Discovery
One clear plan for your business's technology
Discovery takes a structured look at how your business runs today, finds where things are fragile or slowing you down, and agrees what to fix first. You come out with one clear plan instead of a long list of ideas.
What's involved
Why start with discovery
Businesses that grow quickly often find their systems lag behind. Logins end up on personal accounts, stock is tracked in different places, and plans live in your head or in scattered chats.
It's tempting to buy a new tool or get something built straight away. Discovery makes sure the money goes on the thing that will actually help.
What I look at
The focus is on technology and process: the tools your business runs on, and the way work gets done.
| Area | What I look at |
|---|---|
| People and roles | Who does what, who makes decisions, and where the business depends on one person |
| Accounts and access | Who can get into which systems, whether accounts belong to the business, and what happens when staff join or leave |
| Systems and tools | The software and services the business runs on: what each one does, where they overlap and where there are gaps |
| Everyday processes | How day-to-day work gets done, from sales to customer communication, and where it slows down or breaks |
| Data and security | Where business information lives, whether it's backed up and protected, and how it's shared, including with AI tools |
| Planning and priorities | How ideas, tasks and decisions are captured, and whether they get followed through |
| Your goals | Where you want the business to be in 12 months and 3 years, so every recommendation points the same way |
How it works
Five steps over about three weeks. Most of the work happens on my side; your part is about four hours in total.
Step 1: Questionnaire
Week 1, about 10 minutes of your time
I send you a link to 12 tick-box questions online, about the business, your goals and the tools you use. Your answers mean the workshop starts from your thinking, so our time together goes on decisions rather than background.
Step 2: Preparation
Weeks 1 to 2, nothing needed from you
I review your answers, sketch a first version of your systems map, and tailor the workshop to your business. You get the agenda a few days before, so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 3: Half-day workshop
Week 2, half a day
At your premises, at a time you aren't needed elsewhere. Two focused 90-minute sessions with a proper break: first where the business is today, then what's in the way and what comes first. Anything that comes up but isn't for today goes on a parking list, so nothing is lost.
Step 4: Analysis
Week 3, nothing needed from you
I write up the workshop and turn it into your deliverables: the systems map and access review, where everyday processes slow down or break, the risks, gaps and quick wins, and your 90-day plan.
Step 5: Findings and walkthrough
Week 3, 30 minutes of your time
You receive everything in writing. On a 30-minute call we go through it together, I answer your questions, and we agree how you'll keep track of progress.
What you'll receive
Everything is written for you to keep and use, not just to read once.
| Deliverable | What it is | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Systems map | A one-page picture of every tool your business uses, who uses it and how they connect | See the whole setup at a glance, and spot overlaps and gaps |
| Access review | A list of who has access to what, with risks flagged, such as personal accounts or no admin control | Know exactly what to tighten so the business stays in your hands |
| Findings report | A clear summary of where the business is now and its biggest problems, ranked by impact | One place that explains what needs attention and why |
| 90-day plan | Your top three priorities, each with what "done" looks like and a target date, on one page | Something to keep on your phone and come back to every week |
| Walkthrough call | 30 minutes to go through it all and answer your questions | Make sure everything makes sense before you act on it |
What's not included
Discovery is about understanding and planning, so a few things are deliberately left out.
Making changes
Discovery recommends what to do; it doesn't change any systems, accounts or settings.
Buying new tools
No new software is bought during discovery. Ideas are captured and prioritised in the plan.
Full process documentation
Everyday processes are reviewed for problems and quick wins, but not mapped out step by step.
Detailed finances
Margins, cashflow and accounts are outside the scope. The focus stays on systems and processes.
Price and questions
Price
Discovery is a fixed price, agreed before we start, with no hourly charges or extras. You pay half when you go ahead and half when you receive the findings report. Travel within the North East is included.
Do I need to be technical?
No. Discovery is built for people who run businesses, not IT departments. I explain everything in plain English, and the questionnaire is tick boxes.
Will you try to sell me software?
No. I don't earn commission on any tool. If something you already have will do the job, I'll say so.
What happens after discovery?
You keep the plan and can act on it yourself, with your own team, or with me. There's no obligation to do any further work together.
Can it be done remotely?
The workshop works best in person, and I cover the North East. For businesses further away, it can run over video instead.
Talk to me about Discovery
Book a free 30-minute chat. Tell me what you're trying to achieve, and I'll come back with an honest answer on whether I can help.