Freelance press adviser for small organisations

Small businesses, charities, community groups, local clubs and professionals who have no in-house communications person.

Monthly retainer for ongoing advice, or a day rate or fixed fee for one-off jobs such as a launch announcement or a tricky enquiry.

• Clear, accurate writing
• Knowing how newsrooms work
• Calm under pressure
• Building trust with clients and journalists

• Professional indemnity insurance, as bad advice or a mistaken statement could lead to a claim
• Check the rules on defamation and on data protection (UK GDPR) when handling journalist and client information
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC, and check whether you need to register for VAT as you grow
• Early income can be uneven, so try to agree retainers rather than relying on one-off jobs

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on your equipment, insurance and how you find clients. Monthly revenue is estimated at around £500 to £3,500, and early income can be uneven, so try to agree retainers.

Check professional indemnity insurance, as bad advice or a mistaken statement could lead to a claim. Also check the rules on defamation and data protection (UK GDPR), and register as a sole trader with HMRC, checking whether you need VAT registration as you grow.

You need clear, accurate writing, knowledge of how newsrooms work, calm under pressure and the ability to build trust with clients and journalists. The estimates assume at least around 8 hours a week, working from home.