8 replies to this topic

[Ana31]

Hi ,

I am looking to open my own business as a food safety consultant .

I have more that 15 years experience in food industry and relevant certifications as FSSC22000, HACCP level 5 , Train the trainer .

What is required exactly to open the business .

I did a little bit research and this is what came up, is anything else to include :

1.Company name and account 

2. Register with irca 

3. Profile 

4. Portofolio 

anything else ? 

 

its working to find customers going door to door , or only through recommendations ? 

 

How do you 

 

Look forward hearing your thoughts on this,

 

Rgs

Ana 

 

 

[GMO]

I'd start out with some business lined up if you can.  Use all your contacts, price out how much you think you can charge.  Not sure if it's the same in Ireland but consultancy and interim are not the same and it's normally a tax difference meaning you can't really do both.  Make sure your linkedin contacts are up to date.  Reach out to people who like you(!)  I'm serious!  

[Ana31]

Thanks GMO

[GMO]

Another one is this seems to be event season with various shows and events across the UK.  Getting your name out there as a consultant and re-establishing old contacts is key.  Events can be one way, but another is just working through your contacts and linkedin.  Get some half hour meetings in the diary with people just ostensibly to catch up but in reality to put it on their radar that you're now working for yourself (or even if you're just considering it at this stage).  Get a few cups of tea planned for face to face if you can.

 

Also when you're pricing out your time, it's worth knowing that doing your books (even with an accountant), admin etc can be time hungry.  Equipment like IT stuff can be money hungry and you won't get paid for holiday or sick time.  Build that into your pricing structure so that you can afford the lifestyle you want.  It's surprising how much of day to day work that you don't think about when employed is something that costs you later.

[Tony-C]

Hi Ana,

 

I wouldn’t limit yourself to consultancy, I would also consider interim roles as some pay decent daily rates.

 

For interim work try food recruitment agencies for example:

 

https://silven.co.uk/interim/

 

https://www.jarvisjo...terim-managers/ - Find Out More About The Role Of An Interim Manager

 

https://www.focusman...od-recruitment/

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

[GMO]

 

I wouldn’t limit yourself to consultancy, I would also consider interim roles as some pay decent daily rates.

 

 

It's worth getting financial advice on that.  I have no idea about Irish tax law but under UK tax law you work inside or outside IR35.  Anything which is pseudo employment (which DOES include covering a permanent role between employees) is inside IR35 and it's just painful, complicated and hugely tax expensive to try and do both.  That's why in the UK now people tend to be one or the other or try and get away with being outside IR35 as an interim which is hugely dangerous.  Even being investigated by HMRC is massively costly.

[Tony-C]

Not 100% sure if the UK rules are applicable or where you are intending to work Ana?

 

under UK tax law you work inside or outside IR35.  Anything which is pseudo employment (which DOES include covering a permanent role between employees) is inside IR35 and it's just painful, complicated and hugely tax expensive to try and do both.

 

I was thinking of short term interim but regardless, for the UK, IR35 would not apply if you set up a consultancy business as a sole trader.

 

As a sole trader you can trade under your own name, or you can choose another name for your business. You are effectively self-employed and this would be the simplest and easiest way to set up a business and that is what I would do and have done in the past. You can also register for VAT.

 

Once the consultancy business is established and making big bucks   I might then consider setting up a limited company for the tax benefits whilst being aware of the possible IR35 implications if the majority of your business is or becomes long term contracts with the same client.

 

I have posted some relevant info regarding how this works in the UK below

 

Check employment status for tax

 

IR35 and sole traders: 2025 guide

 

Choose your business name

 

A Tax Guide For Self Employed Consultants

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

[GMO]

Interesting.  I've been advised differently.

 

Just goes to show you need to employ the services of an accountant.

[Ana31]

Not 100% sure if the UK rules are applicable or where you are intending to work Ana?

 

 

I was thinking of short term interim but regardless, for the UK, IR35 would not apply if you set up a consultancy business as a sole trader.

 

As a sole trader you can trade under your own name, or you can choose another name for your business. You are effectively self-employed and this would be the simplest and easiest way to set up a business and that is what I would do and have done in the past. You can also register for VAT.

 

Once the consultancy business is established and making big bucks   I might then consider setting up a limited company for the tax benefits whilst being aware of the possible IR35 implications if the majority of your business is or becomes long term contracts with the same client.

 

I have posted some relevant info regarding how this works in the UK below

 

Check employment status for tax

 

IR35 and sole traders: 2025 guide

 

Choose your business name

 

A Tax Guide For Self Employed Consultants

 

Kind regards,

 

Tony

 

 

Hi Tony,

 

I am looking to work in Ireland and thanks for the above, 

 

Very difficult to get all details , just seems to be a mixture of information , 

 

 

 

Rgs,

Ana