Business Analyst- entering the contracting world in 12 months

[Pherlopolus]

Don't do it for the money.
Have 6 months war chest before you start.
Expect to have to be away from home Monday-Friday - be surprised when this isn't the case.

BA Roles seem to hugely over subscribed currently (or low rate PS in silly locations) so expect to have to work hard to get contracts, and expect gaps.

If all that is ok, have fun

[TheFaQQer]

I am looking to go into contracting in about 12 months time, mainly due to pay. I currently earn 45K a year as a permament employee.
What is the average daily rate for a contractor in the North-West ?

Wow - I barely know what I'm doing next week, let alone next year.

However, I'd be a little wary around your expectations here. You say that you want to contract because of pay, but you don't know what the average daily rate is where you want to work. And nobody has any idea about what rates will be like next year - will there be more or less work? Will there still be the ability to work as a contractor? Will the next government have made it impossible to be a flexible worker because it's only fair?

I'd recommend looking at the various first time guides or the IPSE Guide to Freelancing (available for free download here) and work out what it will involve - what are your costs likely to be? Will you find work locally or will you need to travel and stay away? If you're travelling, how much will that eat into your daily rate? Ar you likely to be inside or outside IR35, because that will make a difference to what you can claim as well.

And when you do your sums, have a think about how often you will be without work - whether that is holiday, sickness, or being without a contract. I'd recommend reading this thread which shows what can happen. If that's too long then jump here and read the executive summary.

[malvolio]

Not for every BA and for the NW I would say that £500pd is only available to some experienced senior BAs in the private sector.

Think more along the lines of £350 - £400, less if Public Sector.

Yep, agreed, and you'll be competing with some very experienced, established contractors so perhaps even slightly less. Your new clients will only be interested in what you have delivered in their specific area of interest. "Potential" is not a sales point.

Thing is though, don't go contracting for the money. Make sure you know what you're getting into.

[cojak]

I would say around £400-£500 could be achieved.

All the best with contracting

Not for every BA and for the NW I would say that £500pd is only available to some experienced senior BAs in the private sector.

Think more along the lines of £350 - £400, less if Public Sector.

[dotcom12]

I would say around £400-£500 could be achieved.

All the best with contracting

[cojak]

Hi
I am new to this site, I have worked as a permanent Business Analyst for a number of blue chip clients over 14 years.
I am looking to go into contracting in about 12 months time, mainly due to pay. I currently earn 45K a year as a permament employee.
What is the average daily rate for a contractor in the North-West ?
I also long to work in Canada on short-term contract less than 6 months to see what's life like over there in terms of work ? Is there anyone thats worked abroad as a contractor is that even possible ?

Many thanks in advance, your advice is apprecaited

Welcome to CUK.

What is your domain specialism?

[CorporateBA]

Hi
I am new to this site, I have worked as a permanent Business Analyst for a number of blue chip clients over 14 years.
I am looking to go into contracting in about 12 months time, mainly due to pay. I currently earn 45K a year as a permament employee.
What is the average daily rate for a contractor in the North-West ?
I also long to work in Canada on short-term contract less than 6 months to see what's life like over there in terms of work ? Is there anyone thats worked abroad as a contractor is that even possible ?

Many thanks in advance, your advice is apprecaited