Every business is different, so there isn't a standard monthly fee. The level of support you need will depend on the size and complexity of your business, what systems you already have in place and what you'd like us to help with.

The best place to start is a conversation so we can understand your business and recommend the level of support that's likely to make the biggest difference.

It's a bit like asking an architect or engineer to quote for a project without seeing the brief.

Before we can recommend a level of support, we need to understand where your business is today, what's already working well and where you're looking for help.

Some businesses need support with the whole finance function, while others already have a great team in place and just need strategic input. Until we've had that conversation, any figure we gave you would simply be a guess.

Not at all.

Some of our clients ask us to look after their entire finance function, while others already have someone internally who manages the day-to-day finance tasks.

We're happy to work alongside your existing team and provide support where it's needed. The service is designed around your business, not the other way around.

Absolutely.

In fact, that's quite common.

If your bookkeeping is already being looked after, we'll often build on that by providing management accounts, forecasting, reporting and strategic support. We don't see it as replacing people who are already doing a good job; it's about making sure you've got the financial information you need to make informed decisions.

Yes.

Many businesses already have an accountant who prepares their year-end accounts and tax returns. We can work alongside them, providing the ongoing financial information and strategic support that helps you manage the business throughout the year.

Those two roles often complement each other really well.

We're Xero partners and also use Xero Projects, as we find it's a great fit for many consultancy businesses.

That said, we'll always start by looking at what you're already using. If your current systems are working well, there may be no need to change them. If we think there are improvements that would make your reporting more useful, we'll talk those through with you first.

That's absolutely fine.

When we send you a proposal, it's based on what we think would make the biggest difference to your business. It isn't a take-it-or-leave-it package.

If the full recommendation feels like too much, we'll talk it through together. We may decide to phase the support, focus on the highest priorities first or start with a lighter level of involvement and build from there as the business grows.

That depends on the level of support that's right for your business.

Some businesses benefit from monthly meetings because they're growing quickly or making regular strategic decisions. Others may only need quarterly reviews.

We'll recommend what we think will add the most value, but we'll always discuss what works best for you.

Absolutely.

We're not here to take decisions away from you. You've built your business and know it better than anyone.

Our role is to give you better financial information, help you understand what it's telling you and support you as you make those decisions.

Not necessarily.

Some businesses benefit from putting good financial systems and reporting in place before they reach the next stage of growth. Others may not need that level of support just yet.

The best way to find out is to have a conversation. If we don't think you're ready, we'll tell you.

We'll usually begin with a short introductory call to understand your business and answer any initial questions.

If it looks like we're a good fit for each other, we'll arrange a more detailed conversation before putting together a proposal. Once that's agreed, we'll plan the onboarding process and work with you to make the transition as smooth as possible.

There will be a bit more involvement at the beginning while we get to know your business, understand your systems and agree how we'll work together.

Once everything's in place, our aim is to make life easier, not create more work. We'll let you know what we need from you and when, so the process feels straightforward and manageable.

We specialise in supporting construction industry design consultancies, including architects, engineers, surveyors and other professional consultants.

Because we've worked in and alongside consultancy businesses ourselves, we understand many of the challenges they face, from project profitability and utilisation to cash flow, recruitment and planning for growth.

If you're finding it difficult to answer questions like:

• Can we afford to recruit?

• Which projects are the most profitable?

• Why isn't our profit reflected in the bank balance?

• What will our cash position look like in three months' time?

or you simply feel that the business has grown beyond the financial information you're currently getting, it's probably worth having a conversation.

You don't have to know exactly what support you need. That's what we're here to help you work out.