{"id":1352,"date":"2024-02-07T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-07T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/starting-out\/business-consulting-how-to-start-a-consulting-business\/"},"modified":"2025-05-22T13:12:07","modified_gmt":"2025-05-22T13:12:07","slug":"business-consulting-how-to-start-a-consulting-business","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/starting-out\/business-consulting-how-to-start-a-consulting-business\/","title":{"rendered":"Business consulting \u2013 how to start a consulting business"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do you have a natural talent for business? Do you love solving problems and helping others reach their goals? If yes, you should consider a career in business consulting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From communication aficionados to market research experts, becoming a business consultant is a natural next step for entrepreneurially-minded people who want an exciting, varied, and flexible job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sound interesting? Keep reading to learn how to start a consulting business of your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-business-consulting\">What is business consulting?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Business consultants are professional problem solvers. Business experts who come into a struggling business to offer advice and guidance to those looking to improve their performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Business consultants bring an outside perspective to the businesses that need them \u2013 as well as a diverse skill set and industry knowledge which can help to identify challenges and develop solutions that may not be obvious to those on the inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A business consultant will likely be hired on a project-by-project basis to help solve a specific problem. As a consultant\u2019s career advances, they\u2019ll gain more experience and may even develop a speciality or passion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-does-a-business-consultant-do\">What does a business consultant do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As a freelancer, your business consultant jobs will never be the same. Each business that hires you will have a different problem which needs solving. Your career history will also shape your day-to-day life and the type of work you accept \u2013 perhaps you specialise in marketing or in a specific industry such as IT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No matter where you are in your career, here are just a few of the responsibilities you could enjoy as a freelance business consultant:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">market research<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">analysing internal and external data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">technology training<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">financial analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">project management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">presenting findings and research in clear ways<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">developing and implementing business plans<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-business-consultant-project-example\">Business consultant project example<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u200b\u200bA company in need of marketing support reaches out to you because of your previous success in the area. After meeting with them, you learn this business is facing challenges with declining sales and <a href=\"\/knowledge\/strategy\/how-to-calculate-market-share\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1113\" >market share<\/a>. You decide to take on the project because you believe you can help them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To start with, you\u2019d review their marketing strategies, sales processes, and overall business operations. You might discover that your client\u2019s marketing efforts aren\u2019t targeting <a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/what-is-a-usp\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1059\" >the right audience<\/a>, meaning that their product offerings aren\u2019t meeting customer needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using the data you gather, you\u2019d then offer recommendations of things the business could do to improve. This could be in the form of a <a href=\"\/knowledge\/management\/what-is-continuous-improvement\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1145\" >continuous improvement plan<\/a> or training sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-consulting-business-plan\">Consulting business plan\t<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the key skills you\u2019ll need as a business consultant is how to create a clear business plan for your clients. Some things you may include in a business plan include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">mission and vision statements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">target demographics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">competitors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">industry trends<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">financial projections and budgeting tips<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">revenue forecasts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">marketing strategy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">distribution strategy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\">organisational structuring<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To help you get started, you can find out more about <a href=\"\/knowledge\/strategy\/how-to-write-a-business-plan\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1199\" >how to write a business plan<\/a> here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-001\">\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-set-up-a-consulting-business\">How to set up a consulting business<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alongside proven business expertise, there are other things you\u2019ll need to do to find success as a freelance business consultant. Here are five key things you\u2019ll need to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-identify-your-niche\">1. Identify your niche<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Identifying a specific area of expertise within the consulting sector can help you to stand out from other business consultants and better attract clients who require a particular set of skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-build-your-network\">2. Build your network<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As with any freelance trade, it\u2019s important to leverage your existing professional network to secure your initial clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don\u2019t have a huge network to start with, you can attend industry events or join online communities to help get your name out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-officially-register-your-business\">3. Officially register your business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll need to decide whether you want to register as <a href=\"\/knowledge\/starting-out\/sole-trader-vs-limited-company\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1532\" >a sole trader or a limited company<\/a>. This will affect your tax rates, how you pay tax, and even <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/consultants-insurance\">what kind of insurance you need<\/a>. Make sure you research both options and choose which route is best for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-set-your-prices\">4. Set your prices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do thorough research in order to set accurate prices. These will be based on your experience and existing market rates. When you\u2019re first starting out as a business consultant, expect your prices to be lower than when you have more experience and contacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should also make sure that your client contracts outline your prices, the scope of your work, any deliverables, and your payment terms. This will help avoid problems in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-manage-your-finances\">5. Manage your finances<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While you\u2019ll be helping to improve the businesses of others, it\u2019s also important to take care of your own business needs. Setting up a system for financial management (including invoicing, tracking <a href=\"\/knowledge\/self-assessment\/self-employed-expenses\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1511\" >expenses<\/a>, and tax records) will help you out in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-types-of-business-consultants\">Types of business consultants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the great things about becoming a business consultant is how you can shape your career to your unique interests and experience. Here are just a few of the types of business consulting you can consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>communications consultant:<\/strong> helping businesses manage their external and internal communications, reputation, and addressing any PR concerns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>IT consultant:<\/strong> use your IT skills to help implement new IT systems and identify new technological opportunities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>legal consultant:<\/strong> those with a background in business law can help companies with legal issues or help implement processes that can avoid them<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>management consultant:<\/strong> management consultants help advise on a whole range of organisational issues \u2013 we have a separate guide on <a href=\"\/knowledge\/freelance\/how-to-become-a-management-consultant\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1413\" >becoming a management consultant<\/a> here<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>research consultant:<\/strong> help companies do market research and compile reports on a range of issues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><strong>marketing consultant: <\/strong>some businesses don\u2019t have their own marketing teams, so you\u2019ll be able to advise on marketing strategy and operations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-consulting-business-insurance\">Consulting business insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As with the nature of any advisory role, it\u2019s important to make sure both you and your clients are protected. Building an <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/consultants-insurance\">insurance policy designed for consultants<\/a> can help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should add the necessary insurance options to your cover that matches the work you do. For example, public liability insurance can help you if you accidentally cause injury or property damage when working in your client\u2019s premises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And professional indemnity insurance is a great choice for business consultants as it covers you if you make a mistake in your work or your client claims for financial loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do you have experience as a business consultant? Share your best tips for getting started in the comments below.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-more-guides-for-self-employed-management-consultants\">More guides for self-employed management consultants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/strategy\/crisis-management-guide-for-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1074\" >What is a business continuity plan?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/marketing\/how-to-do-a-competitor-analysis\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1229\" >How to do a competitor analysis for your small business<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/knowledge\/strategy\/smart-goal-setting-for-business\/\" data-type=\"knowledge\" data-id=\"1528\" >How to set business goals: top tips from successful entrepreneurs<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"wp-block-list-item\"><a href=\"\/business-insurance\/faq\/do-i-need-professional-indemnity-insurance\/\">Do I need professional indemnity insurance?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"nba-upsell-001\" class=\"wp-block-group has-azure-200-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-94e519ba wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--80);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"h-ready-to-set-up-your-cover\">Ready to set up your cover?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">As one of the UK&#8217;s biggest <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5152\" >business insurance<\/a> providers, we specialise in <a href=\"\/business-insurance\/public-liability-insurance\/\">public liability insurance<\/a> and protect more trades than anybody else. Why not take a look now and build a quick, tailored quote?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/quote.simplybusiness.co.uk\/business\">Start your quote<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Photo: fizkes\/stock.adobe.com<\/em><\/p>\n\n<div id=\"nba-body-end\">\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is business consulting? And how can you start your own consulting business as a self-employed professional? Keep reading to learn more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":3461,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"sb_hreflang":"","sb_hreflang_url":"","disable_breadcrumbs":false,"sb_breadcrumbs":[],"sb_reviewed_by":"","sb_review_date":"","sb_enable_content_gating":true,"footnotes":""},"categories":[110,339],"hidden-category":[],"coauthors":[24],"class_list":["post-1352","knowledge","type-knowledge","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-news","category-starting-out"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.2) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Business consulting \u2013 how to start a consulting business<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is business consulting? And how can you start your own consulting business as a self-employed professional? Keep reading to learn more.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/starting-out\/business-consulting-how-to-start-a-consulting-business\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Business consulting \u2013 how to start a consulting business\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Got a knack for business and love solving problems? 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