Local legal introducer for small businesses

Law firms on your panel, usually, with small business owners getting the introduction at no cost.

An agreed fee per introduction or a monthly retainer from firms, where the rules allow it. Income grows slowly as your reputation builds.

• Networking and talking to people
• Judging which firm suits which client
• Staying organised with follow-ups

• Check the SRA rules on referral fees and how firms must tell clients about them
• Make sure the client knows you are paid by the firm and that your introductions are independent
• Some areas, such as immigration advice or claims management, are regulated, so check whether you need authorisation
• Register with the ICO and handle personal data with care
• Your income depends on firms' goodwill, so agree terms in writing

Startup costs are typically around £300 to £1,500, depending on how you network and promote yourself locally. Treat these as estimates, and check any regulatory requirements that could add to your costs.

Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,000, depending on how many solicitors are on your panel and how many introductions you make. Your income depends on firms' goodwill, so agree terms in writing.

Check the SRA rules on referral fees and how firms must tell clients about them, and make sure clients know the firm pays you. Check whether areas such as immigration advice or claims management need authorisation, and ICO registration.