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:
For our first covid-era winter, the government has introduced some initiatives to extend the furlough scheme and SEISS. Download our latest short guide here:
UPDATED 19 January 2021 1-minute guide to government support
Shows freelancer types, includes Universal Credit/ESA
For sole traders/partnerships who registered before April 2019:
- Self-employment Income Support Scheme >
- Self-employment Income Support Scheme Grant Extension >
- Self-employment Scheme Eligibility Checker >
- How HMRC works out trading profits >
Wondering how much you might get under SEISS? Our online indicator tool gives a rough idea for all SEISS grants. Now includes 3rd SEISS grant.
Self-employment Income Support Scheme grant indicator >
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 how sole traders and company directors could use bounce back loans, and where to get them:
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:
Business Toolkit for Freelancers (ScreenSkills)
An online course across four mornings for anyone who wants to be more businesslike when they freelance.
From 9:30 until 13:00
Venue: Webinar using Zoom
Beyond Redundancy: Setting up as a Sole Trader (Webinar)
For creative people going through redundancy and 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
Controlling Freelance Finances (BECTU)
Taking control of finances is always a challenge when you freelance in the creative industries, but especially so at the moment.
From 9:30am until 11:30am
Finance for Freelancers (ScreenSkills/ITF)
A fun webinar for anyone who wants to be more organised with their money and understand how tax works. Perfect for people who hate spreadsheets.
From 11:00am until 13:30
Venue: Webinar using Zoom
Cash flow for freelancers (FEU)
A basic guide to cash flow for freelancers - open to members of FEU unions - MU, Equity, Writers' Guild and NUJ
From 1030 until 15:30
Venue: Online using Zoom
Business Toolkit for Freelancers (ScreenSkills)
An online course across four mornings for anyone who wants to be more businesslike when they freelance.
From 9:30 until 13:00
Venue: Webinar using Zoom
Business Toolkit for Freelancers (ScreenSkills)
An online course across four mornings for anyone who wants to be more businesslike when they freelance.
From 9:30 until 13:00
Venue: Webinar using Zoom
Beyond Redundancy: Setting up as a Sole Trader (Webinar)
For creative people going through redundancy and 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
