Currently at engagement manager / project lead level with a tier 2 strategy firm (non MBB, non Big 4) and faced with redunancy - largely driven by the fact that I am a new-bee in the current firm. 4 years of consulting exp + some industry experience prior to that.Have looked around a bit - the job market outside does not look very bright. Unfortunately, cannot use redundancy as an excuse to pack my bags and go travelling. Have family committments.I am trying to understand if freelancing can be an option and will greatly appreciate any help: a) is there a market for independent strategy consulting - at my level? And in current market conditions?b) if yes, what can I expect to make per hour and typical duration of strategy consulting contracts? also any views on budgeted utilisation in 2009?c) best ways to break in? my existing clients is not an option.

The market for strategy contractors is generally limited to ex-Partners. Even for these guys, opportunities are limited right now unless they have strong embedded client relationships.You might have more luck looking at project management contracts. It can't hurt to register your resume with a few agencies or join the contractor service that this website offers. Day rates would be in the region of £200-300.

Dont quite get the £200-£250 per day deal. I can understand there not being a market for it - but not that level of pay. I make ~£90K per year.

Yeah, 200 - 300 is low. Try 400 - 500.

For sb w/only 4yrs exp? They'd be lucky.

I have previous industry experience and also an MBA. At engagement manager level that is standard pay across most strategy houses.