What’s it like to be self-employed in the UK today? That’s is exactly what Julie Deane OBE, founder of The Cambridge Satchel Company, has been tasked with finding out.

The Government has commissioned Julie to carry out an extensive independent review into the subject. She’ll explore why people become self-employed and the types of work they do, as well as the specific difficulties faced by those working for themselves. Around 4.5 million people in the UK work for themselves. In fact, self-employment is higher than it has been for 40 years. The review, which will be published early next year, will make a number of recommendations about how the UK can become a more flexible and supportive place for them.

Since starting The Cambridge Satchel Company from her kitchen seven years ago, Julie has become a fashion world darling. Her brightly coloured, British made products now turnover an impressive £10 million every year. She said:

“I have first-hand experience of the immense opportunities starting your own business can bring, but also understand the challenges that can face those starting out on their own. Having grown my business to employ more than 130 people and selling to over 120 countries, I have a clear of idea of the way in which government can better support the self-employed. I hope this review will help others in the future to turn their ideas into successful businesses.”

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What’s the primary reason more British people are becoming self-employed?

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