Questions we get before the first call
Twelve answers, in plain English. If yours isn’t here, ask directly — the contact details are one click away.
Do we need to be in the UK to work with you?
No. We work online with clients across Europe, in English. Documents and communication are handled by email and video call; time zones are workable — most of our day overlaps with the whole of Europe.
What does a monthly retainer actually cover?
Whatever you and we agree it covers — that is the point of the scoping call. Typically it includes day-to-day HR questions, records upkeep, absence and leave administration, and new-starter paperwork. The scope is written down, and we review it together as your team changes.
Can we start with a single project instead of a retainer?
Yes — that is the normal entry point. A records cleanup, a document overhaul or an onboarding reset are all common first projects. Some clients stay project-only; others move to a retainer once the backlog is cleared.
How does handover work — what do you need from us?
A documented handover list: existing documents, where records live, who holds access, and any dates already committed. We give you a template so nothing is missed, and we flag gaps rather than guessing over them.
Who can see our employee records?
Only the people agreed in the access plan. Sensitive material sits behind defined access levels, records are never shared outside the engagement, and you can see at any time what we hold and where.
Do you replace our accountant or payroll provider?
No. We work alongside them. Payroll calculation, bookkeeping and tax are accounting work; we handle the HR administration around the employment relationship — contracts, records, onboarding, leave, coordination.
How quickly can you take over?
After the scoping call you get a written scope with a start plan. Simple engagements can start within days; larger handovers take as long as the handover list needs. We do not commit to a date before the scope is agreed.
We already have HR documents. Are they wasted?
No. We review what you have, keep what works, redraft what doesn’t, and consolidate everything into one version-controlled set. Most clients are surprised how much of their material is salvageable.
How do you handle confidential information?
Confidentiality is the default setting: need-to-know access, no sharing outside the engagement, and agreed handling rules for anything sensitive. It is built into the handover plan, not sold as an extra.
Do you provide legal advice?
No — and we will not pretend otherwise. We provide HR administration support: processes, documents, records and coordination. Anything that needs a legal opinion should go to a qualified employment lawyer; we will tell you plainly when that is the case.
What if our needs change mid-engagement?
Retainer scope can be adjusted with 30 days’ notice in either direction. Projects that grow beyond their scope get re-quoted before the extra work starts — never after.
How do we get started?
Email or call, or send the contact form. You will get a short scoping call, then a one-page scope with a price range. If it doesn’t fit, you keep the scope notes either way.
Still unsure?
A twenty-minute call answers more than a page of FAQ.
HR administration for small and medium-sized businesses across Europe — handled properly, in plain English.