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Hancock40913  
#1 Posted : 16 January 2017 12:08:40(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Hancock40913

Hello...I have recently taken voluntary redundancy and followed my dream of setting up my own HS consultancy. I have a few clients which I'm providing service to but struggling to source more. I'm really looking for suggestions or advice of my peers in how to grow/find additional clients, methods by which to do so etc. Many Thanks.

gerrysharpe  
#2 Posted : 16 January 2017 12:53:50(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
gerrysharpe

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

JohnW  
#3 Posted : 17 January 2017 13:53:15(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
JohnW

Hancock, I started the same about 10 years ago and though I have always had work -luckily mostly with two large clients - it has mostly dried up now. I have worked with over thirty clients over the years and nearly all found me through my website which is readily found by googling (I don't pay google anything) so if you don't have a website I think that is essential.

Ian Bell2  
#4 Posted : 17 January 2017 15:30:31(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ian Bell2

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.

thanks 1 user thanked Ian Bell2 for this useful post.
caddyman on 18/01/2017(UTC)
Bigmac1  
#5 Posted : 20 January 2017 23:02:40(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Bigmac1

You get what you pay for. Those charging peanuts are monkeys. If you are any good then believe in your ability and price yourself accordingly!!!

I believe in my ability, so stick to principles it will pay dividends in the end when the monkey's are hanging from the trees, sorry gallows (If only capital punishment was still around for those putting people in harms way).

fhunter  
#6 Posted : 03 February 2017 09:53:23(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
fhunter

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.

Striker84  
#7 Posted : 03 February 2017 21:51:28(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Striker84

Although it may seem cringworthy I would suggest popping in to companies that may be of your subject specialism,. Linked in can be a valuable business network however you will have to filter through professional users and childish antics time to time. Create a website and potentially email any local organisations. Like others have said, some "consultants/advisors" charge very little but this is where you market detailed/comprehensive services. (Obviously only where you can). We all strive to offer more than quick fixes! If you have the time to travel then make sure that you market this as there are many businesses that struggle to get sound advice across the UK and you may find that your business gets wider recognition. Hope this helps
Rus1969  
#8 Posted : 06 February 2017 12:40:06(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Rus1969

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!

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