Landing a high-paying consulting job isn’t just about luck or having the right connections — it’s a strategic process that can be repeated, refined, and even restarted if necessary. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast pivoting careers, a young professional redecorating your path, or a creative architect or tradesman ready to shift into high-level advisory work, this guide lays out the exact steps I'd follow if I had to do it all over again and score a £140,000 consulting job in the UK today.

Step 1: Choose a High-Value Niche

The first thing I’d do is pick a consulting niche with strong demand and limited supply. Not all industries or specialisations pay equally — some attract much higher fees. My focus would be on sectors where clients often require expert advice, where mistakes are expensive, and where my knowledge can make or save serious money.

Examples? Think construction project management, sustainability consulting for green home renovations, digital strategy for interior design studios, or even compliance for tradespeople looking to meet growing environmental regulations. The key is relevance and urgency in today's market.

Don’t try to be everything to everyone. I’d focus on a single niche and aim to one day become the go-to expert in that area. For instance, I might exclusively help high-end homes incorporate energy-efficient heating solutions — blending expertise with a specific demand.

If you’re a tradesperson, consider positioning yourself as a consultant for major refurbishment projects. DIY enthusiasts with technical knowledge could pivot into advising homeowners on remodelling or sourcing sustainable materials.

Step 2: Build Real-World Credibility

Before I could charge high fees, I’d need credibility. That means racking up wins, case studies, testimonials and authority within my niche. When just starting out, I’d be willing to work for reduced rates (or even free) in exchange for permission to document the results and build a strong portfolio of success stories.

For example, if my niche was advising landlords on maximising rent returns through modern design upgrades, I’d start with a few small properties and demonstrate measurable ROI. Then I’d publish before-and-after case studies, collect endorsements, and even offer webinars or guides on the subject for lead generation.

Your background counts — if you're a skilled tradesperson, share your previous transformation stories or project logs as proof. Architects can display prior drawings and completed installations, while young professionals can showcase any digital, strategic or logistical input they’ve contributed to recent home or business refurbishments.

Nothing speaks louder than results. And in the UK, where reviews and referrals carry weight, even a few successful jobs can launch your credibility quickly.

Step 3: Design a Premium Consulting Offer

To hit a six-figure salary, I wouldn’t just sell advice by the hour. I’d productise my service into a clear, results-driven offer tailored to a specific audience. For example, instead of “interior consultant,” I’d position myself as a “Rapid 30-Day Upgrade Consultant for Landlords Preparing to Relet.”

Clients are willing to pay much more for outcomes than vague effort. That means packaging together deliverables, timelines, insights and expectations into a high-value offer that solves a real pain point. Materials selection advisory? Layout optimisation? Cost-saving procurement plans? Add them in.

Additionally, I’d create three different versions of my offer:

A basic package with general recommendations
A standard package including hands-on walkthrough and personalised plans
A premium package that includes full project oversight and supplier coordination

This pricing model not only increases average order size, but also encourages upsells. And if I sold just two premium packages per month at ~£6,000 each, I’d instantly hit my income goal.

Step 4: Launch a Personal Brand Website

No matter how good I am, no one will hire me if they can’t find me. So, one of my first investments would be a clean, conversion-optimised website showcasing my expertise. It doesn’t need to be flashy — just a few pages:

Home: Who I help, what I do, and why it works
Services: Details about each consulting package
Success Stories: Testimonials and case studies with images
About Me: Personal bio, roots in the trade, and niche expertise
Contact: A way to book a 15-minute discovery call

Embedded on the homepage would be an easy opt-in for my free lead magnet (such as “How to Add £25,000 to Your Property Value in 8 Weeks”), in exchange for an email address. This allows me to build a pipeline of potential clients.

I’d also set up a simple blog (just like this one) and publish weekly posts on the challenges and opportunities in my niche. Think: “Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Replanning Their Kitchen” — SEO optimised, with local keywords like “loft conversion consultancy in Kent” or “eco-friendly flooring guide, West Midlands.”

Step 5: Network Like It’s Your Job (Because It Is)

While most consultants wait for leads, I’d aggressively go out and find them. LinkedIn, local meetups, trade association events, and partner referrals would become my daily targets. One strong referral source — say, a firm of architects or a premium builder — can generate a stream of leads for years.

But I wouldn’t just pitch blindly. I’d provide upfront value. How? By offering to run a complimentary ‘property audit’ evening at an architect’s practice. Or co-sponsor a webinar for landlords on “Maximising Property Value Through Sustainable Materials.” These reciprocal marketing activities build trust while generating leads.

Also, the trades often operate through word-of-mouth communities. I’d join local contractor groups, Facebook build forums and even subreddits focused on the UK renovation space. My comments and insights become small advertisements for my expertise.

In the early days, my goal would be 10 one-on-one conversations per week. Not selling — just exploring what people are struggling with and where I might help.

Step 6: Set Up a Repeatable Sales Funnel

Once interest starts flowing, I’d systemise it. The moment someone downloads my lead magnet or follows me on LinkedIn, I’d automate a follow-up email sequence leading to a consulting intro call. During the call, I wouldn’t “sell” — I’d diagnose.

My sales process would follow this structure:

Step	Description
Discovery Call	15-30 mins to understand goals, frustrations, and budget
Consulting Pitch	Send a tailored proposal outlining deliverables and pricing
Credibility Creator	Send a case study or testimonial video to foster trust
Close	Walk through the proposal on Zoom and confirm next steps

This repeatable process means I could eventually train a VA or junior consultant to execute large parts of it. Consistency here is more important than charisma.

Step 7: Raise Rates When My Calendar Fills

When I get booked solid, it’s not a cue to get overwhelmed — it’s a signal to raise rates. My pricing needs to reflect the value I create, not just the hours I work. Each time I close 3+ clients in a row easily, I’d increase my rates by 10–15%.

High-end clients expect premium rates. If you’re charging only £500 per consult, they may second-guess your credibility. It’s counterintuitive, but for wealthy clients or major developers, higher fees = more trust and perceived expertise.

This also allows me to work with fewer clients, giving them better outcomes while preserving my time. That space is critical for strategic thinking, networking, and levelling-up the brand.

Final Thoughts: You Can Learn, Launch & Lead

Getting to a £140k consulting role may seem like a leap, but it's achievable when broken into steps. By choosing a valuable niche, proving yourself through real-world wins, packaging your expertise into premium offers, and building trust via personal brand and strategy — you not only make yourself desirable… you make yourself essential.

No matter your background — decorator, design enthusiast, seasoned tradesperson, or aspiring strategist — there's a consulting path using the skills you already have. The key is picking the right audience, solving expensive problems, and becoming undeniably useful.

If I can do it again, so can you.

Step by Step: How I'd Land a £140,000 Consulting Job If I Had to Start Again (From Scratch)