I am not fully well-versed with MHE or RITIB in England because I am in Canada. What I can tell you is that I started off in the industry employed by a large forklift dealer in the country. I went off on my own as a self-employed individual back in 2000. I have been an independent consultant for the past 25+ years.

You have the knowledge, now you have to get yourself known. That is the tough part. Gaining clients is the most difficult part of any business. And even if you do, some will go and they have to be replaced. It is not easy. Always trying to figure out where your next dollar (pound for you) is coming from. You could build up a relationship with a person in the company and provide training faithfully for 5 years, and one day, the leave, a new person comes in and you are out the door. There is no loyalty, and even though you are confident that you are better than the competition, companies do not care. It is tough. Its sounds glorious to be an entrepreneur but there are ups and downs, and you have to learn how to budget yourself accordingly. You should have enough capitol to keep you going, not only at the beginning but during those dry periods as well. I have no back-up. Everything I present is all self produced. I rely on no one but myself. Manuals, certificates, permits, presentations, Records of Training, invoicing is all performed by myself. And like I said, I have been an independent forklift safety trainer for the past 25 years.

Good luck to you.