four mornings for anyone who wants to be more businesslike when they freelance.
From 9:30 until 13:00
At Webinar using Zoom
Beyond Redundancy: Setting up as a Sole Trader (London)
For creative people going through redundancy and wanting to set up a business of their own.
From 10:00 until 5pm
At BECTU HQ, Clapham
Finance for Freelancers (London)
This one day workshop shows you how to keep within the regulations and not waste time, whilst making the most of your finances.
From 10:00 until 17:00
At BECTU HQ, London
