The Contractors+Consultants special interest group was established in the mid-1990s to help members moving from employment-based arrangements to self-employment.

If you're operating as an independent contractor for the first time, we can assist you with managing the transition from employee to contractor. We can help with information on what to charge and how to find work, assist with writing and managing contracts, and provide advice on business startup, taxation issues, professional indemnity and liability, PI insurance and professional development in the form of a mentoring program and an annual scholarship. You can have a solicitor review your contract for service, access a useful business diagnostics tool, get advice on agency contracting and access Nexus, our online networking tool.

You can stay up to date on small business issues, and access a range of member benefits. which will directly benefit your business operation.

And remember, while APESMA is committed to providing you with general information, when you're starting up your consultancy we strongly advise you to seek advice from a qualified Business Advisor and/or Accountant, and a Solicitor to determine how the different options will impact on your personal circumstances. The importance of taking the time to consult with the relevant professionals, especially in the startup stage, cannot be overemphasised. APESMA can provide you with general advice but you also need to be advised by professionals who have a detailed understanding of the context in which you're setting up your arrangements, and it's only under these circumstances that you're undertaking the level of risk management required. We hope to get you up to speed on some of the issues so you can ask informed questions of the relevant professionals.

Get started by reading our startup FAQ's here ...