L&D Free Spirits is the premier network for freelancers in the Learning and Development (L&D) sector, championing the cause of independence, flexibility, and fulfilment. This vibrant community provides a rich ecosystem of resources, from practical guides for setting up a freelance business to cutting-edge professional development.
Aimed at those making the leap from corporate or teaching roles to freelance, L&D Free Spirits tailors its offerings to overcome the unique challenges of this transition, offering insights into business setup, market adaptation, and pricing strategies. Members enjoy benefits like course discounts, exclusive resources, and a directory to showcase their services and portfolios, all while learning from case studies and success stories that inspire and guide.
For companies, the network offers valuable sponsorship opportunities, providing a platform for brand visibility and thought leadership in the L&D industry. These partnerships enable companies to market their services at a discount, reaching a dedicated audience of L&D professionals.
At its heart, L&D Free Spirits is a movement aimed at redefining the future of education and corporate training. We envision a world where L&D freelancers thrive, crafting careers that align with their values and aspirations. By offering the necessary tools and fostering a supportive community, we aim to break down barriers, encourage innovation, and promote entrepreneurial spirit, ensuring our members are always ahead of the curve.
L&D Free Spirits is more than a network—it’s a catalyst for transformation, empowering every member to achieve success on their terms.
Meet The Founder
About Kim Ellis
Kim is the original Free Spirit and the founder of Go Ginger Learning Solutions. With nearly two decades of experience in corporate Learning & Development, she’s passionate about creating dynamic, down-to-earth training solutions that actually make a difference – for both learners and the organisations they work in.
Her work spans in-person delivery, virtual training, eLearning and video – always shaped around the needs of the client, not just the tools available. She’s designed everything from contact centre onboarding and systems training to full-scale induction programmes, working across sectors including healthcare, finance, construction, transport and higher education.
Since going self-employed in 2017, Kim’s not only built a thriving L&D business – she’s also been a champion for others doing the same. As founder of the L&D Free Spirits community and a former Vice-Chair of The Learning Network, she’s known for supporting emerging freelancers and helping people navigate the realities of self-employed life.
Thinking of going freelance in L&D?
Not sure where to start – or if it’s even the right move for you?
Book a 90-minute deep dive call with Kim for £120 – or get it free as part of your L&D Free Spirits membership.
This isn’t a sales pitch or a generic chat – it’s a proper conversation about your situation. You’ll explore your ideas, dig into your plans, and get honest advice, practical steps, and real-world insight into what freelancing in L&D actually looks like. Whether you’re just curious, feeling stuck or nearly ready to leap – you’ll leave with clarity, confidence and next steps that work for you.
Meet The Team
Meet Our Corporate Partners
We are thrilled to highlight our amazing corporate partners, a prestigious collective of companies passionate about Learning and Development (L&D) and committed to supporting the self-employed. These organisations are essential to L&D Free Spirits, aiding us in providing outstanding resources, events, and networking opportunities. With their support, our members gain access to the latest industry insights, driving their professional growth.
Maisey Marketing
Corporate Partner
Maisey Marketing is a small consultancy run by Hayley Maisey.
A Chartered Marketer with over 20 years’ experience, Hayley partners with small business owners who have limited marketing expertise and time. With strong leadership, she provides direction and a range of support services.
She’s largely collaborated with digital training providers, learning technology suppliers, learning consultants, and membership organisations across L&D.
Through Maisey Marketing and her previous employment at Brightwave Group/Capita Learning and The Association for Learning Technology, she’s built a solid network and developed a strong understanding of the industry.
Mint HR
Corporate Partner
Mint HR is a HR consultancy founded by Director, Tracy Carpenter.
Tracy believes all companies – no matter what their size – deserve to have access to top notch, compliant HR.
Mint provides people-related solutions to small businesses across Yorkshire and beyond in a variety of industries including IT, marketing, manufacturing and the charity sector.
From hiring and firing to people inspiring, the team have over 50 years combined HR experience offering no-nonsense solutions that are right for your organisation.
Mint can either be fully integrated with a business or simply be on hand to act as a sounding board.
There’s no lengthy contracts or retainers with Mint HR. Instead, they offer HR Support Packages of hours that don’t expire – meaning every second of a package is dedicated to supporting you at the times you need it most.
Can Studios eLearning
Corporate Partner
Can Studios empowers L&D freelancers with professional elearning development through our fully collaborative approach. As an L&D Free Spirits member, benefit from our expertise in creating engaging, user-friendly learning experiences tailored to your clients’ specific needs, working closely with subject matter experts from concept to delivery.
Our award-winning team offers the perfect blend of instructional design, technical implementation, and creative development services. Whether you need custom assessments, interactive scenarios, or multimedia-rich content, we deliver professional solutions that strengthen your reputation. We understand most projects require a tailored mix of products and services, which is why we offer flexible solutions designed to complement your existing capabilities.
Access our Adapt authoring tool to create responsive elearning content without advanced technical skills, or let us handle the full development process. By partnering with Can Studios, you position yourself as a complete learning solution provider who can confidently take on complex projects your clients demand. The best way to understand how we can help is through a conversation—let’s explore how we can help you create meaningful learning experiences that drive success for your clients.
Training Post LMS
Corporate Partner
Training Post empowers L&D freelancers to scale their business through our multi-tenant learning management system specifically designed for content providers who sell B2B. As an L&D Free Spirits member, you’ll receive exclusive benefits including free platform access with 5 client portals and 100 users, enabling you to establish yourself as a professional learning content provider with branded client portals without the cost of subscribing to an enterprise LMS or the limitations of using generic platforms.
Transform your learning content into a scalable business asset with Training Post’s streamlined delivery and user management capabilities. Our platform enables freelancers to create branded learning environments for each client whilst maintaining centralised control of content and analytics – perfect for consultants looking to expand their service offerings beyond one-to-one delivery. When your clients see their own logo and colours on a professional learning portal you’ve created, it elevates your brand and creates new revenue opportunities.
Additionally, join our referral programme and earn rewards for each successful introduction to companies that could benefit from Training Post. As learning professionals, you understand the challenges your peers and clients face when delivering content at scale – making you ideally positioned to recognise opportunities where our platform adds value. By partnering with Training Post, you’re not just expanding your service capabilities but also creating an additional income stream through qualified referrals whilst helping fellow L&D professionals succeed in their business growth.
2Late
Corporate Partner
Transform Your Client Acquisition Strategy
Are you ready to expand your client base but struggling with introductions and pitches? Don’t let your competition get ahead—act now don’t be 2 Late!
Neil Lasher and his small team are revolutionising the client acquisition process. At 2 Late, we prioritise your needs over the clients’. Unlike traditional methods that rely on passive advertising, we actively get to know you and approach potential clients on your behalf.
Why Choose 2 Late?
- Personalised Approach: We take the time to understand your expertise and unique selling points.
- Proactive Outreach: Instead of waiting for clients to come to you, we leverage our extensive network to make the introductions.
- Direct Client Interaction: You will work directly with the clients and charge your standard rates.
- Grab this opportunity to streamline your client acquisition process. Register now and let 2
Late help you get ahead of the competition!
Plus Accounting
Corporate Partner
At Plus Accounting, we believe in doing business differently. We are committed to delivering not just exceptional tax and accounting services, but also contributing positively to the communities we are part of. We offer a full spectrum of financial services, from supporting startups to guiding businesses ready to scale or even sell. Our mission is to empower businesses to achieve financial clarity and efficiency while making a meaningful impact.
What truly makes us stand out from the crowd is our deep-rooted commitment to our clients and their goals. We don’t just work for you; we work with you. We take the time to understand what drives your business, your values, and your vision for the future. This personalised approach allows us to tailor our services to your unique needs—whether it’s setting up an efficient Xero accounting system, optimising profitability, or navigating complex tax regulations.
Beyond numbers, Plus Accounting is an active participant in the local business ecosystem. We look to support local business events, share insights through our blog, and maintain a strong network of professional contacts. These connections enable us to offer additional support in areas like legal matters, HR, workplace pensions, and raising finance, ensuring that you have the resources you need.
K&K Legal Consulting
Corporate Partner
At K&K Legal Consulting, we do more than just provide legal services – we partner with you on your business journey. Founded by Kirsty and Kate, our mission is to make legal support accessible and flexible for freelancers, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. With 30 years of combined legal experience, we understand the unique challenges you face, and we’re here to help you navigate them with clarity and confidence.
What sets us apart is our commitment to truly understanding your business. As part of our bespoke services we offer solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether it’s drafting legal documents, providing GDPR guidance, advising on business legal matters and compliance or reviewing legal documents that you are being asked to sign. Our goal is to deliver professional legal services without the hefty fees of traditional law firms.
Beyond legal services, we also empower you with resources. Our website offers a library of affordable contract templates, terms & conditions, guides, and policies, perfect for budget-conscious business owners who still want to stay compliant and protected.
At K&K Legal Consulting, we’re not just lawyers; we’re your partners in success, offering personalised legal support that adapts to your business needs and helps you thrive.
Accentua
Corporate Partner
As a freelancer, your clients rely on you to deliver solutions – even when they involve languages you don’t speak. That’s where Accentua Group comes in. Specialising in expert translation and language services, Accentua Group ensures your projects shine across any language barrier.
Whether it’s translating technical documents, localising marketing materials, or bridging cultural gaps, their team of linguistic professionals has you covered. They can help you impress your clients with flawless communication, no matter the language.
