Would anyone know if there are many individual/lone Forensic/Investigator Contractors around?
I'm interested in how Law firms and businesses view single investigators for helping them with internal investigations.
Where would be a good resource for small, one off investigative jobs?
Interesting topic lmlewis
I'm currently working towards this being my eventual target and have been doing some market research here in Ireland. I'm sure the UK model will be a similar market, however you have more players in the Forensics field, but also more potential clients.
I have spoken to some people involved over here who have varying methods of finding clients.
First and foremost - word of mouth/referrals/repeat custom is a huge one over here. Your reputation is your pedigree and in Dublin with the community being so small, your name will become known very quickly.
There is also a market where the bigger players sub-contract some work out to individuals who they have either worked with previously or mentored.
All government (non-criminal) is covered by a Tender process and there was a tender process last year (I think) where you had to tender your services to be added to a pool of resources that may be called upon depending on requirements, and with all the banking/golden circle stuff ongoing over here that panel is pretty busy !
My ideal will be to have a small consultancy, single person or possibly with 1 partner - will have to see how it pans out in the next year or so. I will be building up a client base part time, while maintaining an income with the day job.
Would love to hear all thoughts from others who have walked this path.
Ian
I'm a forensics contractor. As Ian says, it's mainly word of mouth I'm afraid. Make yourself known, and make sure your work is as good as it can be. Expect to be expected to complete jobs in half the time you think it would be reasonable to do so!
If anyone is interested in reciprocal arrangements in this area then please pm me.