The name is unusual and, contrary to popular belief has nothing to do with the year it was formed. In fact, we launched Shout99 in 2000.

The name "Shout99" comes from a sporting metaphor. "Ninety-nine" was the codeword used by the British Lions rugby team while on tour in South Africa in 1974. The then Lions' captain, Willie John McBride, devised a strategy for his team against a stronger, aggressive and more dominant home nation.

If one of the team was under threat from an opponent, a shout of "99" would bring instant support from all team-mates - often in the form of an altercation with the nearest opponent. The phrase 'get your retaliation in first' emanates from this era.

Against the odds the Lions went on to win the Tour and have become acknowledged as the epitome of teamwork and camaraderie when, by working together, they overcame a much stronger opponent.

Internet
There are over three million small businesses in the UK - the acknowledged engine which drives the UK economy.

Yet, each one individually might not seem to have a great impact compared to larger corporations when it comes to influencing Government policy. However, together, they have a much more powerful voice than any large company.

Shout99 tries to harness that collective pressure.

The Internet brings the ability to shout "99" to thousands of like-minded small businesses.

Small businesses also represent 99 per cent of all companies in the UK.

Representation
Shout99 is not a representative body in the traditional understanding of trade associations and the like. We neither claim nor pretend to think we know better than the people who are actually affected by regulations, legislation or market forces.

The Internet and our site facilitates the ability for freelancers to represent themselves.

As small businesses, you are the people who are best placed to promote your own views. Shout99 has participated in a number of consultations either through our own website, www.shout99.com, or in conjunction with other influential bodies such as the All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group, PITCOM (Parliamentary Information Technology Committee), the Better Regulation Task Force, the Trade and Industry Select Committee and the Genesis Initiative.

This first-hand consultation process is beginning to have an impact - but, as with all aspects of Government, the wheels turn slowly. However, I have no doubt that by facilitating a system whereby freelancers and small businesses can talk directly to the decision-makers and influencers we are beginning to make a difference.

How we work
Shout99 is unlike many other sites or groups. To become a member of the network is free. It takes a few minutes to 'Join Shout99' which gives free and easy access to news and information.

There are a number of features on the site which you can then use, including regular news updates, legal and financial advice, special interest groups or conversing with your peers.

Our model is such that we want to create a free resource of information and support - and influence - for the freelancing community.

Although the site is largely frequented by IT freelancers, it is not 'industry-specific'. A great number of engineering professionals are also actively taking part as well as freelancers from other disciplines.

I hope that it will expand to be reflective of the knowledge-based flexible work-force regardless of the industry, business or commercial sector they work in.

Freelancer Services
We also run an area of the site - which we will be expanding - which offers services and products specifically tailored to freelancers' needs both professionally and personally.

This includes products which we have developed such as Freelancers Outside IR35 (FO35) - an operating system for businesses who want to conduct their affairs outside IR35 which gives support, advice and guidance as well as practical help with professional representation in case the Revenue challenges their position and insurance against penalties.

It also includes product and services offered by external associates which we believe might be useful to freelancers in their businesses, such as insurance and banking, and in their personal lives such as mortgages.

There is no obligation to purchase any product or service, but the next time you require something for your business you might like to check out the Freelancer Services section to see if it meets your needs.

We will be expanding this area and welcome suggestions from members of the Shout99 network as to services or products they would like to see offered.

For more information about the current range of Freelancer Services, please click here on 'Freelancer Services'.

Who are we?
The Shout99 team is based around a small number of people with different skills and professional abilities:

Susie Hughes - I am the editor of Shout99. For nearly 20 years I have worked in the political arena firstly as a reporter for newspapers and industry magazines in the North West, a Government press officer (before they were called spin doctors), a political lobbyist and media adviser for a range of clients - and now having gone full circle back to being a journalist with a bit of political lobbying thrown in.

Kevin Miller FCA - Kevin is an expert adviser on IR35 and other accountancy matters with particular relevance to freelancers. He has worked on IR35 since it was announced leading discussions with the Revenue, and has lectured widely on this subject.

Simon Banton and Hugo van der Sanden - Simon and Hugo are the people responsible for the Novacaster software which supports Shout99, allowing interactive involvement collectively and in selective groups. Novacaster is now in its 3rd generation and has been rewritten from the ground up since Shout99 was originally launched.

The future
The future is very much down to you. We will provide a news and information resource; a platform which facilitates freelancers getting their message directly in to Government and other opinion formers; a site where you can exchange views and information; and a range of products and services which might be useful to your businesses.

We want to develop it in a way which you - as members of the Shout99 network - want it to go. And to provide a facility to 'shout 99'.

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Susie Hughes © Shout99.com 2003