Posted By Charley Farley-Trelawney Hello Graham I'll try and help here, but for obvious reasons its a bit to much to twitter on about on the forum, if you would like more email me directly with a phone number and I will give you a call if you wish. Having been s/e for over 25 years it has its plusses and the minus's, still, accepting it is what you wish to do and I must assume it’s as an H&S consultant (you do not actually say) In no particular order: but as the H&S consultant you will need indemnity insurance, check out SHP for lots of adverts. Join IOSH if you are not already a member (opinion) Contact the Revenue darlings and register as s/e, you will get the pack which explains the lot! Don’t worry at this stage about an accountant. Decide on ltd co or sole trader Check out your own area to see what competition you have, I assume there is a reason for deciding on s/e so will suppose again that you may already have a client base to work on. If you go through an agency they will have minimum qualifications, experience, & RSP requirements Try and have at least one client who occupies a lot of your time, if it goes a bit lean at least you will still be able to pay the bills. That’s the absolute basics of it, as I say, if you fancy a chat let me know, I have no reservations other than its difficult to justify holidays (you don’t get paid!) and you just cant be sick either, although there is assistance, and if you have children you may qualify for t/c's. Take care and all the best with your decision CFT

Posted By Helen Horton Get yourself booked on all the IR and VAT free seminars, very useful information and you get a chance to meet other people in the same position. I even got a job from one of them! Also check out your local Business Link for seminars and coaching - very helpful and reassuring. Finally - DON'T PANIC! All the best