Contractors and freelancers are being recognised for the value they bring to companies, according to new research by contractor accountant Brookson.

In a recent survey among customers, more than 58 per cent felt they were appreciated by their client for the work they do.

This is particularly true for contractors in the oil and gas engineering sector, 83 per cent agreed they are valued by their client.

The research, by the accountants for contractors Brookson, was carried out among self employed professionals working in sectors including oil and gas, nuclear, aerospace and defence, also found nearly 50 per cent believed the sector they work in will provide good opportunities for the next five years. Again contractors in oil and gas came top when it came to confidence in their sector, followed closely by aerospace and defence.

Martin Hesketh, managing director of Brookson, said:

"These figures represent an encouraging outlook from both contractors and their clients. It’s nice to see they’re being appreciated and demonstrates a willingness among businesses to hire contractors. They also complement recent research carried out by ComRes on behalf of the Professional Contractors Group (PCG), which found 73 per cent of business leaders planned to use freelancers and contractors in their organisations over the next 12 months.

"This same survey also found 60 per cent of businesses stated they would find it difficult to operate without self employed professionals.

"Both pieces of research are evidence of the promising opportunities for the UK’s 1.4 million freelancers over the next 12 months.

"It’s encouraging to see the value self employed professionals add to an organisation is being recognised by their clients. Even more so from prominent figures such as Prime Minister David Cameron, who recently spoke about the significant contribution self employed professionals make to the UK economy."

-ENDS-

For more information, please contact Victoria McDonnell at Brookson Ltd.

Email:.victoria.mcdonnell@brookson.co.uk, 0845 058 1500

Notes to Editors:

Brookson provides accountancy, tax and support services for self-employed professionals working on an umbrella basis, or running their own business either as a sole trader and or via their own limited company.

Brookson was launched 15 years ago ‘by contractors, for contractors’ to provide advice and support to self-employed individuals to ensure they access the benefits they are entitled to, while working compliantly.

Managed by a highly-qualified team of chartered accountants and former contractors, Brookson is committed to providing a first class service to its customers.