Niche recruiter for outsourcing firms, from home

Outsourcing and business services firms that need to hire staff. The employer pays; candidates should never be charged for finding work.

A placement fee, usually a percentage of the new hire's first-year salary, paid once the candidate starts and any rebate period ends. Income is uneven because it depends on completed placements.

• Confident at sales calls and building relationships
• Good at judging people and spotting a strong CV
• Organised, with a clear record of candidates and clients

• Check the rules for employment agencies and employment businesses (Employment Agencies Act 1973 and the 2003 Conduct Regulations), including never charging candidates fees
• Check data protection duties: ICO fee registration, a privacy notice and safe storage of CVs
• Fee disputes and rebate periods if a hire leaves early, so get clear written terms of business signed first
• Income can take months to start, so keep savings or other income to cover the gap
• Some sectors, such as food processing or agriculture, may need a Gangmasters licence, check with the GLAA

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on the tools, website and data systems you choose. Income can take months to start, so keep savings or other income to cover the gap.

Check the rules for employment agencies and employment businesses, including the Employment Agencies Act 1973 and the 2003 Conduct Regulations, and never charge candidates fees. Also check ICO fee registration, data protection duties, and any Gangmasters licence needs with the GLAA.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £1,500 to £7,500, depending on how many hires you place and your fees. The estimates assume at least around 15 hours a week. Agree clear written terms to avoid fee disputes if a hire leaves early.