A New Direction × Good Growth Hub · East London

Freelance Exchange

Turning fragmented support and opportunity into a more inclusive freelance ecosystem.

FocusCreative and digital freelancers

CapabilityResearch · Co-design · Delivery · Brokerage

PlaceEast London

PartnerA New Direction / Good Growth Hub

East London had exceptional freelance talent and growing creative-sector demand—but the routes connecting people to support and paid work were fragmented.

Research the freelancer and employer ecosystem, barriers and points of opportunity.
Co-design the support model with freelancers, partners and industry stakeholders.
Build practical recommendations spanning skills, employer systems, mentoring, wellbeing and digital infrastructure.
Support programme delivery, opportunity brokerage, partner coordination and continuous learning.

A detailed ecosystem research report and 11 actionable recommendations.
A two-day design hack bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders.
Freelancer development, recruitment and routes into paid opportunities.
A product-development pathway shaped with a former YEA! participant as Product Manager.

Two Freelance Exchange participants comparing ideas during the design process — Co-design started with the people navigating the freelance ecosystem themselves.

A Freelance Exchange participant developing recommendations during a working session — Participants turned lived experience into practical priorities and recommendations.

A creative freelancer contributing to a Freelance Exchange discussion — Different routes into creative work were treated as expertise—not an afterthought.

Results and evidence

121freelancers supportedPeople received training, mentoring, networking or tailored business support.

25paid roles securedFreelance commissions, placements and paid opportunities were brokered through the programme.

11opportunities progressedAdditional employer opportunities were still being developed at the reporting point.

4funding winsFreelancers secured grants or other funding with support from the ecosystem.

What the work shows

Inclusive freelance ecosystems need more than training. They need employers, brokers, support providers and digital infrastructure to work as one connected system.

“Local Champions’ skills in design thinking and innate communication flair immediately stood out. Their work has produced remarkable outcomes for our programmes, young creatives and industry partners.”

Jo Lacey · Senior Relationship Manager, The Good Growth Hub

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