Finance for Freelancers
Course Date: Wednesday 21 January 2026 | 1000-1700 | Glasgow
Application Deadline: Monday 8 December 2025 | 0900
The essential course for every freelancer – this course will take the you through everything you need to know to manage your personal finances in the film & TV industry.
The course will teach the importance of good record keeping and working out how not to run out of cash, along with how tax and national insurance work for various types of freelancer. By the end of the course, you will have a good grounding in the major financial aspects of freelancing in the Film & TV sector and how to make the most of what you earn.
Areas covered include:
> How to budget in your personal life when working freelance
> PAYE freelancer vs sole trader freelancer
> Tax and national insurance for different types of freelancer
> How to read a PAYE payslip
> Whether or not HMRC digital record keeping is necessary for you
> Getting paid on time
> How a business mindset can help all types of freelancer
You’ll get templates and downloads aplenty so that you’re not wasting your time and can focus on being great at the fun stuff. All resources are online for you to access at any point, and you get free email and phone support after the course.
Who is this course for?
Perfect for someone who’s a Film and TV freelancer, whether new or experienced. We assume you’d prefer to hide under the duvet than do your expenses, so we go gently through ways of looking after money without getting bogged down in paperwork.
Tutor:
The course is taught by David Thomas who has been running his training courses since 2005. Clients include the BBC, ITV. indy production companies, unions and universities. David understands what you’re going through. He set up his own small business after 22 years of employment at the BBC. It can be done!
Eligibility:
This session is specifically for established film and television practitioners based in Scotland. Please only apply if you meet this criteria. BECTU opportunities for those in other areas of the UK can be found here: England, Wales.
> Applicants should be based and working freelance in film and television in Scotland.
> Students are not eligible for this training.
Selection:
> As this is a workshop style course, there are a limited number of spaces available to allow participants the opportunity to interact and ask questions.
> Priority for spaces will be given to eligible BECTU members.
> If more BECTU members apply than spaces available, places will be given to those who demonstrate the greatest professional need for this training Places are provided free of charge but are worth a considerable amount. Please only apply if you can commit to attending the session.
Access:
> Access requirements can be arranged for those selected including BSL translation, captions and large print etc.
> Access requirements can be arranged for those selected including BSL translation, captions and large print etc.
> We can help with travel costs for those based outwith Glasgow.
This course is being delivered with support from Scottish Union Learning, funded by the Scottish Government
BECTU Vision is funded by Screen Scotland, Scottish Union Learning and BBC in partnership with Bectu.
If you have any queries please email vision@bectu.org.uk
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