Rebranding Safety with Sam Neal – CoHost for Q2! Episode 1

Overview

You may think running your own business means freedom, big profits, and fancy cars. However, the reality is a lot messier and much more rewarding in other ways. In this article, you’ll hear the truth from two health and safety consultants who left secure jobs to start their own companies. We’ll talk about why we did it, the challenges we faced, and the lessons we’ve learned so far. If you’ve ever thought about leaping, this is for you.

Rebranding Safety with Sam Neal – CoHost for Q2! Episode 1

Why We Took the Leap

Leaving a steady salary is scary. You go from knowing exactly what you’ll earn each month to… nothing guaranteed. Both of us had thought about running our own business for years. Nevertheless, it took a push for one of us, a partner, to hit “post” on LinkedIn without warning. For the other, a tough conversation at work that forced a decision.

Deep down, we wanted more than a mere “job.” We wanted a purpose to make a difference, do health and safety properly, and have control over how we worked.

The Reality Check

Starting a consultancy is exciting, but also a huge shock to the system.

1. No sick pay

When you’re ill, there’s no safety net. We’ve both worked through sickness and even considered not telling clients when we were unwell, to keep the work.

2. Every day matters

You can’t hide on a bad day. Clients are paying for you, so you have to show up and deliver.

3. Fear is real

The first months can be filled with worry about paying bills and supporting your family.

Family and Finances

Running a business affects your family, too. You may have to make sacrifices.  One of us even cut a much-loved nursery day for our child to save money. It can feel selfish, even when you’re working hard for long-term gains.

We’ve learned it’s about balance. Yes, you want success, but not at the cost of missing out on your children’s lives.

Finding Your “Why”

People love to say, “Find your why.” We agree, but your why can change over time. At first, your why may simply be putting food on the table. Later, it can be building a trusted, respected business that clients and employees love.

For us, our why includes:

• Helping businesses do health and safety right.
• Working with authenticity, no shortcuts, no “tick-box” jobs.
• Creating a business people want to work for and with.

Cutting Through the Business Myths

You’ll hear many so-called wisdom when you start, “Pay yourself first,” “Money doesn’t buy happiness,” and other catchy phrases. Some advice is good, but much of it ignores the real-world pressure of running a small business.

Our advice? Take what works for you and leave the rest. Success doesn’t come from following every business book. It comes from doing the right things consistently for your clients and your family.

The Risk Fluent Approach

At Risk Fluent, we combine the technical side of health and safety, risk assessments, emergency planning, and fire safety. On the transformational side, there is also culture change and human factors. Our goal is to make risk management impactful, evidence-based, and truly people-focused.

We want clients to feel valued, not simply “processed.” That’s why we even do small gestures, such as planting a tree for every new client. It’s not about greenwashing. It’s about creating a positive ripple effect in everything we do.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking about starting your own consultancy, remember:

• The decision is only the start. What you do afterwards makes it right or wrong.
• Be ready for the fear, but also for the pride in building something yourself.
• Hold onto your why, even when things get tough.

Running your own business is not the easy route, but it can be the most rewarding.