Paid on a recurring basis, typically for at least six months, with time credits that can be used flexibly according to need. Most cost effective and easiest to manage for ongoing 'business as usual' requirements.
Pay-as-you-go and often used in crisis situations where there isn't time to scope the work as normal. Can also be used where scope is unclear. More expensive but most flexible. Caps can be put in place.
Fixed price for agreed specification. Generally best for planned one-offs or other less frequent activities. Can also be applied to campaigns, such as 3 - 6 month work programmes.
Buyers of consultancy services are often - and rightly - concerned to understand exactly how the costs work. This page is all about that as I want to be as transparent as I possibly can.
As well as the three options above, here is some other information you may find helpful.
Contract options: I can work with just a heads of terms, a simplified contract or a detailed contract, depending on the commission and your preferences. I have versions of all of these to get us started.
Rates: As a guide, my rates range from £475 - £700 a day depending on the work, although in certain circumstances I may quote more than this.
For example, short-notice crisis management at the weekend for a large company will cost more than carrying out a stakeholder mapping workshop for a charity. I also offer project-based quotes.
Invoicing: I typically invoice for retainer work at the start of the month in which the work is being carried out, taxi meter at the end of the month, and project work split between up-front and on completion.
Cancellation: If I’m booked for training or a workshop then cancellation fees will apply: 100% for less than a week and 50% for less than a month, plus any booked travel and accommodation.
Smart procurement support: Having been both sides of the process, especially with public sector work, I understand the need to respect thresholds and other requirements to ensure value for money and propriety. I can adapt accordingly to your parameters.
Admin fees and margins: I charge 15% on any fees to cover subscriptions, memberships and other similar costs. If I need to buy services or pay for any other third-party costs on your behalf, I charge a 15% margin to cover this.
Minimum charge for taxi-meter work: To make it cost-effective I have a minimum charge of £500 for any taxi-meter work. That will provide up to a day of my time, depending on the circumstances. You can use all of that, or extend it; but if you only need one hour, say, the minimum charge still applies.
The difference between freelance and agency rates: If you receive my services through an agency you will pay their rate rather than mine. This is only fair as the agency has overheads and management costs to account for, plus a reasonable profit margin.
All sessions are bespoke, so these items are illustrative only
Skills development with custom practical exercises; in-person (single trainer and home camera)
1:1 and highly-customised development support, typically focussed on a real forthcoming engagement
Half-day virtual or in-person foundation skills session for 10 delegates to equip them to support wider comms efforts
All services are bespoke so these items are for illustration only
Practical handling plan with supporting assets such as templates and checklists
Questioning and practical coaching advice to prepare for potentially hostile situations
Part process guidance and part workshop, this package helps key individuals understand how to effectively deal with high-risk queries
As above, prices are subject to final agreed scope
Make sense of where you are now, where you need to be, and the steps to take to get from one to the other
Identify, organise and prioritise your internal and external stakeholders so you can focus your efforts in the right places and in the right ways
A review of objectives, channels and messages with actionable recommendations
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