Account management FAQs

How do you charge for your time?

I charge on a day rate basis and my rate is £400 a day or £60 an hour. In Central London I don't charge for travel, but other expenses are recharged at cost. Travel outside of London is also charged.

What experience do you have?

I ran my own agency for over 20 years, and during that time I participated in hundreds of presentations, both credentials and pitches. I have worked across an exceptionally broad range of industries so I can talk confidently and knowledgably on a wide range of issues.

How can you maintain confidentiality if you work for other agencies?

I work for a number of agencies as a writer, and I am often privy to confidential information, from both the agencies and their clients. Confidentiality comes as second nature - it has to.

Do you ever work on commission?

No. It's not really practical, and to be honest once I have helped you win the business, I'd rather leave you to it.

Do you ever work on speculative basis?

No, and I don't think you should either. Speculative pitches are the bane of the advertising business and should be outlawed. If the prospective client is serious, they should have no problem in paying a rejection fee: and if they are not serious, you shouldn't be talking to them.

Are there limits on how many days you will work for us?

I have a number of clients, so I could not work for you for more than three days at a time. In fact, most of my clients use me for just a couple of days: I act as a catalyst, clarifying thinking and helping to develop the overall pitch. I can then be involved at the presentation, if you feel you need a bit of 'gravitas' - but if you think that the client only wants to see young blood, that's fine by me as well.

Will you work from our offices?

If I take part in a pitch with you, it would be essential, because I need to know the ethos of the agency, what makes it tick, and how people relate to one another. And where I am being used as a sounding board, it is vital for me to talk to as many people as possible. That also helps if I am involved in the actual pitch presentation. However, if you want me to prepare a credentials presentation or a pitch document, I can work from my home office.

If you participate in a pitch, would you be prepared to help handling the client after the business is won?

Client handling is a full-time job, and I'm not looking for a full-time job. I'm happy to advise your full-time account team and, of course, I would like to do the copywriting. If I have been part of the pitch team, the client might feel reassured to see me around for a while, but I can handle that by participating in the occasional meeting.

Have I answered your questions? If not, contact me and I will get back to you with an answer.