Trev, I am actually a taxpayer being a freelancer
I would like to come back to your opinions and thoughts about working with new blood, or new customers (in other terms). This is very tricky, but I believe your work is what breaks the ice. If you can deliver the goods to the standard that they expect and above it, then bang - you have not only gained a maybe regular customer, but an avid supporter and friend of the business.
90% of my work in my freelance career is from referrals and existing clients, it's all about proving yourself worthy of the work