Best Locations for Freelancers in the UK Revealed
Freelancing is on the rise in the UK, with more people seeking autonomy, flexibility, and a better work-life balance through self-employment.
Recently, Markel Direct, an insurer specialising in small business coverage, released a study identifying the best UK cities for freelancers, analysing locations based on a range of factors important to independent workers. From connectivity to available freelance jobs, this study ranks 49 cities to help freelancers find the best locations to thrive.
How the Study was Conducted
Markel Direct’s research analysed 49 UK cities across five essential metrics, each offering unique benefits to freelancers. Here are the factors considered:
- Freelancer Availability – The density of freelance jobs per 10,000 people.
- High-Paying Freelance Opportunities – The percentage of freelance roles offering salaries over £40,000.
- Full-Fibre Internet Coverage – The extent of high-speed internet available in each location.
- Train Connectivity – The ease of railway access, ensuring freelancers can move quickly for work opportunities or networking.
- Free Wi-Fi Workspaces – Access to free workspaces with Wi-Fi, perfect for freelancers who thrive in flexible environments.
Each city was ranked on these factors, from 1 to 49, to highlight those with the best conditions for freelancers.
The Top Three UK Cities for Freelancers
1. Exeter: The Freelance Capital of the UK
Exeter topped the list as the best location for freelancers in the UK. This city ranked highest for the availability of freelance jobs per capita, making it a vibrant hub for independent work. Exeter also scored well in terms of free workspaces, ranking eighth, which supports freelancers looking for cost-effective places to work.
2. Leeds: A Well-Connected, Freelance-Friendly City
Coming in second, Leeds didn’t claim the top spot in any single category but performed consistently across the board. Leeds stands out for its excellent railway connectivity and the availability of free workspaces, making it a flexible base for freelancers who frequently travel or prefer various working environments.
3. Wakefield: A Northern Gem for Freelancers
Located in Yorkshire, Wakefield earned the third spot, ranking high for freelance job availability and train connectivity. With close proximity to major cities and a growing freelance community, Wakefield is becoming a popular destination for those seeking a balanced lifestyle with access to city resources.
Read More: 3 Principles To Know As A Freelancer
Top 10 Cities for Freelancers in the UK
Here’s how the top 10 locations stack up:
- Exeter
- Leeds
- Wakefield
- Manchester
- Aberdeen
- Edinburgh
- Bristol
- Brighton
- Milton Keynes
- Liverpool
Interestingly, six out of the top 10 cities are located in northern England or Scotland, reinforcing the north’s appeal for freelancers looking for high-quality living without the capital’s costs.
Finding the Best High-Paying Freelance Opportunities
If income is a top priority, freelancers should consider Portsmouth, where 70% of freelance roles offer salaries above £40,000—a threshold recognised by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) as a high-paying wage.
Following Portsmouth, Walsall and Blackpool also offer a high percentage of freelance roles paying above this benchmark, with 67% and 64%, respectively.
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Top Cities by Freelance-Friendly Features
Each metric in the study highlights a unique strength in various cities, showing how freelancers can pick locations based on their specific needs.
- Highest Number of Freelance Jobs – Exeter
- Percentage of Jobs Paying £40,000+ – Portsmouth
- Best Full-Fibre Internet Coverage – Kingston upon Hull
- Top Train Connectivity – London
- Most Free Wi-Fi Workspaces – Brighton
With this diverse set of rankings, freelancers have a range of options depending on their priorities, from the highest-paying roles to the most accessible internet infrastructure.
Challenges Facing Freelancers in 2024
While freelancing offers flexibility and independence, it also comes with its own set of challenges. The study surveyed 500 freelancers, uncovering key concerns facing the self-employed in 2024:
- Irregular Income – Over half (51%) of respondents cited economic instability as a major cause of fluctuating income.
- Limited Client Base – With 34% reporting this issue, many freelancers struggle to maintain a steady flow of clients.
- Seasonal Demand Variability – About 33% noted the challenge of inconsistent demand throughout the year.
Despite these challenges, a remarkable 92% of those surveyed expressed a commitment to remain self-employed, valuing the freedom, flexibility, and passion-driven work that freelancing allows.
Read More: How to Handle Late Payments as A Freelancer
Final Thoughts
As more people in the UK explore freelancing, having insights into which cities provide the best opportunities can make all the difference. For those seeking flexibility and high-paying gigs, cities like Exeter, Leeds, and Portsmouth are ideal. Meanwhile, freelancers can tackle the hurdles of self-employment with the knowledge that resources, from free Wi-Fi workspaces to extensive transport connectivity, are available in various parts of the UK.
To explore the full results and dive deeper into the data, visit the complete study here.
