Questions?
We’ve got you.
Because handing over part of your business is a big deal. Here’s the stuff you probably want to know before you unleash the sheep.
So… what exactly is Black Sheep?
Black Sheep Business Support provides remote practical, flexible business support for businesses that need capable hands without the faff of hiring another full-time employee.
We support the things that keep a business moving, admin, HR support, payroll administration, recruitment support, systems, spreadsheets, processes, projects and all the jobs that somehow keep finding their way onto the 'I’ll do it later' pile.
SERVICE GUIDELINES
So you know what to expect from us and what we’ll expect from you.
RESPONSE TIMES
- We aim to acknowledge emails and messages within one working day.
- For ongoing clients, regular check-ins and updates are agreed at the start so you’re never wondering what’s happening.
- If something is genuinely urgent, we’ll always do our best to respond as quickly as possible and we’ll be honest about what’s realistic.
COMMUNICATION
- Most support is handled via email and shared tools (think shared drives and the systems you already use).
- We can arrange calls or video meetings where it makes sense, without turning every small decision into a meeting.
- Clear, straightforward communication is the goal no jargon, no fluff, no disappearing acts.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- THE LAMB, THE EWE and THE BLACK SHEEP focus on ongoing business support across admin, HR support, recruitment support, payroll administration, systems, processes and general business operations.
- THE SHEEPDOG is for clearly defined projects with an agreed scope, outcome and price.
- AD-HOC SUPPORT is for occasional or one-off tasks at £45/hour, when a package or project isn’t the right fit.
- If something falls outside what we normally do, we’ll say so and, where possible, point you in the right direction.
The boring stuff. But important.
Because apparently businesses require invoices, payment terms and other grown-up things.
How does payment work?
The Lamb, The Ewe and The Black Sheep are ongoing monthly support arrangements and are invoiced monthly in advance. The Sheepdog is project-based. The project scope, price and payment schedule are agreed before work begins. Ad-hoc support is charged at £45 per hour.
Do I have to pay before work starts?
Monthly support is invoiced in advance. Project work will only commence once any agreed upfront payment or deposit has been received.
What happens if a project becomes bigger than expected?
If the scope changes materially, we'll talk it through with you and agree any additional work or cost before we go any further.
Do you have Terms & Conditions?
Yes. Full Terms & Conditions are available on our site.
How do you keep my information confidential?
Your business information is treated with care and discretion. I use appropriate security measures to protect the information I work with and only access and use it as needed to provide the agreed support.
What happens if I ask for something outside the agreed scope?
We won't quietly add it to the invoice and hope you don't notice. Any additional work outside an agreed project scope will be discussed and agreed before the work is carried out.
Do you handle confidential information?
Yes. Confidentiality is taken seriously and appropriate arrangements can be agreed depending on the nature of the work.
are you insured
Black Sheep Business Support holds Professional Indemnity and Public Liability insurance.
Yes. Black Sheep Business Support is registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), and I take the protection of your personal and business information seriously.
I handle information securely, respect confidentiality and follow applicable data protection legislation, including UK GDPR.
Are you registered with the ICO?
What are your payment terms?
Invoices are payable within 7 days, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
Still not sure?
That's alright. You don't have to have it all figured out.
You don't need to arrive with a perfectly written brief, know which package you need or have your entire business neatly organised.
Tell us what's eating up your time, what's getting neglected or what's been sitting on your to-do list for far too long. We'll help work out the best way to tackle it.
I don't know which package I need.
That's our problem, not yours. Have a chat with us and we'll point you towards the option that makes the most sense.
I only need help with one thing.
Sounds suspiciously like a Sheepdog. If it's a defined piece of work with a clear outcome, a project may be the perfect fit.
I just need someone to jump in occasionally.
We've got you. Ad-hoc support is available at £45/hour when a monthly package or defined project isn't the right fit.
