Frequently Asked Questions
Will this help my business?
Is this suitable for my type and size of business?
If you have up to 50 employees and at least one task or process that consistently slows things down, this is likely to help.
What kinds of admin problems are a good fit for working with Uncluttered Work?
If there's one recurring task that keeps wasting time and you've been putting up with it for too long, it’s exactly the kind of thing I fix.
Can you help if we’re not sure what the real problem is?
Yes. What looks like the issue is often just a symptom of something further back in the process.
Can this work if our processes aren’t documented or are messy?
Yes, that’s usually the starting point. I focus on how the work happens day-to-day, not what’s written down.
Do you need experience in my specific industry to help me?
No. The issues are usually about how the work flows, not what your business does. Across different industries, the underlying problems are almost always the same.
What’s the difference between this and hiring a virtual assistant or more admin staff?
A virtual assistant or additional admin staff helps you cope with the issue, often spreading the same frustrations around. I address what’s causing it and simplify the way the work flows, so things become quicker and easier to run.
How it works
What happens on the first call?
We’ll spend 15 minutes talking through what's slowing you down. No preparation needed, just a straightforward conversation. By the end, we’ll know if it’s the right problem to focus on and exactly how I can help.
What does a typical 3–4 day fix involve?
The first day is spent understanding how the work currently happens by speaking to the people involved, following the process and finding out where it breaks down. The remaining days are spent designing, and where appropriate helping implement and test the fix, so you end up with a practical process or tool that works day‑to‑day, rather than a report about what might work.
What do you need from us before starting?
Just a rough outline of the issue and access to the people or information. There’s no need to prepare anything formal. Showing me the problem in action is usually the best place to start.
How quickly can you start?
Start dates are typically within a couple of weeks, subject to availability and agreed dates. We’ll discuss dates on the first call so everything is clear before you commit.
Will you work with the tools and systems we already use?
Yes. I work with what you already have wherever possible and focus on using it better, rather than replacing things for the sake of it. Most improvements come from better structure and simpler workflows, not new software.
Do we need to buy new software for your fixes to work?
Not usually. Most issues can be solved by fixing the process and making better use of what you already have. If suggest something new, it’s only because it genuinely adds value and we’ve agreed it makes sense for your business.
Do you only fix one workflow at a time?
Yes. Each piece of work focuses on one specific problem so it can be properly understood and fixed. Additional issues can be tackled separately afterwards.
What if the issue involves multiple people or teams?
That’s fine. I’ll speak to whoever is involved in the current process to understand how the work actually flows across your team.
How do you decide which problem to work on first?
We’ll agree this on our first call, focusing on the issues that are causing the most frustration or taking the most time right now, rather than trying to fix everything at once.
Your time and involvement
How much time will you need from me and my team?
Very little. I typically need around 90 minutes to understand how things currently work. I handle the bulk of the work, with occasional input where needed
Can this be done alongside day-to-day work?
Yes. I work alongside normal operations so the business can keep moving while I build the fix.
Do you need to work with us face-to-face?
Not usually. Most work and meetings are done remotely. If you’re based in Cumbria, the North East or the Scottish Borders and would prefer to meet in person, that can be arranged.
Will this disrupt my business?
No. The aim is to reduce disruption. Changes are introduced carefully so nothing stops working while the fix is being built.
Do you provide training or a manual for the new process?
Yes. I’ll make sure the new process is clear and easy to follow, with simple notes or handover so your team can keep it running.
What does the output look like
What kind of results should we expect?
Work should feel quicker, clearer, and more reliable. The specific result depends on the issue, but the aim is always the same; fewer frustrations, fewer workarounds, and less manual effort.
What do we receive at the end of the work?
You’ll get a working solution with a clear explanation of what changed and why. I also provide simple documentation so your team can follow the process and keep it running without needing me.
Will my team be able to run this without you afterwards?
Yes. The solution is designed to be owned and managed by your team.
Do you offer follow-ups or ongoing support?
A short follow-up check-in can be arranged if needed. Any further support would be agreed separately.
What happens if we want help with another issue later?
We can look at it separately once this one is resolved. That keeps each fix focused, clearly scoped and properly priced. We can discuss a longer-term arrangement if needed.
What you can rely on
What happens if the fix doesn’t work?
I’ll work with you to resolve it within the agreed scope. If it becomes clear that the original approach isn’t right, we’ll discuss options before proceeding.
How do you handle confidential information and access to our systems?
I only access the systems and information needed to address the specific issue and treat all information shared as confidential. Confidentiality is built into the Client Services Agreement, so a separate NDA is not usually required. If you have your own NDA requirements, these can be agreed before work starts.
Are you ICO compliant and do you have liability insurance?
Yes. I’m ICO compliant and have appropriate liability insurance in place. You can find the specific details in the privacy policy at the bottom of this page.
Do you make commission from tools you recommend?
No. I don’t take commission from tools or software I suggest, so my recommendations are based solely on what I think is genuinely useful.
What happens if the problem is too big to be fixed in 4 days?
If it turns out that the issue is larger than the original scope, we’ll pause and discuss it. If a bigger piece of work is needed, I'll scope it separately and give you a clear price before anything begins.
What happens if the fix requires a larger project afterwards?
If it becomes clear a bigger piece of work is needed, I’ll explain what’s involved and scope it separately. You’ll know before committing to anything further.
Will you always be the person doing the work?
I’m your main point of contact and lead the work. In some cases, I may involve trusted specialists for specific elements. I remain responsible for the overall delivery.
Pricing and terms
How much does it cost?
The fixed price is £950 (currently no VAT), for up to four days of focused work on a single problem, covering diagnosis, fix and handover.
What happens if the work takes longer than expected?
If the work takes longer than expected, the price doesn’t change. If we discover the problem is significantly larger than first thought, we’ll talk through options before any additional work is agreed.
What are your payment terms?
50% on signing, 50% on completion. Payment is by bank transfer and an invoice is provided for each instalment.
Why is it a fixed price rather than an hourly rate?
Hourly rates reward time spent, not outcomes. A fixed price keeps the focus on solving the problem properly and efficiently, with no incentive for delays or unnecessary work. If it takes longer than expected, that's my problem, not yours.
These FAQs are for general guidance only. All services are provided subject to a written Client Service Agreement, which will take precedence in the event of any inconsistency.