How We Work
How an engagement works
Most engagements follow six steps, scaled to the question. Scope, timing and fee are agreed in writing before any work starts.
01
First conversation
You tell us the question you need answered. We tell you whether we can answer it, and how. There is no charge and no obligation.
02
Scope and fee
We confirm in writing what we will examine, what you will receive, the timing and a fixed fee.
03
Information
We send a short list of what we need. That is at least three years of annual statements, ideally five to eight, and recent management reports. For a decision, it also includes the options and the business case if one exists.
04
Analysis
We do the independent work: the diagnostic, the scenario testing, or both.
05
Workshop the initial findings
Before anything is final, we workshop the initial findings with your leadership team. This builds our understanding of the business, so we can interpret what the numbers are telling us in your context. The numbers show what happened. The workshop uncovers why, so the recommendations fit the business you actually run.
06
Report and presentation of findings
You receive the written report, then we present the findings to your leadership team or board and take questions. Anything that needs new analysis is answered in writing afterwards.
How long it takes
Most diagnostics take two to four weeks from receiving the information. Decision analysis usually takes longer, depending on the number of options and how much is already modelled. We give you a firm timeline in the scope.
Fees
How fees are set
Fees are fixed and agreed in writing before work begins. There are no hourly rates and no surprises. The Strategic Business Diagnostic has three levels, set by the questions the business needs answered.
Clarity
What is driving today’s results, and what needs attention first?
Direction
Adds resilience, downside exposure, forward projections and longer-term strategic priorities
Group
Each division or subsidiary assessed separately and compared, with group-level priorities
Decision & Scenario Analysis
Your options tested against your assumptions, before you commit
Starting prices apply to smaller, simpler businesses. Fees scale with the size and complexity of the organisation. After a first conversation we recommend the level that fits your questions and provide a fixed-fee proposal. Decision & Scenario Analysis is quoted for each decision to be tested.
Independence
We have no stake in what you decide. We do not sell financial products, provide accounting services or take commissions from anyone. Our role is independent analysis and decision support. Owners and management keep responsibility for decisions and how they are put into practice. Every finding is grounded in evidence and presented openly, so it can be discussed and tested.
Confidentiality
Information you provide is treated as confidential and used for the purposes of the engagement. We agree confidentiality arrangements before you send any sensitive information. Nothing about your organisation is published without your written consent. Personal information is handled in line with our privacy policy.
Where we work
We work with organisations across Australia. Most of the analysis is done remotely. Workshops and the presentation of findings run online or in person, whichever suits you. In-person sessions include travel, which is quoted in the proposal so the full cost is agreed before work starts.
What we do not do
Statutory audit or assurance.
Accounting, bookkeeping or tax.
Legal advice.
Financial product or investment advice.
Make decisions for management. You decide. We make sure the decision is tested.