Shortlisted for IPSE Freelancer of the Year Aspire 2017 awards

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Group photo of all the finalist at Judging Day - credit Ed Telling Photography

"What a wonderful surprise to be shortlisted in the top 5 in the UK!"

It's been a busy month at Nisha Haq Photography and the most exciting news this month is...*drumroll please* being shortlisted for the IPSE (The Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed) Freelancer of the Year Award 2017 - Aspire category. The Aspire award is for the UK's best freelancers aged 23 and under and it's such a wonderful surprise to be shortlisted in the top 5! Eeeek! To be recognised on a national level after only running my business for 21 months and shooting weddings for just a year is pretty awesome! Thank you!




On Thursday 13 April I was invited to The Trampery in London for Judging Day where we had to pitch ourselves and our business to the panel of four. The Judges on the day were: James Gribben, Head of Press, IPSE, Emmeline Pidgen, Illustrator and IPSE Inspire Freelancer of the Year 2016 winner, Vicki Owen, Journalist. Small Business Editor at The Mail on Sunday and Caroline Morgan, Non-Executive Board Member IPSE.

I have done a couple of presentations before where I pitched for investment on an university and regional level to start up my business, however this felt, by far, the most nerve-wracking! The ante was upped this time on a national level but it was a eye-opening experience meeting fabulous businesses from all over the country and getting to learn more about the positive work IPSE do; it was all very inspiring to be a part of.



The finalists were invited for bite to eat where I had the chance to network with freelancers from a range of industries and it was also great meeting entrepreneurs from the Inspire category (24 and over). It was a full schedule the whole afternoon where I had to do a 5 min pitch and 15-20 mins of questions, a video interview, headshots and a podcast with IPSE (coming soon). My mouth was certainly dry after lots of talking but definitely worth it with fantastic new contacts and friends in the freelancing world.

So deliberation for the Freelancer of the Year award is currently underway and looking forward to the IPSE Awards ceremony in London on 8 June, where the winners will be revealed. Fingers crossed!


Read IPSE's blog post on Judging Day.
Discover the work IPSE do and become a member.
Find out more about National Freelancers Day and how to get involved.


Obligatory selfie after the pitching was done!


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If you'd like to discuss your wedding, portrait, engagement, family session, event or have any questions, please contact me. Thank you!

Web: nishahaqphotography.com

Email: hello@nishahaqphotography.com

Mob: 07712604577