How long will it take? How much will it cost?

For most clients, these are the “Big Questions”.

Customer research shows time and again that the two things you hate most are:

Slow service, and

Surprise bills

Sadly, many professional advisors are reluctant to address these issues.
We understand that you need as much certainty as possible around these issues.

So, on every assignment, we try to agree fixed prices and timescales.On complex assignments it will not be possible to fix prices and timescales at the outset. This is because there will be choices to be made along the way, or maybe a ruling or negotiation with HMRC will be required which will influence the next stage. We deal with these situations by breaking the job down into defined stages, so we can attach a plan and a cost to each stage. We have found that the following formula works well for most problems:

“Think strategically. Then plan in detail. Then implement.”

A simple example might be:

Stage 1: Strategic review.
Comprising a meeting at which possible solutions are brainstormed and the most desirable option is selected in principle. You then have the option to explore the feasibility of the preferred solution or to discontinue the project.

Stage 2: Detailed feasibility study.
Having identified the preferred option in stage 1, a detailed report is then produced to examine all the implications and practicalities of the preferred solution. Any necessary amendments to the basic idea are brought out at this stage. You then decide whether or not to implement the detailed plan.

Stage 3: Implementation.
The agreed plan from Stage 2 is implemented.

This way the assignment is broken down into discrete stages, which can be planned and budgeted, and you, the client, always remain in control.