Good morning, friends!
Welcome to the latest Soapbox newsletter! If you're new, we're delighted to have you join us.
Our upcoming gathering is scheduled for November 28th at Sierra Metro (just one week away!), and it promises to be something special as we're teaming up with 5things! If you're unfamiliar with 5things, it's a morning meetup where three speakers share five takeaways from a non-fiction book. It's something a bit different for us, and we're thrilled to bring more people together.
Soapbox, our morning blether and gather event, is for freelancers and those employed in culture, creative, tech and digital, and offers a chance to connect, share news, and explore opportunities—all while enjoying a cuppa. Thanks to our amazing sponsors, the event is free.
For this collaborative event, the first hour will be dedicated to 5things and our three speakers. Make sure to arrive at Sierra Metro for an 8 am start! The second hour, from 9 am to 10 am, will follow our usual Soapbox format, and you're welcome to stay for 10 minutes or the full hour. While this event is entirely free, please sign up for tickets as space is limited.
We would love to see you there!
Meet Andy:
Andy is our 5things host and collaborator for our upcoming event! We asked him to share 5things about himself:
I've recently started to take Wednesday off to make music. Best thing I've done for my wellbeing in a long time.
I'm really good at remembering faces. I think I'm a super recogniser. Wondering how I can make it a job.
I was born on the 26th September – the most popular birthday in the UK. I call myself a Christmas baby.
I really want a dog.
I ran 3 marathons this year. It was the best fun, but I'm taking a wee break to heal my aged broken body.
Speaker Announcements:
We are thrilled to announce and introduce our three speakers for the upcoming event:
First up we have Hugo (on the left); Hugo is a design critic and curator, and co-founder (with his husband James Stevens) of Bard - a shop and gallery devoted to Scottish craft and design in Leith. An editor at Wallpaper and Monocle for a decade, Hugo was then brand director of Studioilse, Ilse Crawford’s design practise, where he led strategy and communications. He has since worked for pioneering people and brands as an independent consultant, from Instagram to Ikea, Vitra to Airbnb, Erdem to the School of Life. In all cases he works at the intersection of strategy, design and communication helping to establish projects with relevant social and cultural purpose, and voices with clarity and soul.
Our second speaker is Michael (in the middle); Hiya, I’m a local independent journalist. I recently quit my job at Meta to focus on writing The Edinburgh Minute newsletter every day. It’s the best part-time ‘job’ I’ve ever had. Before this I was working in media for 20 years at places like Instagram, Vogue and The Guardian. Loves animals, music, trees, bikes and books! I’m also really interested in ‘community management’ even if that’s a slightly corporate way of saying ‘ways people get together’. Looking forward to the event!
Our third speaker is Briana (on the right); Briana is an author and artist fascinated about everything and anything disruptive. Her work centres around the energy of disruption and how this impacts our world in loud and quiet ways. She currently works with cultural and third sector organisations on values-led strategy, anti-racism, governance, funding, and coaching. With nearly 10 years experience working as an arts festival and film festival director to running creative networks, this informs her work with her clients ranging from Glasgow International and Craft Scotland to PIRC and the Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN). She believes that good disruption all comes down to understanding energy.
Sponsor Section & Useful Information:
FreeAgent
FreeAgent is award-winning online accounting software designed specifically for UK small businesses - and based here in Edinburgh. The folks at FreeAgent are all about making business owners and freelancers happier and more successful by putting them in control of their finances.
This month, FreeAgent is highlighting some great resources to help you, our community, with all your business and accounting questions:
Get ready to submit your tax return with a Self Assessment Q&A on 23rd November with FreeAgent’s Chief Accountant, Emily Coltman FCA
As the temperature drops, remind yourself how to claim energy bills as expenses when you work from home
Get tips to build a loyal customer base who’ll come back next year with our blog post on customer retention
Everyone in our Soapbox community can give FreeAgent a go with a 30-day free trial and get 50% off their first six months. Click here!
With Jack
If you’re a freelancer and keen to get insurance check out With Jack, they make it simple; it’s about one solid policy and the personal touch. Find out why you should invest in insurance as a creative freelancer, but don’t just take their word for it; freelance copywriter Graeme Piper has some great things to say!
How are Freelancers handling their late payments? Last month With Jack asked freelancers to participate in their late or non payment survey. See the findings from the survey and whether there is anything you can learn from how other freelancers handle their late or non payments.
The Edinburgh Minute
The Edinburgh Minute Newsletter is a quick summary of local news, events and community vibes that lands daily at 7am. The daily newsletter is free and has bonus add-ons including the weekly Edinburgh Culture Minute, containing local creative industry jobs, funding opportunities and grants. To celebrate our new partnership, founder Michael is giving all Soapbox Newsletter subscribers three months of subscription for free! That includes 12 editions of The Edinburgh Culture Minute, which normally costs £5 per week. The offer is open for Soapbox Subscribers only so be sure to sign up using this special link.
Something inspirational to end our November Newsletter:
If you would like to stay up to date with more events, jobs and opportunities, do consider following us on Instagram!
If you have something you would like to share with the community please feel free to message us!
We hope to see you at our next event if you’re local, and in the meantime please feel free to share The Soapbox Newsletter if you enjoyed it.
Until next time,
Ellie & Janine