Freelance business development consultant

Small and medium-sized firms, such as agencies, tech companies and trade suppliers, that want more customers but have no sales hire.

A monthly retainer for an agreed amount of outreach and meetings, sometimes with a bonus or commission on deals won.

• Confident communicating with strangers
• Understanding what a client's customers want
• Following up consistently and keeping records

• Register as a sole trader with HMRC or consider a limited company
• Check whether professional indemnity insurance is worth having, and ask clients if they require it
• Agree in writing what counts as a lead and when payment is due
• Cold outreach must follow UK rules on marketing calls and emails (check ICO and PECR guidance)
• Income can be uneven if you rely on one or two clients

Startup costs are typically around £200 to £1,500, depending on the equipment, software and insurance you choose. These are estimates, so check whether professional indemnity insurance is worth having and whether clients require it.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on how many clients you have and the size of your retainers. Income can be uneven if you rely on one or two clients, so it is worth spreading the risk.

Cold outreach must follow UK rules on marketing calls and emails, so check ICO and PECR guidance. Also check whether to register as a sole trader with HMRC or consider a limited company, and agree in writing what counts as a lead.