What is a freelancer?
A freelancer is someone who works for themselves rather than being employed by one company full-time. Businesses usually hire freelancers for specific projects, short-term support, or specialist skills.
Think writers, designers, developers, marketers - basically the extra pair of hands you need without always adding another permanent employee to payroll.
What does a freelancer do?
Freelancers can support businesses across almost any industry. They are not tied to one sector. UK SMEs commonly hire freelancers for:
- Social media and marketing
- IT and software development
And it is far from niche. According to the IPSE, there are around 2 million freelancers in the UK, with businesses increasingly relying on flexible specialist talent for project-based work.
Freelancer vs employee - What’s the difference?
The main difference comes down to employment status. Employees work directly for one company and usually receive a salary, holiday pay, and workplace benefits.
Freelancers are self-employed and typically work with multiple clients, often on short-term or project-based agreements.
| Freelancer |
Employee |
| Self-employed |
Employed by a company |
| Usually paid per project or contract |
Usually paid a salary |
| Works with multiple clients |
Works for one employer |
| Handles their own tax and pension |
Employer manages PAYE and pension |
| No employee benefits |
Receives benefits like holiday pay |
| Flexible and project-based |
Ongoing role within the business |
Benefits of hiring a freelancer
For many UK SMEs, hiring a freelancer is a practical way to get expert support without the cost of a full-time employee. Key benefits include:
- Access to specialist skills and experience
- Lower overheads compared to permanent hiring
- Flexibility for short-term projects or busy periods
- Faster hiring process and quicker turnaround times
- No long-term employment commitment
- Fresh ideas and outside industry knowledge
Things to watch out for when hiring a freelancer
Hiring a freelancer can save time and money, but it is worth getting the basics right first. Keep an eye on:
- Clear contracts, deadlines, and payment terms
- Ownership of work and intellectual property rights
- Availability and communication expectations
- Whether the working arrangement could blur into employment status
In the UK, businesses should also understand IR35 and employment status rules when working with long-term contractors or freelancers.
How to hire a freelancer
Hiring a freelancer is usually much smoother when you have a clear plan from the start.
Before hiring, define:
- Deadlines and deliverables
- The skills you actually need
You can find freelancers through referrals, LinkedIn, freelance platforms, or specialist talent partners.
Before saying yes, check:
- Their portfolio and past work
- Client reviews or testimonials
- Communication style and availability
- Contracts and payment terms
A detailed brief and clear expectations upfront can save plenty of back-and-forth later and help projects run without the classic “quick revision” turning into 17 extra tasks.
Freelancer vs contractor – Is there a difference?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but there can be small differences. Freelancers usually work on shorter, flexible projects for multiple clients. Contractors are more commonly hired for fixed-term agreements, often on larger or highly specialised projects.
In practice, both are typically self-employed.
| Freelancer |
Contractor |
| Often project-based |
Often fixed-term contract-based |
| Usually works with multiple clients |
May work with one client for longer periods |
| Common in creative and digital work |
Common in IT, engineering, and consultancy |
| Flexible workload and hours |
More structured agreement |
| Typically, shorter engagements |
Often longer-term projects |
How can Black Piano help?
Whether you need a freelancer for a quick project, a contractor for specialist support, or a full-time remote employee, Black Piano helps UK businesses hire top talent from India without the usual recruitment hassle.
You tell us what you need. We find carefully vetted candidates that match your requirements, and you choose the person who fits your business best.
No upfront recruitment costs. No endless CV sorting. No admin headaches either - we handle hiring, onboarding, payroll, compliance, and ongoing support for you. Learn more about our services.
