Speaker: Hamish Bell, BSc, CEng, FIET, FCQI, CQP

About this event

Changes in the workplace over the last couple of decades mean that far more of us are working as consultants. The credit crunch may propel more of us in that direction.

•          Is it a welcome escape from the dead hand of the big corporates, or a precarious and unstable existence?

•          Is it a route to wealth or will you miss your regular monthly pay?

•          Will it give you more free time and flexibility, or will you be working harder than ever whenever your customers demand it?

•          What are the pitfalls and what must you do to stay solvent, safe and sane?

The speaker will use his own experience to attempt to answer these questions and more.  A lively debate is expected to follow.

We are fortunate to have Hamish Bell as our speaker to this end. He is a consultant with a career that has encompassed senior positions in computer design, software, complex systems, and marketing. For the last 17 years he has provided consultancy in the fields of design, manufacture and quality assurance. Within the Institution he has served on Council and associated Boards, and the Consultants’ Network, undertaken CEng interviewing, and provided membership advice. He was elected a Vice President and Trustee of the IET in October 2007. He is Chair of the Publications Board. Self-employed, active, and no longer needing to work full-time, he devotes his energy and time to promoting the Institution and profession.

He particularly supports greater autonomy for the major world regions to enable the development of the global character of the Institution. At the other end of the scale, he endeavours to encourage more participation by SMEs in Institution activities. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Quality Institute and a Chartered Quality Professional.

Whether you are already a consultant, thinking about becoming one, or simply interested in how it all works, then this is an essential event.