Rank: Forum user 
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Hello,
I currently work part time as a Health and Safety Officer and would like to start to work for myself as a Consultant.
Can anyone advise me how best to start this?
Thanks for your help
Katie
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Katie
There is some guidance in the Info & Resources pages of this web but you probably already knew this.
I have also been considering starting up as a sole trader HS Consultant; the difficulty will be finding clients.
IOSH do not have regular networking events locally but there are the occasional national events. I am registered for updates / news from the Consultancy Group but I have yet to receive any yet.
The consultancy group info on this site has not been updated since last year; I can only guess that it is not functioning as a Forum or Group.
You can get some good advice and help from "Business Link" for newly self employed on wide range of self employed issues.
Steve
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Rank: Super forum user
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Katie
Try a search of the careers forum - this question comes up a lot!
Some brief ideas:
Be clear about what you can and can't do. Don't take stuff on outside your competence.
Work out your daily rate(s) before the first client asks you - it's OK to have different rates for different types of jobs.
Don't forget to register as self-employed with HMRC (their website is very helpful)
Network! Take business cards with you everywhere. I gave one to a former colleague who I bumped into by chance in the supermarket the other day!
Get insurance. You will need PI and PL as a minimum, plus business insurance on your motor policy.
A first step might be to work for other consultancies as an associate.
Put a well-worded post in the Careers forum here outlining what you can do and giving your contact details. You never know - and it worked for me.
Be organised with your finances.
If I can help with any specific questions feel free to drop me a PM. Good luck!
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Rank: Forum user
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thanks very much for your advice/help.
Katie
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Rank: Super forum user
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KKemp,
You might have specialist knowledge about certain aspects of H&S but if you are to have a career in this then you need a solid background of knowledge and start with attending college for the Nebosh General Certificate if you haven't already. You at least become familiar with all the main regs that have come out since HaSaWA.
When I started off as a consultant I was very knowledgable only about COSHH and chemical processes but three years later my experience is now mainly Work At Height, LOLER, and machinery (PUWER) and fire risk assessments because just about every employer has to be guided in these matters.
As regards setting up business start with your local Business Link organisation for free seminars explaining tax etc. I recall them also giving me specific (and accurate) advice about safety consulantcy.
JohnW
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi John.
Yes i have completed NEBOSH Gen Cert and the Fire Cert. Looking to start the Diploma in September.
Will get in touch with Business Link.
Do you think there is still quite a lot of work out there for Safety Consultants? I am in the North West.
Thanks
Katie
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Rank: Super forum user
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KKemp,
I'll be honest and say that less work has come my way during 2009-2010 tax year, and my earnings that year as a consultant were only half what I earned in 2007-2008 which was a good year and I worked at least 3 days every week. It's gone down steady since then, I reduced my rates and some weeks have only 1 day of work.
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Rank: New forum user
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Hi Katie,
I am in a similar situation and I had a meeting with my local SBG (Small Business Gateway) advisor last week and it went really well. A lot of good (and free) advice on tax, networking and insurance. I have been booked on to a couple of courses - one of which is a networking event and the other is about setting up your own website.
My target group is aquaintances and ex-colleagues that I have known in the past. If anyone has any other bits of advice then please feel free to pass on.
Good luck.
Willy
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Rank: New forum user
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Hi Katie
I have just set up myself (Jan this year), I'm snowed under at the moment. I would be glad to share any info you may want.
Message me through this forum and I'll give you a heads up on what I've done to date.
All the best and good luck
Bob
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