What kind of organisation am I?

petshopgirlemma

I'm a writer and writing tutor - so I am classed as SE for tax as I get income from a range of sources which sometimes don't go through PAYE.

I want to start running specific projects/classes for adults/children in a range of settings and I am not sure if I should carry on doing this as a freelance artist (and get other freelancers in to help), or whether I should be a proper company.

I'm going to run some one off sessions soon in play centres and libraries which are being done on an expenses only basis / free of charge to build up my CV in this field.

I would hope to get funding to run the later project(s) but I amnot sure whether this would be easier if I set myself up as an organisation with a proper title etc rather than just going on my own name. What are my options?

fengirl_2

I would not set up a company at this stage. You have no liabilities or staff and the costs and paperwork wouldnt be worth it - just continue as a sole trader.
If you are going to need funding to do future projects, where is this funding going to come from? Have you spoken to Business Link? They would be able to advise on what is available and whether only a company could bid for this money.
If BL is no help, you may have to go down the Third Sector route, in which case you would need to set up an associaiton, or a Company Limited by Guarantee, or a Community Interest Company. In this case, you need to speak to your local Council for Volunray Service about your options as, apart from anything else, there are restrictions on what salary you could draw.

petshopgirlemma

Yes I'm thinking of going along the sole trader route with everyone who helps me on the project being sole traders too - not sure if there is going to be any money in it for a while, it's going to be a case of building up a small client base for trial run projects. But I've spoken to the local council and I may be eligible for a cash grant if i can get a public sector etablishment (eg a school or sure start centre) to admin the finance side for me.