The use of drugs in the UK is on the rise, along with the demand among businesses to test for drugs as both a protective measure and one that allows them to act accordingly when they find that their employees are under the influence of, or have at least consumed, drugs. An employee who takes drugs may be unsuitable for certain types of jobs, with examples being; someone who works alongside drugs or drug addicts; those in positions that require peak physical condition; and even employers who wish to take a firm stance against employees who are breaking the law in their spare time. Not only that, but drug abuse can become a fiscal burden on employers with a higher reported level of health problems and less efficiency in the workplace.

A drug testing business requires very little overheads to start. There are no franchise fees, you can work from home to get started and there are no requirements in terms of the qualifications that you need to get started. State testing facilities provide the training necessary to get you started, and then they go onto to provide the tools necessary to perform you job as a service to clients. They will initially provide you with the tools needed to service 25 clients. It is worthy of note that drug testing consultancies generally work in both the B2C and B2B marketplace. This means that as well as having clients that are businesses, they will have clients that are individuals too. Understanding this element, the state facility will provide you with guides and training on how to deal with parents that have children who have been exposed to drugs, and how you can offer information on what steps they should take following the results of a test.

Here is a brief overview of the tools that you will require to get started. All of which will be provided by the state for a small charge.

1. On going training to keep you abreast with all the changes in the market.

2. Urine test kits, which provide accurate results for the vast majority of common drugs.

3. A manual which details common frequently asked questions that both your clients may ask you, as well as information you will need to run your consultancy.

Once you have the necessary training and the tools needed to perform your role, you will now need to get clients and market your services so that you can start getting the ball rolling. As a drug testing consultant you can help your clients by creating a drug free workplace drug testing policy or just consulting them in general issues of drug testing in the workplace or training employees about drug testing in the office.

Many people take different approaches to getting their name out there. One way is to contact clients directly, either through telephone, post or in person. Another way, which is a good choice for someone who has a budget to get started, is to consider the marketing channels that you could promote your business through. One great way to do this is to start an internet website and use online marketing techniques to drive traffic to it. You could also consider radio and yellow page adverts which are an equally useful means of attracting clients. Once you manage to get enough traction and build a good reputation, you can expect more people to hear about your services through word of mouth.