Copywriter Ray Christodoulou has been awarded Freelancer of the Year 2005 by people resourcing company, Xchangeteam. Emma Lewis, freelance Communications and PR Consultant, Cordelia Sayers, freelance Events Consultant and Neil Simpson, Creative freelancer have also won top prize in each of their categories. The winners, who beat 50 other freelance consultants nominated for the title, were announced at a ceremony held at Xchangeteamís Caf Xchange in London. Ray receives 500 of holiday vouchers to be spent on a holiday of his choice as well as a glass trophy and category winners received a bottle of champagne and engraved glass trophy paperweights.
Now in their second year, Xchangeteamís Freelancer of the Year Awards have been designed to recognise and reward best practice in freelancing. A recent research study carried out by Xchangeteam in collaboration with Leeds Business school revealed that motivation, attitude, a hard-working nature, trustworthiness, the ability to learn quickly and flexibility were all extremely important qualities that clients sought in their freelance resource as more and more businesses are turning to freelance consultants for help.*
There is clearly a growing trend in the workplace that a significant part of the UK workforce does not match the typical profile of the permanent, full-time employee. Of the 28.5 million workers in the UK, 3.64 million (13%) are self-employed, 7 million (24%) are part-time, 7% are freelance and 11% are in businesses with no employees (Office of National Statistics).
Said Emma Brierley, CEO of Xchangeteam Group and founder of the Xchangeteam Freelancer of the Year Awards: ìIrreversible structural, social and economic trends mean that freelance consultancy is here to stay and is the principal route to the best talent. It is important that businesses adapt to this shift and officially acknowledge the positives that freelancers can bring to their organisation and write it into their HR strategy.î
Judges were looking for those freelancers who had demonstrated their professionalism, motivation, self-discipline, organisation and overall drive to succeed as a freelancer. The judges were Emma Brierley, Simon Juden, Chairman of Professional Contractors Group and Dominic Shales, co-founder and Director of Paratus Communications.
Ray Christodoulou has been a writer for 20 years and has freelanced for Saatchi & Saatchi, McCann-Ericsson and Publicis amongst others. He has worked on high profile consumer accounts for many household names. Commenting on his win, he said: ìI was just happy to be nominated. But I was ëshocked and stunnedí to win, particularly only 18 months after returning to freelancing following 10 years in a salaried job. Sure, freelancing isnít for everyone. For many, itís a world of unbearable uncertainty. But that also applies to full time employment. Even more so. With freelancing, at least all your eggs arenít in one agency. And I believe that a freelancerís detachment invariably adds a fresh perspective. For me, freelancing means freedom.î
Ray went on to say: ìXchangeteam was absolutely brilliant at a time when I was trying to kick-start my career. And they really are a team.î
Continued Emma Brierley: ìThe standard of entries was extremely high and all the judges were impressed by the calibre of the freelancers. I would like to congratulate Ray and all the category winners. Freelancing is increasingly being seen as a career choice for a growing number of professionals who see more benefits than negatives. From our recent survey we noted that one fifth of the 662 respondents were under 30, so we are seeing younger professionals identifying the benefits and taking control of their careers early on and choosing the freelance option. Freelancing is also working well for clients too who are increasingly recognising the wealth of freelance talent that is on tap to them.î
Copywriter Ray Christodoulou Scoops Xchangeteams Freelancer of the Year Award 2005
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