Common Questions About Working Together
These are the most common questions business owners ask me before we start working together. If you're unsure whether I can help, or where to start, you'll likely find the answer below. If not, feel free to get in touch and I'll be happy to talk things through.
Where should I start if I'm not sure what the problem is?
If you’re unsure what’s really causing the issues, the best place to start is Mind the Gaps. It’s a simple, free business assessment that highlights where things may not be working as they should. For a deeper, more structured understanding, I also offer a one-day diagnostic (£495). This involves working inside your business to assess what’s happening across your data, processes, and team, followed by a clear summary of findings and recommended next steps.
What kinds of businesses do you work with?
I typically work with directors or senior leaders of UK-based small to medium-sized businesses, usually with a turnover of £1 - £10 million and teams of around 5 - 50 people. Sectors vary, but the common thread is this: there are financial, operational, or people-related challenges that need resolving. That might include messy records, stalled projects, time-critical inspections, inefficient processes, or change that isn’t landing. My role is to help you understand what’s really happening and then put in place solutions that work and last.
What kinds of business problems do you help solve?
The problems I work on are usually those that have become difficult to untangle, have been left unresolved for some time, or keep reappearing in different ways. They might involve recovering lost or aged cash, fixing errors in financial or operational processes, or bringing structure back to unclear or incomplete records. In other cases, it’s about getting stalled projects moving again, improving how work flows across teams, or helping people adapt to changes in systems, roles, or expectations. Sometimes the issue is clearly defined. Often, it isn’t. My role is to bring clarity, understand what’s really happening, and put practical solutions in place that last.
How do I know if my problem is ‘big enough’?
If it’s taking up your time, affecting your team, or has been left unresolved for a while, it’s worth addressing. Some of the most valuable work comes from problems that initially seem small but have wider impact once understood and resolved.
We’ve already tried to fix this; can you still help?
Yes. Many clients come to me after trying to resolve things internally. Problems often sit behind day-to-day priorities or lack the time and structure needed to fully address them. I bring an objective, structured approach that combines finance, operations, analysis, and delivery to get things moving again.
Do you only work on financial problems?
No. While finance is one of my core strengths, I work across operations, processes, projects, leadership, and change. Financial issues often point to deeper operational or structural causes, which I also help identify and resolve.
What does ongoing support actually look like in practice?
It varies depending on your needs. For some businesses, it’s a few days each month providing financial oversight. For others, it’s improving systems, supporting teams, or maintaining structure and clarity as the business evolves. Everything is tailored to your pace, priorities, and direction.
What makes you different from other consultants?
My difference is the combination of skills I bring and the way I deliver them. I work across finance, operations, business analysis, change, and people support, which means I can see how problems connect rather than treating them in isolation. Just as importantly, I’m hands-on. I don’t step in, advise, and disappear. I work inside the business to understand what’s really happening, then help put practical solutions in place so they are understood, adopted, and sustained. That combination means clients get more than a report or opinion. They get clear thinking, practical delivery, and support that works in real life.
How quickly can you start, and how long do you usually work with clients?
If capacity allows, I can usually begin within a few days to a couple of weeks. If something is urgent, I’ll do my best to accommodate it. Some work is short-term and focused, while other engagements continue over time. We start by understanding what’s needed and shape the work from there.
Can you help if I don’t have tidy or complete records?
Yes, that’s often where I’m brought in. I help build clarity from incomplete or inconsistent information, creating a reliable picture that supports confident decision-making.
Will you work with my team directly, or just with me?
Often both. I typically work closely with business owners and senior leaders but also engage with teams where needed to gather insight, build trust, and support implementation. The level of involvement depends on what’s required to achieve the outcome.
What does it cost to work with you?
Work is scoped based on what’s needed, so pricing varies depending on the level of support. As a starting point: • Mind the Gaps assessment: free • One-day on-site business diagnostic with report: £495 • Ongoing work: tailored based on scope, complexity, and level of involvement. Everything is clearly agreed in advance, so there are no surprises.