Independent manufacturing efficiency consultant

Owners and managers of small manufacturers, engineering firms, food producers and other industrial businesses that want to improve output or lower costs.

Day rate for site work, fixed fee for audits and reports, or a monthly retainer for ongoing support. Most work comes from referrals and past contacts.

• Hands-on experience in manufacturing or operations
• Spotting problems in processes and workflows
• Clear report writing and presenting
• Building trust with owners and shop-floor staff

• Professional indemnity insurance, as clients may rely on your advice; check the cover level you need
• Public liability insurance for visits to sites
• Site safety rules, inductions and any protective equipment needed on factory floors
• Confidentiality: clients may expect a signed NDA, so check contract terms before you start
• Uneven income early on, as projects can be irregular and payment terms can be slow
• Check whether any past employer contract limits you from working with former clients or suppliers

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on the insurance cover you need, your equipment and how you find your first clients. Working from home helps keep overheads low.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around £1,000 to £6,000, depending on how many projects you win and the size of your clients. Income can be uneven early on, as projects may be irregular and payment terms slow.

Check the level of professional indemnity insurance you need, as clients may rely on your advice, plus public liability cover for site visits. Also check site safety rules, any NDA terms, and whether a past employer contract limits working with former clients or suppliers.