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Be your own boss in Cornwall

Thinking about working for yourself? Cornwall is a great place to do that.

Around 18.4% of people in work in Cornwall are self-employed, higher than the UK average of 12.4%.

Whether you want to freelance, start a small business or turn a hobby into a career, there is plenty of support available to help you get started.

 

What does ‘self-employed’ mean?

If you are self-employed, you work for yourself rather than an employer. You find your own customers, manage your finances and pay your own tax.

Self-employed people work across many sectors. You might work as a freelancer, contractor, consultant or sole trader.

Many self-employed people work across several projects or clients at the same time. This can help create different income streams and open up new opportunities.

 

Getting started

  1. 1

    Think about your skills, experience and the customers you want to work with. It's a good idea to write a business plan.

    Cornwall Chamber of Commerce offers a great free start up guide. 

  2. 2

    Many people start as a sole trader because it is simple and quick to set up. 

    A sole trader is a self-employed individual who owns and runs a business personally and is legally responsible for all its debts and obligations.

    As your business grows, you may decide to become a limited company. 

    A limited company is a separate legal entity from its owners, meaning the company is responsible for its debts while the owners' personal liability is usually limited to their investment in the business.
  3. 3

    If you become self-employed, you usually need to register with HMRC and complete a Self Assessment tax return.

  4. 4

    Open a business bank account and keep clear records of your income and expenses from the start.

  5. 5

    Create a website, use social media and build local connections to help find customers and grow your reputation.

    Watch Jowby's story of how taking a digital marketing Skills Bootcamp has helped her understand how to promote her business

Pros and Cons of self-employment

Pros Flexible working hours, Greater independence, Potential to increase your earnings, Variety in your work, Opportunity to follow your interests
Cons Income can vary from month to month, No paid holiday or sick pay, Responsibility for your own taxes and records, Time spent finding clients and marketing your services, Managing every aspect of the business yourself

Extra support

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