Freelance HR consultant for small firms

Owner-managed businesses with a handful to a few dozen staff, such as shops, trades firms, care providers and hospitality businesses.

Monthly retainer for ongoing advice, fixed fees for documents and projects, or a day rate for bigger pieces of work.

• Solid HR experience or a recognised qualification
• Knowledge of UK employment law basics
• Clear, calm communication
• Discretion with sensitive information

• Professional indemnity insurance, as bad advice can lead to claims
• Employment law differs slightly between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, so check which rules apply to each client
• Data protection: you will handle personal data, so check whether you need to register with the ICO
• Do not give legal advice beyond your expertise; know when to refer clients to an employment solicitor
• Income can be uneven at first, so build a few retainer clients early

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on your equipment, insurance and how you find your first clients. Working mostly from a home office by phone, video and email can help keep overheads down.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,500, depending on how many clients you take on and whether they sign up to retainers. Income can be uneven at first, so it helps to build a few retainer clients early.

Check professional indemnity insurance, whether you need to register with the ICO because you will handle personal data, and which employment rules apply to each client, as they differ slightly between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Know when to refer clients to an employment solicitor.