Empower Director Ben Matthews has been announced as Runner-up in the National Freelancer of the Year Awards, run by the self-employment trade body IPSE. IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed, presented Ben with a wealth of technology and business support package as part of the prize. The Awards were announced at a ceremony in London on National Freelancers’ Day on 12th November, where shortlisted finalists working across the country from a huge variety of sectors attended. The awards are designed to recognise excellence in freelancing, and applicants were judged on the strength of their portfolio and their passion and commitment to freelancing. [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://empower.agency/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/IPSE_12Nov_091-1.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” animation=”off” sticky=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Ben runs Empower, a digital agency which creates digital, social and content marketing campaigns for clients including UNHCR, RSPCA, JustGiving and the Guardian. He has previously been awarded Young PR Professional of the Year by PR Week. The judges praised Ben’s “immense passion for the freelance lifestyle” and considered him to be “a fantastic example to others thinking of being their own boss.” Ben Matthews was delighted to receive the award: “It’s fantastic to see not one but two communications / marketing consultants coming in as runners-up for the award, showing the strength of freelancing consultants in the industry. It was a surprise to be nominated, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the other finalists and am thrilled to be recognised for my work.” [/et_pb_text][et_pb_image admin_label=”Image” src=”http://empower.agency/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Ben-Matthews-and-Christina-Lister.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” animation=”off” sticky=”off” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] [/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Ben’s success comes as a national survey by IPSE shows that freelancers love what they do. Almost nine in ten (86%) of the UK’s freelancers agree that they are very satisfied with the way they work. The research also found that the majority of freelancers chose to work this way because they like to be their own boss (79%) and because it provides a better work/life balance (69%). This demonstrates that independence and flexibility are the two most common reasons people go freelance. Chris Bryce, IPSE CEO, commented: “This year we saw a huge number of very high-quality pitches – and choosing the winners wasn’t easy. We were particularly impressed with the tenacity and business acumen our finalists showed.” Hundreds of freelancers from a whole host of sectors and backgrounds entered the competition. The winners were announced at a glittering awards dinner in Central London. Paul Allington who runs software development company The Code Guy was crowned National Freelancer of the Year.
