Posted By Dee
Mark,

Having just gone through this process myself I would suggest the following:

In Scotland we have Scottish Enterprise/Business Gateway centres they provide loads of advice and information as well as things like training courses on VAT, Tax, etc., and could potentially be a good point for networking/contacts. They also can help you assess the market and see if there is a need for the services you are going to provide - I am not sure what the English equivalent is but you could always contact the Scottish version and ask!

It is alot easier to start up if you have a Client base established or you know you are guaranteed work that can tide you over, I know that some of the contracts I am involved in take 2-3 months to get going properly.

The best advice I can offer is that it does take time to do this, I am lucky that I don't have issues of things like mortgages or children to worry about, if I did I definitely wouldn't have done it, but everyone is different.

Feel free to contact me offline if you want to discuss further.

Cheers,

Dee

Posted By Roland Crane
Hi

I started my own Consultancy nearly 2 years ago, which has become very busy, and with a good solid client base. As i had a mortgage and a family, i needed to have some form of income at the outset. I chose to work 2 days per week under contract, which gave me a level of income each month, while allowing me to build up my own client base. Eventually, i was able to give up the contract work and concentrate on my own clients.

Keep at it, it will pay off!

Posted By Linda Crossland-Clarke
Hi

I expect you have done your market research and found out what your potential competitors offer. Is there something that you can offer that they don't? If so you can always approach them and see if you can assist them with their business for now (as a contractor) this will pay the bills as you build up your own client base.

I set out with the interesting and humourous safety bird approach - offering safety in a prettier package - if you are replacing a dinasour trainer or advisor then a female is immediatly different. Ultimately you then have a bit of a step to prove oneself, but if the challenge is there... Not that you can use this approach (the female aspect, but you get my drift!)

Eventually you will get to know a group of practitioners that you can rely on and pass work between - depending on expertise - this is a bit of a task in itself, as unfortunatly money talks and not everyone is as ethical as you. I am definatly a few grand lighter over the years - but its all a learning curve, as long as you learn by it.

You will need good IT skills, a smile and personality, strong negotiating skills and a head for math - as well as the safety knowledge, quals and experience. And that's just to be a sole trader!

Seek out Business Link, and other providers that assist with self employment options. Do your research, if you are going to set up an office - find out if there are any regeneration areas in your town - as these will attract funding. Contributions towards captial assets, staff training etc are not to be sniffed at. Local councils also do shared offices - you may consider you don't need an office first thing, but the networking and access to funding could outweigh the cost of the rent.

Is it worth while? Would I change it? Well, we are now up for the Hull Small Business Award - who knows if we'll win, but we had photo's taken today for the local press - and that's a nice pat on the back in itself. Never mind about the comments when people approach you and say YOU'VE made a difference. That's you making a difference not the company you work for.

Go for it... After reading this, I wonder if I could become an inspirational speaker. LOL.

Regards

Linda

Posted By Ian H
Mark

I am Manchester based and set up a new business this year. Please drop me an email and I'll be happy to send you some thoughts.

Kind regards

Ian

Posted By bec_batty
Mark - You have mail :0)

Posted By Linda Crossland-Clarke
Hi
Its Linda's PA again i think i misunderstood what you meant i didn't realise you had been in contact with Linda but if it is something you are interested in give me a shout
Vicky

Posted By GJB
Hi Vicky (AKA. Linda's PA!)

Without advertising, I may be a worthwhile contact?!

Regards