Rank: Forum user 
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So I've done ten years in HS management and achieved CMIOSH status. I have about 12-15 years left to run until retirement and the mortgage is paid off. I recently moved from London to Cornwall. Rather than continuing as an employee I am thinking about setting up on my own. Some while ago I attended a seminar on becoming a licensed trainer for IOSH which is something I may revisit. I've always enjoyed the training aspect of HS. That might also be a good way to network with a lot of companies who don't have their own Q[reference removed]. If anyone has gone into business for themself and would like to advise me on the steps they took, I will be really grateful. Best regards, Robert
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Rank: Super forum user
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Away from the holiday season, I would think the biggest problem you would have is finding clients in Cornwall. As nice as it is, it often features on reports of poor economics etc.
The SW, a cul-de sac, 130miles long.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I started as self employed with a shop fitting company. That was great because they employed lots of sub contractors who were not up to speed on health and safety.
That led to my doing some work for them, they saw me on site visits/audits and I always had a common sense attitude, they could talk to me about football etc. and I became their friend.
That was 16 years ago and despite me dropping some who did not take my advice I still get work from various people that I met along the way.
I am actually trying to retire completely but one company has pleaded with me to continue working for him.
IMO there will always be construction work and fire risk assessments required. Maybe that is another area you could try.
I do not believe there is no need for health and safety consultants in Cornwall.
There will be companies with offices throughout the UK and they will need visits now and again.
Good luck.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Robert, I started as a consultant 4.5 years ago & had to decide on whether to form a Ltd. Company or operate as a sole trader - I chose the sole trader route. I then spoke to my bank & set up a Business Account which seperated out other income streams & useful for tax purposes - it was also particularly useful with one client when I had to "prove" that I was a sole trader. I then contacted HMRC to register for tax & NI purposes & obtained PI & PL insurances. I purchased Business cards & handed them out like confetti, but the headed notepaper & compliment slips turned out to be a waste of money! I did create a website, but to be honest, all my work has been through word of mouth. Frankly it was the best career move I have ever made & it's great being your own boss (I remember vividly watching a matinee performance of the Mouse Trap with a mixture of guilt & pleasure!). Good luck & PM me if I can be of any assistance. Zyggy
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Rank: Super forum user
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Robert, much like Zyggy I started as sole trader HS adviser when I was 53. That was 10 years ago. I did l the necessary things to set up a business. Sent out a good number of letters to businesses in local industrial estates - got just one customer but he was vital and kept me in a good in one range with 2 days per week for much of 10 years. All my other customers > 30 during those ten years have come via my website which I had set up right at the start. I'm in a large city with several large towns nearby so there is always work, I have turned away some enquiries e.g. From residential homes and transport/fleet and food industry outside my expertise which is factories and chemicals.
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Rank: Forum user
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All,
From a purely legal standpoint, when considering working for yourself (and even more so if you decide to employ somebody or go into partnership) please, please and again, please consider the risks and take the time to get professional legal and financial advice (which could be free through your local Chamber of Trade or Commerce):
Sole trader - easiest to set up, tax benefits but all the liability sits with you and if something goes wrong you can lose all your assets including your house and car.
Limited Liability Partnership ("LLP") - You would need to go into partnership with somebody (e.g. spouse) but the benefits are similar to those of a self-employed person. However, as a LLP is a separate legal person, generally only the LLP's assets would be at risk if something went wrong.
Limited company - You would become a company employee and probably a director and as such lose most of the benefits of being self-employed. However, there would be little or no liability on you as an individual.
I hope this helps.
DJ
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Rank: Super forum user
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Wow dj, all a bit negative there, they posting might have scared me if 10 years ago !! 😳
For Robert's benefit you should have also explained the benefits of Professional Indemnity Insurance and also Public Liability Insurance.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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The free IOSH Guidance (available via the 'Books and resources tab) is intended for people like your self, and most comments about it are positive. There's a similar guide for clients, but of less relevance for you.
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Rank: Forum user
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Hello Zyggy
just tried to PM you regarding consultancy work/opprortunity but the forum says your inbox is full
can you please get in touch
thanks
Dave
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Rank: New forum user
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Hi, I have achieved TechIOSH through working for various companies as a direct employee however I have recently been asked by individual construction companies to help set up their policies etc. I have my NEBOSH General Certificate. Would this level of qualification be suitable? Thanks
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Rank: Super forum user
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kd, we have same background. I have employment history in chemicals, paint etc so when I became a H&S consultant I knew I'd have a bit of learning to do if I was to be a useful general safety advisor.
I sat the Nebosh Gen Cert at the time CDM was changing (2007) so the course actually course skipped a lot on construction management. So I had to learn CDM from the new ACoP and attending seminars etc. I never did do the Nebosh Contr. Cert as I convinced myself I had sufficient knowledge to advise on hazards of construction. I also got site audit work from several local builders and worked with them to ensure compliance with CDM as it was then, and learned to prepare policies, PCP, CPP, pre-qual for contractors etc.
I do contruction work only with small building companies, also some streetworks (had to learn Highways, Chap 8 etc) so in answer to your question, yes if you are intelligent enough you can advise builders - BUT if the worst happens and you are in court maybe the judge will think you were not competent through lack of 'training'. So I have just built up a history of construction site work, CPD etc.
I expect others will have other opinions with regard to being 'CDM-competent'. John
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Rank: Forum user
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Kd Take the opertunity while you can. Do your home work when necessary, read the Regs that are relevant and enjoy your work. If you are able to understand the regulations and have the necessary comunication skills to pass to your client you will be fine.
Brian
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