Posted By Paul Ashley Like several colleagues on this site, I have been made redundant. I didn't qualify for any redundancy pay, and have not had any success in securing another role. I'm wondering if self employed consultancy is worth pursuing. Any advice regarding setting up, contracts, marketing and insurance would be greatly appreciated. I have been to a preliminary meeting with my local Business Advisory Service, and I have 2 or 3 potential clients as a starting point. Not yet Chartered, but have Dip 2 and 5 years post qualification experience in management and (briefly) as a consultant. Many thanks in anticipation

Posted By Paul Ashley Thanks Ian I have enough capital to keep going for 6 months, maybe a year but I have to admit that I'm not a born salesman, and I don't want to use up our finances when I could get an interim job bus driving Have considered the franchising option, but have had previous bad experience in franchising prior to my H&S career I appreciate your comments Regards Paul

Posted By PL Hi Paul, Have you considered taking on short term Contract roles? This will increase your exposure to potential clients, allowing you at the same time to both service your 3 potential customers and gain valuable experience in different sectors? pl

Posted By Lee Mac Hi Paul I was hit with drastically reduced hours less than 16 hrs per week at the start of the year. So with a wife & a young family and a house to maintain I had no option but to get the bucks in (and unlike you I did not have the capital to survive for 6 months (by the way well done you)). So I bit the bullet (circumstances dictated) and went self employed- got in contact with a few local contractors and subcontracted work from a local HSE consultancy and the latter recently have invited me to become a business partner. My employer has since asked me to come back f/t, I explained that I preferred to remain p/t and I thought I could handle the current workload, which so far has been proven. So in my experience this step has definitely proved worthwhile. Paul, you in a very envious position mate, with having enough capital to survive for 6 months to a year given these challenging times. My advice would be hit other well established consultants for work and dependent on your field of expertise, hit the associated businesses is another option- both of which proved fruitful in my situation. Good Luck Mate, Lee

Posted By Lee Mac Paul Hit me via email. Lee

Posted By Paul Ashley Fair comment I live near Sheffield, but I'm used to travelling Regards Paul