Can anyone give me some sound advice on breaking into consultancy for someone who has loads os experience and knowledge but no previous consultancy experience?

Briefly, what experience/qualifications do you have?Did you have a particular role in mind to target? e.g. independent consultancy vs. big-4

Hello qu,Thanks for your response. Briefly:I am currently Business Project Manager for a major furniture manufacturer/retailer.My current role includes: Identifying Key Projects, Definition of Project Scope, Evaluation of proposed projects and development of business cases, Management of project teams, identifying project risks and mitigating against them and project reviews. My background is in accountancy (I am partially qualified, although I didn't get the opportunity to complete my qualification as was asked by the business to 'take time out' in order that I could add more value to the business. Although my background is in accountancy I have project managed the implementation of 3 software packages end to end. This (along with my previous accountancy role) allowed me to gain experience and knowledge across all areas of the business, inclucing manufacturing, stock control, purchasing, IT, logistics, planning and retail. Prior to my role as Business Project Manager, I was the IT Manager and prior to that, Head of I.T. and Finance. I will be carrying out PRINCE2 qualification via a week long residential course later this month. Academically, my qualifications are not great (some O levels, my partial Accountancy qualification and a vocational Project Management course).I would love the opportunity to be able to help and offer advice and guidance to SME's in a consultancy role or as a consultant doing project management but I am having real difficulty finding a suitable propspective employer. I feel I am being let down by not having a degree!! although I am confident that I am more likely qualified by experience. I have superb references.I currently cover every type of project and coordinate all projects throughout the entire business, which covers everything from processes and procedures to building stores facilities.Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.Many thanks,Amanda.

Based on what you've said, I would recommend completing your accountancy qualification. This should help boost the "weight" of your CV, even if you don't think you're necessarily learning anything very new. The PRINCE2 qualification is also a good idea - best of luck with it.Perhaps the most valuable asset you mention are your references - you could try to get some freelance consulting work through those connections. If you choose to pursue the independent consulting route (or even if not) the reputation you build through that kind of work can be very valuable.You could look at working for Businesslink, or a similar organisation supporting new and growing SME's such as one of the regional development quangos. Your broad "corporate resources" experience sounds like it could be very relevant there.Another route, which I have to admit knowing less about, might be through one of the small/medium accounting firms which have a localised business advisory services for SME's in their area. I would have thought you would definitely need to update the accounting qualification here, but your broader spread of experience may be what they are looking for.

Dear qu,Just wanted to say thank for your advice. I do have some contacts within the consulting arena (quango based) and I have asked one of them if they could spend some time with me so that I can pick their brain and see if I can get an 'in' into working with them.Thanks again,Amanda.