The world at work looks different these days, flexibility is the name of the game and agencies and brands are adapting to that change by using interim talent to keep them agile, but which interim solution is right for your business or project?
Perhaps you have project deadlines looming, a project that needs specialist skills, a team member off for sickness or maternity leave, or you are looking to grow but don’t need a full-time hire, we want to make sure you make the right choice and avoid blowing your budget.
Let’s break down the key differences between freelance, contract, and fractional talent, and more importantly, how each can solve very different problems for your business or agency.
Freelance: Your On-Demand Fix
What is it?
Freelancers are self-employed creatives and marketers brought in on a project-by-project basis. You brief them, they deliver, they invoice and then move on to their next gig.
The best solution for:
- Campaigns or one-off projects
- Seasonal workflow like annual reports or campaigns that come around seasonally
- Overflow support when your team is at capacity or to cover holidays within your team
- Pitch support, bringing fresh perspectives to a pitch and helping delivery on tight deadlines
Benefits for you:
✅ Fast turnaround
✅ Flexible and cost-effective when used purely for a specific need
✅ Access to niche skills and fresh perspectives
Bear in mind:
Freelancers often work with multiple clients, so clarity on timelines, expectations, and communication is key.
It is also important that you do an IR35 determination before engaging with the freelancer if your business is medium or large in the eyes of HMRC.
Contract: Embedded Experts Without the Red Tape
What is it?
Contractors are interim professionals, usually full-time or close to it, who join your team on either a day rate or fixed-term basis (often 3 to 12 months).
It is important to note that day rate contractors will rarely look at a FTC role due to differences in pay and tax. Fixed-term contractors (FTC) are typically paid an annual pro rata salary, are paid directly by the company, have their tax and NI deducted at source, and are entitled to company benefits. Day rate contractors are responsible for their own tax and NI and can either be paid through their own LTD company, or they can work through an umbrella, or be paid by an agency.
Best for:
- Delivering a project or transformation piece
- Maternity/paternity cover
- Team expansion during peak times
- Bridging the gap between hires
- Testing out a new role before hiring a permanent hire
Benefits for you:
✅ Instant expertise with minimal onboarding
✅ No long-term commitment, notice periods will be built into contracts
✅ Fully compliant and admin-light, we do all the compliance for you
Good to know:
These roles work best when you’ve got a defined scope and need consistent, hands-on support.
It is also important that you do an IR35 determination before engaging with the freelancer if your business is medium or large in the eyes of HMRC for any day rate contractors that you engage. There is no need to do this for a FTC as PAYE tax and NI are deducted by your business.
Fractional: Senior Brains, Part-Time Brilliance
What is it?
A fractional hire is typically a senior expert - think Head of Marketing, CMO, Creative Director, Brand Director, Business Development Director - who works with you part-time, often just 1 to 3 days a week. They bring strategic leadership without the full-time cost.
Best for:
- Fast-growing businesses and agencies
- Building or evolving a marketing strategy
- Brand repositioning or leadership mentoring
- Looking at new markets or products, allowing you to concentrate on your existing business
Benefits for you:
✅ Access to top-tier thinking
✅ Scalable support that fits your budget
✅ Team development and oversight
Good to know:
Fractional hires are strategic, not tactical. They're there to lead, not to get stuck into day-to-day delivery, and are exceptionally good at giving weight at a senior level without the expense of having the experience with a full-time salary.
Which One Is Right for You?
If you’ve got a clear challenge but you’re not ready to commit to a full-time hire, interim talent is a brilliant option. But the real power lies in knowing which type is right for your business stage, budget, and goals.
Freelance = quick hit, creative execution
Contract = consistent delivery, temporary capacity
Fractional = high-level strategy, part-time commitment
How Beyond The Book Can Help
At Beyond The Book, we connect ambitious agencies and brands with exceptional freelance, contract, and fractional professionals across marketing, creative, product, business operations, sales, and people and HR. We understand the nuances of each interim solution and take the time to advise you on what will deliver the most impact, without wasting time or budget. Whether you need someone tomorrow or you're planning strategically for growth, we offer a simple, compliant, and consultative service to get you the right talent, fast.
Get in touch to find out how we can help you make your next interim hire a success, or email Emma Head for more information.
