Paul Oliver with a mountain bike on a hilltop trail

How We Work

How We Work With Our Clients

We believe that successful consultancy starts with clarity, trust and a shared understanding of what needs to be achieved. Our engagement process is therefore designed to be straightforward, transparent and proportionate to the size and complexity of each project.

Whether we are providing a few hours of specialist advice or supporting a complex, multi-disciplinary project, we typically follow a simple process:

Start With a Conversation
1

Initial Conversation

Step 1 of 6

We start by listening. An initial discussion allows us to understand your organisation, the challenge or opportunity you are facing, and the type of support you may need. There is no obligation at this stage – it is simply an opportunity to determine whether we are the right fit for your requirements.

2

Confidentiality

Step 2 of 6

Where sensitive or commercially confidential information needs to be discussed, we can put a mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in place at an early stage. This allows both parties to exchange information with confidence while protecting confidential, proprietary and commercially sensitive information.

3

Know Your Client (KYC)

Step 3 of 6

Before commencing a formal engagement, we ask new clients to complete a short Know Your Client (KYC) process. This forms part of our commitment to responsible business practices, regulatory compliance and appropriate due diligence. We keep the process as simple and proportionate as possible.

4

Master Services Agreement

Step 4 of 6

For ongoing or project-based consultancy relationships, we normally establish a Master Services Agreement (MSA). Rather than negotiating a new contract every time we undertake a piece of work together, the MSA establishes the overall commercial and legal framework for our relationship.

5

Agreeing the Work

Step 5 of 6

Once we understand what you need, we agree how we will work together. Depending on the nature of the engagement, this will normally take one of two forms:

Statement of Work (SOW)

A Statement of Work (SOW) is used for defined projects and sets out the scope, deliverables, responsibilities, timescales, fees and other project-specific requirements.

Advisory Services Schedule

An Advisory Services Schedule provides a simpler framework for clients who want ongoing access to our experience and specialist advice without commissioning a defined project. This can be particularly useful for management teams who need an experienced adviser they can call upon as challenges, opportunities or decisions arise.

6

Getting to Work

Step 6 of 6

Once the appropriate documents are agreed, we get started. Throughout the engagement, our aim is to keep communication open, practical and uncomplicated. If requirements change, we discuss them with you and agree the best way forward before additional work is undertaken.

Professional Where It Matters. Flexible Where It Helps.

Our processes are designed to protect both our clients and ourselves – not to create unnecessary paperwork.

The same professional framework allows us to work with organisations ranging from independent operators and growing businesses to major developers, tourism authorities and government entities, while adapting the level of formality to suit the nature, scale and risk of each engagement.

Above all, we want working with The Adventure Expert to feel straightforward: clear expectations, sensible governance, open communication and experienced advice focused on achieving the right outcome.

Paul Oliver with partners in the UAE

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any obligation in the initial conversation?

There is no obligation at this stage – it is simply an opportunity to determine whether we are the right fit for your requirements.

Can you sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement?

Yes. Where sensitive or commercially confidential information needs to be discussed, we can put a mutual Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in place at an early stage.

Why do you ask new clients to complete a KYC process?

It forms part of our commitment to responsible business practices, regulatory compliance and appropriate due diligence. We keep the process as simple and proportionate as possible.

What is the difference between a Statement of Work and an Advisory Services Schedule?

A Statement of Work (SOW) is used for defined projects. An Advisory Services Schedule provides a simpler framework for clients who want ongoing access to our experience and specialist advice without commissioning a defined project.

What happens if our requirements change?

If requirements change, we discuss them with you and agree the best way forward before additional work is undertaken.

Have an Idea, a Challenge or a Project in Mind?

You may already know exactly what you need. Or you may simply have an idea, an opportunity or a problem that would benefit from an experienced independent perspective. Either way, it starts with a conversation.