FAQs

Deciding to bring a partner into your business is a big step.  I’ve gathered the most common queries here. My goal is to make our partnership as transparent and high-impact as possible.

What exactly is a Business Operations Lead (or Integrator)

Think of me as the “Chief Implementation Officer.” While you focus on the big-picture vision, I focus on the systems, processes, and people that make that vision a reality. I bridge the gap between “Idea” and “Done.”

Do you offer neurodivergent business support

Yes. A large portion of my clients are diagnosed or undiagnosed neurodivergent founders. I specialize in building systems that work with your brain, not against it, focusing on executive function and reducing cognitive load.

Can I use Access to Work (AtW) funding to work with you?

Absolutely. I am experienced with the Access to Work scheme and can provide the necessary quotes and documentation required for you to secure a Support Worker or specialist coaching. Read my blog on my experience here for tips

What is the difference between a VA and You?

A VA typically executes specific tasks you assign to them. As a Business Operations Lead, I help identify what those tasks should be, build the systems to manage them, and ensure your business is strategically aligned for growth.

WHAT IF I NEED SOMEONE IN PERSON?

I provide virtual support only. I am happy to communicate via phone, Google Chat & Comments, Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp, Slack and any other online channel.I do not work on-site. If this is not what you need now, do get in touch in the future if you’re happy to work virtually.

I am Already Overloaded. WHAT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED?

A Call or Email can get us started!

My “Implementation First” approach is designed to give you time back, not take more of it. We start with the biggest “fire” (usually your inbox or calendar) to create immediate breathing room.

I can move between step 1-3 within 24 hours. The rest is based on you.   

Step Two – Agree the service and expectations

Step Three – Scope and work contract shared for agreement

Step Four – Invoice paid,

Step Five – access shared* and creating space for more has begun

*I will share with you a list of access or information required based on the task or service(s) agreed upon.

CAN I START MID-MONTH?

 We can start when you are ready. An pro-rata invoice will be raised.

What if I need more (or less) support

 A short chat to agree if am still the right fit, the what and when. If there is an increase, an invoice pro-rata for the difference will be raised. If you need to reduce support, notice and handover time will be agreed dependant on support in place

    What are youR fees

    My services are on my website, however support and business reviews may be negotiated based on volume and size of your business.

    If you are not sure what support you need lets chat. I am sure to find ways to increase efficiency and take fewer hours than you probably think to get your work done. For bespoke work a sample of the work or exploratory period can be agreed. By doing a short amount of the task and time spent in your business can help me provide a realistic estimate of the length it will take going forward. Payment for this time will be agreed and paid prior to any work being completed.

    As a guide a full day is £800, half day £350 and Coaching/Mentoring/ strategy hours and support are between £125 – £250 an hour.

    WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT TERMS?

    Should ongoing project work be suspended or delayed through any fault of the client, Fern Fuller Services shall be entitled to immediate payment of work already carried out and any expenses incurred.

    Please see my Terms and Conditions for more detailed payment and billing information.

    All fees are due in advance by the 1st of the month for delivery in that month.

    ​Payment plans for fixed term assignments between 6 – 16 weeks​ can be negotiated​​

    Out of hours and weekend delivery based on client requests must be agreed in advance and will be added to monthly invoices. Fees are billed in 60-minute , 1/2 day or full day increments. 

    I reserve the right to billed for time should you miss a scheduled call and/or delivery deadline that impacts my delivery and time​

    My time is ring-fenced per contract and where hourly rates are agreed, work is billed in 30-minute increments at my standard hourly rate at the time.

    WHAT EXTRAS WOULD I BE RESPONSIBLE FOR?
    1. Postage, stationery printing & copying will be charged at cost if needed during the project.
    2. Mileage 45p per mile as per HMRC and travel expenses when applicable to the task requested and role.
    3. If you require the use of specific software or additional licences, the fees are at your cost and ideally owned by your business
    4. I am responsible for my own equipment and necessary software, tech and hardware to provide my services
    Availability & Holiday Cover

    As  guide  10am – 4pm GMT are core hours. I am based in the United Kingdom. I am available for calls and meeting during my core hours.  

    • We will agree on specific  days and times to connect based on mutual availability.
    • Dedicated time can be allocated when required otherwise I work to deliver and am not on call 24/7
    • Deadlines, deliverables and turnaround times, and cut off times, for requests will be agreed in advance where required
    • We will agree  cut off time for work submitted if you want specific tasks  back the next working day

    I am based in the United Kingdom. I am not available over the weekend or on UK Bank & Public Holidays.

    ​International clients will have mutually agreed contact times upon at the start of the contract.

    In my absence  – holiday/illness

    I am a solopreneur, however systems, process and planning will mitigate unexpected absences.

    CANCELLATION, BREAK CLAUSES AND NOTICE PERIODS

    Notice of cancellation is per contract and can be from a minimum of 2 weeks up to a 1 month to allow for handover activities.

    Do you have Insurance? Yes

    Type of cover: Professional indemnity    |    £1,000,000

    Level of cover:  Public and products liability     |    £1,000,000

     

    Security

    • I have IT and Administration  security procedures in place
    • Antivirus software in use
    • I am knowledgeable about IT safeguards 
    • I am knowledgeable of my requirement to comply with  GDPR
    • I am a member of the ICO and aware of my data handling responsibilities
    ARE YOU ICO REGISTERED

    I am a member of the ICO and aware of my data-handling.

    ​Registration no. ZB288399

    Are you VAT Registered?

    Not yet.