Which specific area of H&S are you specialising in ? if you let us know we can advise accordingly, there are just so many different variations and answers

Go for it if you can find enough clients - although I think many would agree that the consultancy market is flooded with self employed consultants. When so called consultants are charging as low as £150-200/day its difficult to make a decent living.

Even freelance safety roles via agencies are still only paying £300/350 day - which unless local to wherever you live, once hotel and travel costs are factored in doesn't leave much left to pay yourself.

If you can do it, its better to get a few high value contracts rather than lots of small low value contracts or specialise in the more difficult areas of h&s which general consultants tend to shy away from because of perceived difficulty and/or the need for technical/engineering qualifications to give credibility.

If you go for lots of low value/small contracts you will be constantly playing at salesman and possibly 'wasting time' and have travel costs making sales visits etc.

I think as stated earlier, it would be helpful to know what industry you are looking to work within? 

Generally speaking, it's all about your network, don't just stay within the Health and Safety network, go to group business events, look up BNI near to you that can be a good way to meet new people. 

Contact a few established consultancies within our area and offer them freelance work for a couple of days a week, I know when I was working in a consultancy having a couple of free agents on the contacts list was invaluable when some immediate works were required such as accident investigation or short notice visits, this can help to pay the bills as it were. 

I can only speak for construction as that is my main experience point, but when you are on a site, go and talk to other contractors, offer advice and a chat that is all. Don't try and push a sell, networking is about gaining contacts and the work will follow.

It really depends on your experience and qualifications and field of work. You could sign up to the Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register. I am not too sure of it's worth, as I have heard mixed reviews, but may give any potential clients some reassurance and open a few doors.

Edited by user 06 February 2017 12:40:54(UTC)  | Reason: poor grammar!