Just the job

You've just set up your own firm, Elliott Project Management, in March. How difficult and expensive a process was it?
My overheads are low; I've taken offices close to where I live, rather than in central London. I was able to finance the first two or three months' trading myself, so I haven't had to go cap-in-hand to the bank. However, the downside of going it alone is that I've had to cope with all the bureaucracy, banking and VAT registration – which was very slow. There are 101 things to do: getting an accountant, a company name registered, VAT registration …

Where did you go for advice?
There were some out-placement consultants that my previous employer, the retail group Kingfisher, arranged, but I only went once or twice – it was of limited use really.

Have you had to advertise to get clients?
I still work on a few Chartwell projects and am employed by Pillar Property, part of the group that bought the Chartwell portfolio. I'm also working with B&Q. I haven't had to do any advertising, though I've mail-shot all my contacts.

What does project management involve in a typical day?
As a consultant I co-ordinate and manage the whole construction process from initial site appraisal to recommending the appointment of consultants and contractors, through to completion. It's a full cradle-to-grave-service.

I charge a lump-sum fee. There isn't really a typical day, which is what I like about it.

What are the advantages of your new lifestyle?
The advantages of flexibility and being my own boss; it's wonderful not having to endure a one-hour train journey to work. I enjoy the challenge of running my own business; to dispense with the corporate red tape and concentrate on what I'm trained to do.

What are the frustrations of going it alone?
The hard thing is finding a balance between getting the job done and bringing in new work. It was hard to adapt to changing my role from a construction client to a consultant. Now I can cajole as much as I like, but you don't have that same degree of control over the team, which can be frustrating. I ought to have anticipated it, but I didn't.

Are you concerned about a possible economic downturn?
The economic conditions are going to be a bit tough but I don't think we are going to experience the same problems that we had 10 or 12 years ago. I've got a broad client contact base, so I remain optimistic.