Just wanting to test the water and see if other people are finding consultancy work a bit thin on the ground at the moment.

I set up my own ergonomics consultancy 12 years ago, and have always had enough work, almost all repeat and word of mouth, though some through my website and through associate work. My personal situation changed a few years back, and I’ve been successfully juggling work and parenthood since then, although it has meant that I’ve not been able to travel as far to clients, and my business has been smaller. This has worked fine for a number of years, but the last couple of months I’ve had fewer enquiries, and those that have come in haven’t confirmed as work. I’m not sure if it is the current Brexit uncertainty, the early signs of a recession, to do with my marketing or something else. I’m using this quieter time to increase my marketing activity and networking, but just wondered how others were finding it currently, or if anyone had any useful pointers?

Many thanks

Edited by user 03 October 2019 13:36:39(UTC)  | Reason: typo

Thanks for sharing this HSquared14, but sorry to hear it. It is my sense of it too that it is mainly related to Brexit uncertainty - it is precarious being a self employed consultant in these times....

Hope you've found a job you like!

Margaret, I think that it's probable that those most likely to seek ergonomics help are also those watching the Brexit process most closely. All those manufacturers where almost everything is done automatically, but with a few tasks still requiring human intervention, usually on a very repetitive basis.

May be time to target sectors where there is less automation, such as major contractors in construction?

Hi Margaret, I have found a lull in my consultancy work since the end of the summer - the first quiet period for over a year.  Brexit has also crossed my mind. I am using this time to have some well needed down time but also by coincidence have engaged with a business coach to help me with growth.  Whereas previously I had no time to work on my business - this current period enables me to have a day a week enabling me to do just that.  Happy to chat if you want to share ideas. Caroline

Look forward to connecting.

Thank John, that's helpful (though concerning) to hear. I guess a lot of business is holding it's breath to see what unfolds in the next few weeks / months. And I think we can expect a hit to our businesses due to the number of larger businesses who have already relocated or are in the process of it. It's a worrying time for many.... 

I agree with Andy if you are in consultancy you have to have the feast or famine philosophy about how you work...Brexit has seriously affected my work in Europe (although still enough to be good) and it has affected the price of UK specific work...the secret I guess is not to put your eggs in one basket...I currently have 4 separate contracts on the go notwithstanding my NHS work...only 2 of which are my core work (Process Safety) the two others are in Security which seems to be paying more than any EHS role at present...even at the basic auditor level...