Events in 2018
MAKING A SUCCESS OF FREELANCING IN MEDCOMMS – 26 September 2018 – Oxford
Many thanks to everyone who attended and made the meeting another great success.
OUTLINE PROGRAMME
10.00 Registration and refreshments
11.00 Introductions led by Peter Llewellyn, NetworkPharma
11.30 Session 1: Steve Doyle, of Linking Business, a specialist trainer in the use of Linkedin, led a discussion about maximising the use of this powerful networking platform.
13.00 Networking Lunch
14.00 Session 2: Angie Wiles led a discussion about ‘working differently’. Angie is Founder of The Difference Collective, which is a unique organisation with a new business model that connects the best people and projects in health communications.
15.30 Tea, coffee, cakes and networking
16.30 Close
MAKING A SUCCESS OF FREELANCING IN MEDCOMMS – 21 MARCH 2018 – Oxford
Many thanks to everyone who attended and made the meeting another great success.
OUTLINE PROGRAMME
10.00 Registration and refreshments
11.00 Introductions led by Peter Llewellyn, NetworkPharma
11.30 Session 1: We asked the attendees to bring with them examples of real-life challenges and issues that we could then discuss as a group, sharing the extensive practical experience of freelancing in MedComms that we had in the room on the day.
13.00 Networking Lunch
14.00 Session 2: We asked the attendees to bring with them examples of real-life challenges and issues that we could then discuss as a group, sharing the extensive practical experience of freelancing in MedComms that we had in the room on the day.
15.30 Tea, coffee, cakes and networking
16.30 Close
Events in 2017
MAKING A SUCCESS OF FREELANCING IN MEDCOMMS – 27 SEPTEMBER 2017 – London
The Agenda we followed is shown below. During the course of the day, we were joined by Freelance Commissioners from a number of agencies as shown. Many thanks to these agencies for helping to make the meeting a success.
10.30 Registration and refreshments
11.00 Introductions led by Peter Llewellyn, NetworkPharma
11.30 Session 1: A panel session talking about the business and financial aspects of working with clients and the different models and challenges to be faced. We were joined by Matt Tyson of Walker Smith Global and Julia Walton of Media Contacts, together with Jackie Marchington of Caudex, Clare Middleton of Real Science Communications and Elif Fincanci-Smith of NexGen Healthcare Communications.
13.00 Networking Lunch
14.00 Session 2: Free-wheeling discussion about all aspects of the business of freelancing, simply dictated by the topics of interest and questions coming from the audience on the day.
15.30 Tea, coffee, cakes and networking
MAKING A SUCCESS OF FREELANCING IN MEDCOMMS – 22 March 2017 – Macclesfield
The Agenda we followed is shown below. During the course of the day, we were joined by Freelance Commissioners from a number of agencies as shown. Many thanks to these agencies for helping to make the meetings a success.
10.30 Registration and refreshments
11.00 Introductions led by Peter Llewellyn, NetworkPharma
11.15 Session 1: We talked finance and the business aspects of freelancing with Matt Tyson of Walker Smith Global
12.30 Networking Lunch
13.30 Session 2: As always we welcomed representatives from client companies to join us for a lively question and answer session. Panelists: Neil Marmont, Ashfield Healthcare Communications and Mary Gaskarth, Complete Medical Communications, Rachel Sherman, Fishawack Communications and Emma Bryant, Helios Medical Communications.
15.00 Tea and coffee and cakes
15.30 Session 3: We talked about business development, marketing yourselves and particularly about the use of social media business platforms like Linkedin and Twitter and Facebook. This session was led by Bilal Bham, Business Owner, Writer, Trainer.
17.00 Wrap up of formal session
Events in 2016
MAKING A SUCCESS OF FREELANCING IN MEDCOMMS – 21 September 2016 – Oxford
In order to ensure we had the most relevant content on the day we were delighted to have Freelancers Jenny Fanstone, Corinne Swainger and Jane Tricker acting as a steering committee and guiding us through the sessions. The Agenda we followed is shown below. During the course of the day, we were joined by Freelance Commissioners from a number of agencies as shown. Many thanks to these agencies for helping to make the meetings a success.
10.30 Registration and refreshments
11.00 Introductions led by Peter Llewellyn, NetworkPharma
11.15 Session 1: Moderated by Jane Tricker
Efficiency: make it your business with Kathryn White
Since becoming a freelance medical writer in 2010, Kathryn has presented seminars at EMWA conferences and for other organisations during which she shares tips and advice for working more effectively as a freelance business owner. The guidance she gives is based on her own experience and from working alongside business coaches, including Elaine Bailey, Christine Kane and Dawn Bentley.
12.30 Networking Lunch
13.30 Session 2: Moderated by Jenny Fanstone
Client panel discussion
As always we welcomed representatives from client companies to join us for a lively question and answer session. Panelists: Peter Jones, OUP and Jackie Marchington, Caudex and Jonathan Morton, Comradis
15.00 Tea and coffee and cakes
15.30 Session 3: Moderated by Corinne Swainger
Embracing support from societies, software and services
This was a free-wheeling discussion about the range of support that is available from professional and business organisations, from software solutions and from other relevant services.
17.00 Wrap up of formal session
FORGING BETTER PARTNERSHIPS – 22 March 2016 – London
In order to ensure we had the most relevant content on the day we were delighted to have Freelancers Jenny Fanstone, Clare Gurton, Corinne Swainger and Jane Tricker acting as a steering committee and guiding us through the sessions. The Agenda we followed is shown below. During the course of the afternoon, we were joined by Freelance Commissioners from a number of agencies as shown. Many thanks to these agencies for helping to make the meetings a success.
10.30 Registration and refreshments
11.00 Introductions led by Peter Llewellyn, NetworkPharma
11.15 Session 1 – Client panel discussion moderated by Jane Tricker together with Steve Carroll of Aurora, Linda Edmondson of Parexel MedCom, Matt McGinley of inVentiv Medical Communications.
12.30 Networking Lunch
13.30 Session 2 – Developing our strengths and optimising the freelance proposition to clients led by Clare Gurton and Corinne Swainger
15.00 Tea and coffee and cakes
15.30 Session 3 – A financial health check led by Jenny Fanstone together with Jovan Pavlicevic of Forest Group
17.00 Wrap up of formal session
Events in 2015
WORKING SMARTER – 15 September 2015 – The Tytherington Club, Macclesfield
On 15th September 2015 we held another unique workshop for MedComms freelancers, this time in Macclesfield.
The Agenda we followed is shown below. During the course of the afternoon, we were joined by Freelance Commissioners from a number of agencies as shown. Many thanks to these agencies for helping to make the meetings a success.
11.00 Registration and Introductions led by Peter Llewellyn, NetworkPharma
11.30 Session 1 – focus on use of social media and digital tools to work smarter, led by Michelle Collins of Pink Spaghetti
12.30 Lunch
13.30 Session 2 – focus on better understanding of legal issues, led by Michael Charlesworth of Glaisyers Solicitors
14.30 Open Q&A – anything goes!
15.00 Freelance commissioners from the agencies join us for tea and coffee and cakes
15.30 Panel discussion and Q&A with representatives from a number of leading MedComms agencies discussing how agencies and freelancers can work more smartly together.
Agencies on the panel: Adelphi Communications, Ashfield Healthcare Communications, Havas Lynx, inScience Communications, Nucleus Group and The Prime Medical Group.
17.00 Wrap up
GET OUT THERE AND MAKE AN IMPRESSION – 19 March 2015 – Oxford Science Park
On 19th March 2015 we held another unique workshop for MedComms freelancers in Oxford which was attended by nearly 50 Freelancers.
The Agenda we followed is shown below. During the course of the afternoon, we were joined by Freelance Commissioners from a number of agencies as shown. Many thanks to these agencies for helping to make the meetings a success.
12.00 Registration and networking over lunch
13.00 Introductions and welcome led by Peter Llewellyn, NetworkPharma
Formal working session
Open Q&A – anything goes!
16.00 Tea and coffee and cakes
Panel discussion and Q&A with representatives from the MedComms agencies – how to get noticed
Agencies on the panel: 7.4 Limited, Caudex Medical, NexGen Healthcare Communications, St Gilesmedical and Communigen
18.30 Wrap up
Events in 2014
WINNING AND RETAINING BUSINESS: MAKING IT PAY – 24 September 2014 – Oxford Science Park
On 24th September 2014 we held another unique workshop for MedComms freelancers in Oxford which was attended by 27 Freelancers.
This event focussed on the financial challenges of running and developing a freelaace business successfully. We were delighted to be working with Forest Group who are experts in accountancy and financial management specifically for individual contractors.
The Agenda we followed is shown below. During the course of the afternoon, we were joined by Freelance Commissioners from a number of agencies as shown. Many thanks to these agencies for helping to make the meetings a success.
PROGRAMME
12.00 Registration and networking over lunch
13.00 Introductions and welcome led by Peter Llewellyn, NetworkPharma
13.15 – Formal working session led by Jovan Pavlicevic, Founder and Director of Forest Group
1. Overview
2. Business structure (Ltd vs SE vs PAYE)
3. Workshop activity – calculating and unleashing the stored potential in your business through tax efficiency
4. Top 5 tips to become more tax efficient
5. You’re in business, so have a business plan
6. Workshop activity – Create a business plan
15.00 Open Q&A – anything goes!
15.30 Tea and coffee and cakes
16.00 Panel discussion and Q&A: overcoming the challenges of the freelance-agency working partnership
16.30 Meet the ‘freelancer commissioners’ – the opportunity to meet freelance commissioners acting for major MedComms companies for one-to-one discussions
Agencies who are joining us for the final session are:
Darwin Healthcare Communications (www.darwinhc.com)
Gardiner-Caldwell Communications (www.gcc-global.com)
McCann Complete Medical (www.complete-grp.com)
Porterhouse Medical (www.porterhouse.biz)
18.30 Wrap up followed by drinks for those who don’t need to rush off.
Events in 2013
Three successful workshops were held in 2013; 6th March in Oxford, 14th March in Macclesfield and 9th September in London.
Overall, the meetings were attended by over 50 freelancers – ranging from medical writers and editors to strategic consultants, project managers and digital specialists. During the course of the workshops – through presentations, discussion and practical breakouts – attendees learnt how to optimise the fundamentals of their ventures (through accountancy, contract negotiation, and other helpful tools for time keeping, etc.) and how to grow their freelance businesses by way of networking, better marketing and an improved online presence.
Testimonials from attendees are posted here.
The Agenda we followed in London is shown below.
Additionally, at each meeting we were joined by Freelance Commissioners from a number of agencies as listed below.
The agenda for the meeting that was held in London, UK on Monday 9th September 2013 is shown below.
| Time | Session | Speaker / faculty |
| 10:00 | Welcome and introductions | Peter Llewellyn (Network Pharma) |
| 10:10 | Sharing best practice: optimising the fundamental elements of your venture
Followed by Q&A |
|
| 11:10 | Coffee | |
| 11:35 | Strategies and tips to attract new clients and gain more work |
John O’Brien (Recruiter, Medical Talent) Ryan Woodrow (Freelance Medical Writer) |
| 12:00 | Establishing the foundation for a solid business: how to create and grow an online presence | Eric McDonogh (Website and Online Expert, Clever Business Websites) |
| 12:20 | Q&A and discussion on marketing and growing an online presence | All faculty members from the morning session |
| 12:50 | Lunch and networking | |
| 13:20 | Workshop: Develop an action plan to win more business | Hands-on workshop for everyone |
| 14:35 | Panel session: Open Q&A on how to make a success of freelancing | Open discussion with a panel of experienced freelancers. The freelance panel will include: |
| 15:20 | Coffee | |
| 15:35 | Panel discussion and Q&A: solving the challenges of the freelance-agency working partnership | Facilitated discussion led by Ryan Woodrow with representatives from major medical communications companies. |
| 16:30 | Meet the “freelancer commissioners”Opportunities to meet freelance commissioners acting for major MedComms companies for one-to-one discussion | Commissioners from the following nine companies are confirmed for London:
|
| 17:55 | Summary and meeting round-up | Peter Llewellyn (Network Pharma) |
| 18:00 | Drink reception |
The agencies that attended the Oxford, Macclesfield and London workshops in 2013 are shown below. Many thanks to these agencies for helping to make the meetings a success.
Macclesfield
- Adelphi Group (http://www.adelphigroup.com/)
- Chameleon Communications (http://www.chameleon-uk.com/)
- Fishawack Group (http://www.fishawack.com/)
- InforMed Group (http://www.imedcomms.com/aboutus.htm)
- KnowledgePoint360 Group (http://www.knowledgepoint360.com/)
- McCann Complete Medical Group (http://www.complete-grp.com/)
- Nucleus Group (http://www.nucleusholdings.com/)
- Parexel (http://www.parexel.com/).
Oxford
- Communigen (http://www.communigen.com/)
- Darwin Healthcare Communications (http://www.darwinhc.com/)
- Fishawack Group (http://www.fishawack.com/)
- KnowledgePoint360 Group (http://www.knowledgepoint360.com/)
- McCann Complete Medical Group (http://www.complete-grp.com/)
- Ogilvy 4D (http://www.ogilvychww.com/)
- Parexel (http://www.parexel.com/).
London
- Apothecom Scopemedical (http://www.apothecomscopemedical.com/)
- Darwin Healthcare Communications (http://www.darwinhc.com/)
- Excerpta Medica (http://www.excerptamedica.com)
- KnowledgePoint360 Group (http://www.knowledgepoint360.com)
- McCann Complete Medical Group (http://www.complete-grp.com/)
- Medical Talent (http://www.medicaltalent.co.uk)
- Photosound (http://www.photosound.com/)
- Porterhouse Medical Ltd (http://www.porterhouse.biz/)
- Virgo Health (http://www.virgohealth.com/)
Making a success of freelancing in MedComms 
Hi Peter,
Are you likely to run a freelance event in London this year?
Best regards
Mary
Hi, Mary, at the moment the plan in 2014 is to just run an event in Oxford in March and then hopefully in Macclesfield or nearby in the Autumn. But plans can change. I am trying to respond to the wishes of the community but also having to balance out very limited resources. The costs in London are far higher than out in Oxford or Macc. I am also looking at running some sort of virtual activities to allow a wider audience to engage with them but again I am limited by resources at the moment.