Hi All,

So i've been a H&S manager across plant and vehicle maintenance, ex lorry driver and currently working for a construction firm.

I'm keen on starting my own consultancy and have done ad-hoc work for a previous employer, theyve said they want to give me more work, and theres a potential to work with a local ISO consultant that i know to help with  45001 as shes not that confident with it.

My question is to those have taken the leap of faith. When did you know it was the right time? 

I'm looking for leave my current employer as our visions on h&S do not align (to put it nicely) and i'm wary of starting another job and possibly waste their time etc.

I'm concious that this question may well be the 'how long's a piece of string' type.

TIA 

Hi Kimbo

Wise words from Kate.

First you need to decide how much you need to earn to live reasonably well.

Then you need to consider where the income is going to come from and how much you will charge your clients and how (e.g. lump sums, retainers, hourly rates etc).

So, this then helps dictate how many hours you need to work.

Then, you need to consider how many of those hours will come or are likely to come from the two potential clients you have already got lined up.

Then, you need to consider how to fill the gap NOW and potentially in the future if the hours from those two client reduce.

All down to considering the selling power of your CV and whatever other marketing materials and methods you will use AND who to target and how for new business.

Good luck, Peter

When I started my consultancy I already had a contract with the MOD doing some military contracting, this was for 180 days a year. In my down time I worked for a few local firms doing cash in hand labouring work. I was then offered the H&S position as I had my NEBOSH. So moved to H&S rather than labouring.

This got me a foot in the door, and then I attended the NEBOSH legal update and just spoke to a few people there and networked. 

I have never advertised for work or paid anyone to find me contactsw. All of my work is via word of mouth.

I have no intention of dieing a millionnaire (that involves to much work) but I'm not going to die a pauper either.

For me a 3 day week is the norm. I NEVER work a Friday. Having a minor stroke 6 yrs ago made me change my work life balance, hence the 3day week.

My biggest issue is self doubt and my perception of what I'm worth. I know I'm on the cheaper end of the scale when it comes to money but I'm content with my costs. I've just changed my company car to a brand new LandRover Defender so I must be doing something right.

I've specifically not specialised, I have 7 regular clients and all are in different industrys. I feel that I can learn and use my experience from 1 industry ain others. Worked for me so far.