Small environmental consultancy

Developers, housebuilders, local councils, farms, industrial businesses and landowners who need assessments for planning or compliance.

Fixed fees for assessments and day rates for ongoing advice. Framework or retainer arrangements with regular clients can give steadier work.

• Strong technical grounding in environmental science or engineering
• Report writing and presenting findings
• Quoting, project management and bookkeeping
• Networking with developers, planners and other professionals

• Professional indemnity, public liability and, once you hire, employer's liability insurance
• Health and safety on site, including risk assessments and suitable training and equipment
• Some work may need specific qualifications, accreditations or permits, so check what applies to your services
• Public sector tenders can take time and paperwork before bringing in work
• Equipment, lab and subcontractor costs can eat into margins if not built into your quotes

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your insurance, equipment and how you handle lab and subcontractor work. These costs can reduce margins if they are not built into your quotes.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on your projects and clients. Expect around 30 hours a week or more. Public sector tenders can take time and paperwork before they bring in work.

Check which insurance you need: professional indemnity, public liability and employer's liability once you hire. Also check site health and safety, including risk assessments, training and equipment, and whether your services need specific qualifications, accreditations or permits.