FAQs
How do I know if I need support, or if I just need to try harder?
If working harder hasn’t fixed it yet, more hours won’t either.
More hours doesn’t equal more money or more space — if it did, every founder would already have both by now. The real shift happens when you step back from tasks and into systems that don’t need you holding every piece.
If you’re already trying your hardest and still drowning, that’s not a you problem. That’s a structure problem.
Read: Moving From Myths to Reality →
My goal is to make our partnership as transparent and high-impact as possible.
Deciding to bring a partner into your business is a big step.
I’ve gathered the most common queries here.
I don't even know what I'd hand off — is that a problem?
No — that’s exactly where we start.
Most founders know what they want less of, they just can’t see how. You’re too close to your own business to map it objectively. I identify what’s actually taking your time versus what only you can do, before we build a single system.
And you will feel the difference in weeks not months.
Shouldn't I be able to figure this out myself?
No, your brilliance lies elsewhere.
The better question isn’t “can I figure this out,” it’s “who can help me figure this out faster.”
Talented, experienced founders stall for exactly this reason — trying to carry it all alone.
I've tried a VA or support before and it didn't work — will this be different?
Yes — because a VA, EA or an Access To Work Support Worker and solve different problems.
If the last hire just added another task to manage, that’s a common pattern, and a fixable one
- A VA executes the tasks you hand them.
- An EA can proactively see what need to be done for you and the work arounds.
- I find what should be happening in your business first, build the systems to support your, and hold the business accountable to using them.
- Founders who work with me describe it as getting the bulk of their decisions and cognitive load handled, not just their inbox.
Stop thinking “someone to answer my emails.” Start thinking “someone who architects my operations.
Do you understand neurodivergent/ADHD and AuDHD brains, or will I have to explain myself?
Many of my clients are diagnosed or undiagnosed neurodivergent founders. I build systems that work with your brain, not against it, because I’ve navigated the same cognitive overload and invisible workload myself.
BUT… that does not mean I know you. I will listen to you, see what is working and adapt my skills and knowledge to what works best for you.
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.
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.
I am Already Overloaded. WHAT DO I NEED TO GET STARTED?
A call or an email starts it, and we tackle your biggest fire first.
My Implementation First approach means week one creates breathing room.
Usually that’s getting some breathing space, and trimming the demands on your time (notifications, inbox or calendar).
Steps 1–3 can happen within 24 hours of that first conversation:
- Book a free call or send an email.
- Agree the service and expectations.
- Scope and contract shared for agreement.
Then: invoice paid, access shared*, and the space-creating begins.
I’ll tell you exactly what access or information is needed for your specific task. Simple logins to start.
How much of my own time will this take up?
Less than you’re spending now on calls, whatsapp, fixing, sharing etc
Most founders are surprised by how few hours this actually needs from them once systems are in place.
If it helps, we can start with a short scoped period so you can see this in action before committing further.
Right now, you’re making these decisions anyway, just inefficiently, at random times, usually stressed.
Protected time with me prevents that; it doesn’t add to it, it replaces the little interruptions that add up.
Ideally an hour a week, max 2. But soon these will be more with your team than you … and they get shorter.
What if I need more (or less) support
A quick chat, we adjust, we don’t renegotiate from scratch.
- Need more? Confirmed in writing first, then billed hourly (£125–£250), as a project add on or added a pro-rata increase to your retainer.
- Need less? We agree notice and a handover plan together
Fun Fact: I work myself out of most of my roles to become a mentor, coach and accountability buddy, who can drop in to when needed.
What if I tell you something confidential?
Confidentiality isn’t a courtesy here, it’s the foundation of how this works at all.
I work exclusively with founder-owners across different sectors, so I have no incentive to share your business or its IP.
Every engagement is covered by my standard confidentiality terms, and I’ll sign an NDA too, if that gives you extra peace of mind.
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 can't afford this right now, can I?
The real cost isn’t the support, it’s what indecision and overload are already costing you.
If budget’s genuinely tight right now, tell me. If I can flex my services to fit where your business is today, I will.
What are youR fees
Full day: £750. Half day: £400. Coaching/strategy: £125–£250/hour.
Full pricing details are on my services page. Rates may flex based on the size and volume of support you need.
Not sure what you need? Let’s chat — I usually find ways to do this in fewer hours than you’d think.
WHAT ARE YOUR PAYMENT TERMS?
Invoices are paid in advance of delivery starting and by the 1st of the month for ongoing work.
- Fixed-term assignments (6–16 weeks): payment plans can be arranged.
- Coaching, strategy, or agreed extras: billed hourly, added to your invoice.
- Missed calls or deadlines that affect my schedule: may be chargeable.
- Work paused or delayed due to a client issue: already-completed work and expenses are payable immediately.
WHAT EXTRAS WOULD I BE RESPONSIBLE FOR?
A few costs sit outside your monthly fee:
- Postage, printing, stationery — at cost.
- Mileage (45p/mile, per HMRC) and travel, where relevant.
- Any software or licences needed for your project — at your cost, ideally owned by your business.
- My own equipment and tools — covered by me.
What are your working hours, and what happens if you're off sick?
Core hours: I am generally available for calls and responses between 10am–4pm GMT, Monday to Friday.
I’m UK-based and not available weekends or UK bank holidays.
Planned absences are flagged well ahead, with deadlines and handover notes sorted before I go.
For genuinely unexpected illness, the systems we build together are designed to keep the essentials moving until I’m back.
Questions about cover for your project? Email me to discuss fern@fernfullerservices.com
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Who owns the work you create for me?
You get full use of everything, permanently.
- Most Materials created to deliver the role support, live in your systems and owned by your from the start.
- Materials made for your business: I retain the IP, but once fees are paid in full, they are yours to use, copy and adapt.
- My own templates and frameworks: stay mine, reused across clients.
- NDAs: happy to sign one on top of the confidentiality already built into my standard T&Cs — just ask.
What's your notice period if this isn't working out?
2 weeks’ written notice, minimum.
A good handover and account close-down matters for your next steps.
Most engagements run to a fixed start/end date or deliverable (set in your Statement of Works). For ongoing work, either of us can end with 2 weeks’ notice, minimum — fixed, since fees are paid in advance and my time is planned around your contract.
Need to pause or scale back instead of ending things? Just get in touch — a short chat is usually enough to find the right path.
Are you insured, ICO registered, and VAT registered?
Yes, yes, and not yet.
- Professional Indemnity: £1,000,000, with Hiscox.
- Public & Products Liability: £1,000,000, with Hiscox (Policy No. 14903684).
- ICO registered: yes — no. ZB288399.
- VAT registered: not yet, so no VAT is added to your invoices.