Investment
(If you own a UK-based organisation add VAT to the figures shown)
My fees are bespoke.
They're based on three elements: the size of the business, the complexity of the work, and, to be fully transparent, my keenness to work with a particular company (see Are we a match?).
Virtually all work is charged on a fixed fee (minimum £10,000), monthly retainer (minimum £1,200) or 'call-off' (minimum £2,000) basis.
I rarely quote an hourly rate. That's needed only when I'm providing support for M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions), inward equity investment, or sale of the business. In these situations it’s impossible to predict how much of my time will be needed, so I quote £600 per hour.
Occasionally I meet an entrepreneur who’s keen to work with me (and vice versa), but they can’t afford my fees. Typically their business is at an early stage. If I believe they and their business have exceptional potential, I'm open to discussing lowering my fees in exchange for share options and/or an agreement that as the company grows, I reduce the level of discount. It’s a form of ‘sweat equity’.
In some circumstances fees are success-based, for example a share of:
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increased profits.
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incoming equity investment.
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enterprise value on sale of the business.
In all cases the work and fees are co-created through discussion.