6th March 2025
The shift to creative contracting hasn’t taken place overnight. It’s a trend that’s crept in gradually, almost unnoticed, until… BOOM.
Everything has spiralled.
What started as a quiet movement to embrace flexibility and unlock career potential has gathered momentum, catching businesses (and their standardised recruitment efforts) off guard.
Finding an experienced candidate interested in a permanent full-time position is now like finding a needle in a haystack… but our workforce’s preference for freelancing isn’t a negative.
There’s opportunity amid the chaos.
In a world where operating costs continue to climb, creative contracting has one key advantage: short-term commitments for long-term impact.
Contractors come in during periods of high activity, focus on a deliverable, and produce business-changing results.
Other positives include…
An external pair of eyes always benefits creative environments. It’s far too easy to circle the same ideas and overlook gaps. Bringing someone in who is removed from the project ensures success.
Employers who hire contractors get their pick of versatile, experienced creatives who have usually worked in a variety of industries. This breadth of exposure brings it’s own advantages.
UK hiring times are globally among the slowest, and this isn’t sustainable. Projects can’t wait for 40 days while the right candidate is located… the shortage has to be addressed, fast. Contractors can pick up the slack until you’ve found a permanent solution.
Creative contractors know how to hit-the-ground-running. They’re used to high-tempo placements, and know how to ask the right questions during onboarding. Their self-sufficiency offers businesses flexibility, especially when it comes to scaling your workforce up and down.
You’re not paying for someone to sit idle. You’re paying for results. You know that. They know that. There’s no room for misunderstanding, Every penny you spend is an investment that will soon be returned.
Working with creative contractors isn’t the be all, end-all. It doesn’t mean you have to stop looking for a permanent employee if that’s what’s right for your company… it just means you have capacity while you do so. This attractive talent solution gives you the opportunity to ‘try before you buy’, trialling different freelancers from different specialisms until you find the perfect one for your company. Then, with the right offer, you might just convince them to stay with you long-term.
Ross Clifford & Associates have spent years in the creative field. When your workforce has a gap, we can help you identify the solution… whether that’s a permanent employee or a credible contractor. Contact us today if you’d like some free, no-obligations guidance. The right person for the job is out there.