Alongside FAQs

If you have further questions in this section, reach out via our Contact page.

What we do and how we work

What does "hands-on" actually mean in practice?

It means we show up. We're in your Slack, on your calls, and in your team meetings — not sending monthly reports or presenting decks. We hold ourselves accountable to outcomes, not deliverables. If something needs doing, we do it.

How is this different from traditional management consultancy?

Traditional consultants diagnose and recommend. We diagnose, recommend, and then stay to implement. We don't hand you a 40-page document and disappear. We're operators first, we've run agencies, scaled them, and sold them. We know what good looks like from the inside.

How long do engagements normally last?

The full journey from operational foundations through to exit typically runs around 36 months. We ask for a minimum three-month commitment so we can do meaningful work rather than surface-level fixes. That said, we're modular, if you only need one stage, we can engage on that basis.

Can you work on a project-by-project basis?

Yes, though we find the most value comes from ongoing retainer-based engagement. A one-off project can move the needle; being embedded long-term moves the business. If you're not sure, start with a defined piece of work and see how it feels.

What does the embedding process look like and how quickly can you get up to speed?

We move fast. In the first two weeks we'll have completed an operational audit, got under the skin of your financials, met your key people, and identified the highest-priority work. We're used to joining businesses mid-flight, understanding the dynamics of an agency quickly is one of the things we're genuinely good at.

How long does a typical engagement last?

The full journey, from operational foundations through to exit, typically runs around 36 months. We ask for a minimum three-month commitment so we can do meaningful work rather than surface-level fixes. If you're coming in at a later stage, the timeline is naturally shorter.

Do you work on-site, remotely, or both?

Both, and we tailor the split to what your business actually needs. Some clients want us on-site regularly; others are fully remote and we work that way. What doesn't change is the level of involvement, we're embedded either way, not checking in from the outside.

Can we bring you in for a specific project, or is this only for longer-term work?

You can, and sometimes a defined project is the right starting point. But the most significant results come from longer-term, embedded engagement where we can drive sustained change rather than a one-off fix. If you start with a project and it's working, most clients choose to continue.

If you have further questions, please reach out via our Contact page.

Are we right for your business?

What size of agency do you typically work with?

We typically work with independent agencies turning over between £1m and £20m. Small enough that the founder is still central to the business; large enough that there's real enterprise value to build and protect. If you're outside that range, get in touch; context matters more than a hard number.

Do you specialise in a particular type of agency?

Digital, creative and tech agencies are our sweet spot. We understand the business model, the margin pressures, the client dynamics, and what buyers in this space actually look for. That specificity matters, generic business advice doesn't cut it in an industry as nuanced as ours.

We're not thinking about exit yet, can you still help us?

Yes, and the earlier we start, the better the outcome. Building a business that's ready to sell is simply the best way to build a great business. Better margins, less founder dependency, stronger processes. Whether you sell in three years or never, you'll run a more valuable, less stressful agency as a result.

What stage does an agency need to be at to benefit from working with you?

There's no minimum stage, we've worked with agencies that are operationally chaotic and ones that are already well-run but want to maximise their exit value. The conversation usually starts with where you are and what's frustrating you. We'll tell you honestly whether and how we can help.

If you have further questions, please reach out via our Contact page.

Building enterprise value

What does "building enterprise value" mean for an agency like ours?

It means making your business worth more, to a buyer, to an investor, or simply to you as something you can step back from. In practice that means improving EBITDA, reducing founder dependency, securing better-quality revenue, and building a team and infrastructure that works without you in the detail every day. These things compound over time.

How do you identify where the value in our business actually sits?

We start with a thorough audit. We look at your revenue mix, margin by client and service line, contract quality, team structure, and how dependent the business is on you personally. From that we build a clear picture of what's working, what's eroding value, and where the biggest opportunities are.

How long does it typically take to see meaningful improvement?

It depends on where you're starting from. Most clients see meaningful operational improvements within the first 90 days. Financial metrics, EBITDA, margin, contract quality, typically take six to twelve months to move materially. Exit readiness, done properly, is an 18–24 month journey. There are no shortcuts worth taking.

If you have further questions, please reach out via our Contact page.

Exit and M&A

What does "guiding through exit" involve?

Everything. From deciding whether the timing is right, to identifying and approaching the right buyers, managing the information memorandum, running due diligence, and negotiating deal structure. We stay with you through to completion, and beyond if needed. You won't be navigating the most complex transaction of your career alone.

How far in advance of a sale should we bring you in?

Ideally 18–24 months before you want to exit. That gives us enough runway to genuinely move the metrics that buyers price off. Coming to us six months before a sale means we're firefighting rather than building. The earlier we're involved, the stronger the deal, and the fewer chips taken off the valuation at the last minute.

Can you help us prepare for due diligence?

It's one of the most critical things we do. Due diligence is where deals fall apart, or where valuations get quietly chipped. We manage the process end-to-end, making sure your financials are clean, your contracts are in order, your key-person risks are mitigated, and there are no surprises waiting on the other side of the data room.

What types of exit do you support?

Trade sales, management buyouts, and private equity investment are the most common routes for agencies at this scale. We'll help you understand which structure makes sense for your personal and financial goals, and what each one actually means for you operationally after the deal closes.

If you have further questions, please reach out via our Contact page.

Practicalities

How do you charge?

We work on a monthly retainer, no hidden extras, no billable hours creeping up on you. The fee reflects the scope of engagement and which stage you're at. For exit work, we typically structure a success fee tied to completion, so our interests are fully aligned with yours. We're happy to talk numbers on a call.

Can you work alongside our existing advisors?

Yes, and we often do. We're not here to replace your existing consultants. We sit alongside them and make sure everything is coordinated, particularly important during exit, where multiple advisors need to be pulling in the same direction and nobody is duplicating effort.