DEI at Solo, we believe that self-employment should be fair, inclusive and genuinely empowering.
DEI – Too often, the world of freelancing mirrors the same systemic barriers found in traditional employment. At Solo, we are building a platform where self-employed professionals are supported not only in their businesses but also in their identities, experiences and individual journeys.
This is our pledge to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). It is not a branding exercise or a checklist. It is a core part of who we are and what we do.
Equity Begins with Access
While freelancing offers the potential for independence, the starting line is not the same for everyone. For many people, the path to self-employment is filled with additional barriers. These might include a lack of professional networks, financial constraints, caring responsibilities, disability, discrimination or simply not seeing people like you in the spaces you want to enter.
At Solo, we recognise that. And we are working to actively break down those barriers.
We are doing this by:
- Offering affordable and transparent pricing for all Solo services
- Providing flexible support through Aspire to Grow, our consultancy that helps small businesses and independent professionals access expert advice
- Developing accountancy and finance support that meets the needs of freelancers at every stage
- Creating services like Solo for Bids and Tenders to help more people access large opportunities that often feel out of reach
We are not here to assume equal footing. We are here to create it.
Inclusion is Built Into Our Platform
Our approach to inclusion is not about adding DEI later. It is something we consider in every decision, service and partnership. From the way we design our support packages to how we present our branding, we aim to build a platform where people from all backgrounds feel welcomed, represented and respected.
This means:
- Listening to marginalised voices when shaping new services
- Reviewing our language, visual identity and communications for unconscious bias
- Actively seeking out diverse contributors, collaborators and suppliers
- Ensuring our website support services work for people with different accessibility needs
Inclusion is not an optional extra. It is part of how we do business.
We Stand With Every Solo Professional
We stand with every self-employed person who has been told they don’t belong in a room, on a panel or in a pitch.
We see you. We support you.
Whether you are:
- A woman in STEM trying to break into consultancy
- A Black environmental specialist navigating a competitive and exclusive field
- A disabled freelancer facing constant access challenges
- An LGBTQ+ professional trying to grow a business authentically
- A neurodivergent designer creating incredible work outside the mainstream
You are welcome at Solo. You are not alone here. You are part of a growing ecosystem of professionals who are rewriting the rules.
A Platform That Reflects the World We Want to Work In
We are building something better. Not just for our clients, but with them. DEI is not something we will ever be finished with. It is ongoing, reflective work that informs how we evolve.
We are committed to:
- Open dialogue
- Ongoing education
- Reviewing and improving our processes regularly
- Taking action when we get things wrong
And we invite our community to hold us accountable. If you have feedback, suggestions or experiences you would like to share, we welcome the conversation.
This Is Bigger Than Business
Solo is part of the Aspire to Grow family, which exists to help small businesses and independent professionals build stronger, more sustainable futures.
Our vision is about more than growth. It is about creating equity, visibility and community across industries.
Because Solo doesn’t mean alone.
It means supported.
It means empowered.
It means included.
