If you're here, it's because we've had an initial discussion and we're almost ready to start a new project together.
(If you're still deciding what you need, you might find some inspiration here!)
This page provides an overview of how I work, and my rates. Please have a read through and, if you're happy to proceed, sign & return the Engagement Letter and we'll get started.
Project Requirements
Before we get going, it's really important that we agree some clearly defined outcomes to manage the expectations on both sides. A simple bullet-point list is usually sufficient for most projects.
Generally, that should include:
- Key objectives - what is it you want to achieve?
- Key timings - what are the important delivery milestones?
- Project requirements - are there any specifications, limitations, etc?
If we're working on a retainer basis, it should also include:
- The type of work you expect from me under the retainer agreement, and what you won't expect (of course, this part is a two-way conversation!)
- Any specific meetings or events you'd like me to attend under the retainer (eg. attendance on-site for the kick-off meeting on X).
- Any regular days or the week that should be included or excluded (eg. attendance at the weekly project meetings every Wednesday).
Communication
Generally, I handle most project communication through e-mail with meetings held via Teams or Zoom to suit. That said, I'll always adapt to your needs and I'm happy to fit into an existing communication framework (eg. Slack, Asana, etc) if that's preferable. I can also be reached by phone, but please note that I do travel extensively for work, so I may not always be able to answer straight away.
Depending on the duration of the project, it might make sense to setup a regular in-person meeting or online check-in. This is important to ensure you're happy with the progress and direction of the work being completed, and to keep me updated on the developments of your project so that I'm working with the most up-to-date information (eg. project schedules, floor plans, etc).
For most projects, a wash-up session is included at the end to present the completed work.
Insurance
As you would expect, I'm fully insured to operate as an Animal & Wildlife Consultant, and hold continious cover professional indemnity and public liability insurances up to £2 million.
You can view and download copies of my 2024/25 insurance certificates below:
Rates & Payment
For prospective clients, I offer a free initial consultation to discuss your needs and to find out whether I'm the right person to help you. The free consultation session lasts for 30 minutes, and you can book one here.
This is the only free service I offer – everything else is charged in one of the following ways:
- A flexible daily rate, as outlined below.
- A fixed-fee per task or project.
- A weekly or monthly retainer.
Rates
My prices are based on a transparent day rate that flexes with the amount of days required – in other words, I charge lower rates for bigger projects!
If your project is particularly large, if it involves remote working or requires a lot of travel, or if you just want a bespoke fee proposal, please let me know.
Payment
For smaller projects, I submit invoices when the work is completed. For larger projects, we'll agree a payment schedule which usually comprises a 50% deposit, a 25% stage payment, and a 25% final payment.
For clients who wish to operate on a retainer basis, I'll setup a recurring weekly invoice to cover the agreed number of days.
Invoices are sent digitally to be paid by bank transfer within 7 days.
Hours & Location
I’m based in Cambridge, but I regularly travel all over the UK and Europe, as well as internationally to the US and Asia. My standard working hours are 09:00-17:00 GMT Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) and I charge for travel time at my standard rate – in practice, this means that the working hours for a site visit with an hour of travel each way would be 10:00-16:00 to account for journey time, and a two-day project at a site in the US would be billed as four working days to account for the flights and ground travel each way.
All travel expenses (hotels, mileage, etc.) are re-charged and included on the next invoice at cost – I'll always agree these first, and I never mark up travel expenses.
Next Steps
Before we get started, please send over the project requirements, as well as a signed copy of the Engagement Letter (below).
If I'll need any supporting documents or internal guidelines in order to complete the work, please share them. If I'll need login details to access to any internal systems or software, please share those too.
You can send all of this by e-mail at hello@josephlavery.co.uk.
I'm regularly required to complete contractor forms and non-disclosure agreements for clients – if you have similar requirements, please share the relevant documents and I will be happy to sign them.