This is a podcast interview with Paul Wilkinson. He's an independent practitioner and member of the CIPR Social Media Panel and Council. Paul is is leading a project to support CIPR members that are independent practitioners through the development of guidance and networks.

There are an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 independent or freelance practitioners in the UK, and the segment makes up a significant chunk of the CIPR's membership.

Paul turned his back on corporate life a second and final time six years ago. He works as a public relations and communications consultant, technology analyst and writer.

During the discussion we explored the size of the market for independent practitioners in the UK, the motivations for going solo, the support that is available, ways to connect with people in a similar situation, and more.

Paul has the ambition to create content on issues such as starting out, legal, marketing and pricing.

Independent working can be a lonely business and so Paul is also seeking to build a network via LinkedIn (sign-up to the new group that he's started) and Twitter, and in real life. He cited the PR and a Pint Freelance network that CIPR Wessex hosts as an example of what's possible.

If you’re a freelance, independent or solo public relations practitioner that is interested in getting involved in Paul’s project you can connect with him via Twitter @EEPaul or via his blog.

Podcasting

I’ve neglected podcasting in recent months but it’s something that I’m keen to return to in 2015. If you’ve got an issue you want to discuss please get in touch. In the meantime I hope that you enjoy the discussion with Paul.

You can access the discussion via the embedded app or directly on Soundcloud, via your favourite podcast app, or iTunes. Let me know what you think and thanks for listening.