From sole trader to business owner and beyond

Nigel has been running his own businesses for more than 30 years. He became self-employed in 1993 at the age of 33, starting as a sole trader, then building a limited company, and eventually selling his business for a substantial profit.

His journey began in 1989, working as an audiovisual technician for an equipment-hire company. During that time, he noticed that the freelancers hired by his employer were earning twice his salary and had far more control over their time and workload. Nigel wanted that freedom too – but the idea of becoming self-employed was intimidating.

How do you register as a sole trader? How do you find clients consistently? What about taxes, legal requirements and managing irregular income? In the early 1990s there were very few beginner-friendly resources, so Nigel had to create his own roadmap.

He focused on the essentials every freelancer and small business owner needs: clear positioning, consistent marketing, simple but disciplined financial management, understanding the legal basics, and building long-term relationships with clients.

Building a business that became an asset

That roadmap worked. Nigel built a successful career as a freelance events technician and technical manager, travelling to more than 65 cities across 25 countries, including Hong Kong, Miami and Orlando. He flew business class, stayed in world-class hotels paid for by clients, and became a trusted specialist in the corporate events sector.

Later, he founded his own technical management company, working with blue-chip pharmaceutical clients across Europe. Over time, he turned that business into a stable, profitable operation – and eventually sold it for a significant return.

Nigel believes a business is more than a way to pay the bills. It can be a long-term investment, a retirement plan and part of your family’s legacy. That belief is at the heart of his book, Start and Grow a Successful Business.