Frequently Asked Questions
Working with Honeycomb
What type of businesses do you work with?
We work with organisations that are facing change, want to improve performance or are preparing for their next stage of growth.
Our experience is particularly valuable where there is complexity, underperformance, a significant change programme or a need for experienced leadership. We work across a range of sectors, bringing a fresh perspective rather than a one-size-fits-all industry model.
What problems can Honeycomb help with?
Typically, we are brought in when something needs to change.
That might mean improving operational performance, restructuring the business, strengthening leadership, managing growth, preparing for an acquisition, improving governance or providing additional senior capacity.
Sometimes the challenge is obvious. Sometimes a business simply knows it could perform better but needs an independent perspective to understand why.
Do you only work with businesses that are struggling?
Absolutely not! Sometimes businesses are performing well but are approaching a significant transition or opportunity, such as rapid growth, an acquisition, a change in ownership, expansion into new markets or preparing the organisation for its next stage.
Bringing in experienced external support to plan and execute changes in the operating model prevents avoidable problems.
Do you work with small and medium-sized businesses?
Yes, we love working with smaller and medium -sized businesses which can often benefit significantly from experienced leadership without the cost or commitment of a large consultancy or permanent senior appointment.
We tailor the level of support to the size, resources and circumstances of the organisation.
Do you actually deliver the work, or just provide advice?
We deliver.
We can provide strategic advice and independent challenge, but our approach is fundamentally practical. Where appropriate, we work alongside management teams, take ownership of specific outcomes and help turn plans into action.
We are focused on making things happen, not producing reports that sit on a shelf.
How quickly can you get involved?
We understand that some situations cannot wait.
Subject to availability, we can move quickly from an initial conversation to agreeing the scope of work and getting started. For urgent situations, we focus first on understanding the immediate priorities and establishing where we can add the greatest value.
What experience does Honeycomb's team have in the consulting industry?
Our team consists of experienced consultants with backgrounds in various sectors including insurance, manufacturing, retail, shipping, fenestration, and others.
We have experience working in B2B, B2C and the third sector and have a proven track record of delivering results.
Our Approach
What does “Stabilise. Optimise. Grow.” mean?
It is the framework that underpins how we approach transformation.
Stabilise — establish control, clarity and a credible plan.
Optimise — improve performance, efficiency, leadership and ways of working.
Grow — create the capability and foundations for sustainable future growth.
Not every organisation needs all three stages, and they do not always happen in a perfectly linear sequence. We adapt the approach to the circumstances but our priority is always to cut through to what will make the biggest impact.
Do you work with existing management teams?
Yes.
We work alongside existing teams, bringing additional experience, capacity and constructive challenge where it is needed.
Our role can range from advising the leadership team through to taking hands-on responsibility for a particular area of the business or a specific transformation programme.
Can you work on a specific project rather than take on a leadership role?
Absolutely.
If you have a defined challenge or outcome, we can provide focused support through to delivery.
This might include restructuring, operational improvement, strategy, performance improvement, acquisition integration, governance or another significant business change.
How long do you typically work with a client?
It depends on what needs to be achieved.
Some assignments are short, focused projects. Others involve several months of interim leadership or longer-term fractional support.
We agree the purpose, scope and expected outcomes at the beginning and keep the engagement proportionate to the need.
What makes Honeycomb different from a traditional consultancy?
We combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
Our experience comes from operating within businesses and dealing with real-world commercial, operational and leadership challenges — not simply advising from the outside.
We aim to understand the situation quickly, identify what really matters and work with the people involved to deliver meaningful change.
Engagement & Commercials
How do I know whether I need a consultant, an interim or a fractional leader?
It depends on what you are trying to achieve.
Fractional support works well when you need cost-effective ongoing access to experienced leadership but do not need a full-time appointment.
Interim support is usually appropriate when you need someone to take responsibility for a role or lead through a period of change.
Project support is best when you have a specific challenge or outcome that needs to be delivered.
And where the need is longer term, a permanent appointment may be the right solution.
We can help you determine which approach is most appropriate.
Can Honeycomb provide permanent leadership?
Yes, where there is a strong fit.
Our core model is flexible leadership, interim and project-based support, but we are open to permanent executive and board opportunities where the organisation, role and opportunity are right.
How do you charge?
Fees depend on the nature, duration and complexity of the assignment.
We can work on a day-rate, fixed-fee project, monthly fractional arrangement or another agreed basis depending on what best reflects the work required.
We will always aim to agree the scope, deliverables and commercial structure clearly before work begins.
Can you work on an outside-IR35 assignment?
Yes.
Where the nature of the engagement and working practices support an outside-IR35 assessment, we can work through an appropriate consultancy arrangement.
We also recognise that some assignments may fall inside IR35, depending on the circumstances. IR35 status depends on the actual nature of the engagement and working practices, rather than simply the wording of a contract.
We are happy to discuss the appropriate structure at the outset and recommend that both parties obtain professional tax advice where appropriate.
Do you work outside the UK?
Potentially.
We can consider assignments outside of the UK depending on the requirements, location and nature of the engagement.
How do we get started?
Get in touch - it all starts with a conversation.
Tell us what is happening, what you are trying to achieve and where you think you need help. You do not need to have the solution worked out before you contact us.
We will ask the questions, challenge the assumptions where appropriate and establish whether and how Honeycomb is the right fit for your business.
Board & Governance
Can Honeycomb provide independent advice to the board?
Yes.
We provide independent board advice, governance support, board effectiveness reviews and constructive challenge around strategy, performance, risk and significant decisions.
We can also support boards that need additional experience or capacity during periods of change.
When should a board consider external support?
External support can be particularly valuable when an organisation is growing, facing significant change, dealing with increased risk or making an important strategic decision.
It can also help when board roles and responsibilities have become unclear, meetings are too focused on operational detail or the board wants greater assurance that governance arrangements are effective and proportionate.
Can you help improve how our board operates?
Yes.
We can review board structures, responsibilities, information, reporting and decision-making to identify where improvements can be made.
The aim is not to create more process. It is to help the board spend its time on the issues where it can add the greatest value.
Can you provide additional board-level experience without becoming a permanent board member?
Yes.
We can provide independent board advice or targeted support around a particular issue, programme or period of change.
This can give an organisation access to experienced board-level thinking without necessarily requiring a permanent appointment.
Can you help with governance in smaller organisations?
Absolutely.
Good governance should be proportionate to the organisation.
We help smaller and growing organisations put in place practical governance arrangements that provide appropriate oversight, accountability and assurance without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.
What if we are not sure whether our governance is the problem?
That is often where an independent perspective is most useful.
We can help you understand whether the issue is governance, leadership, structure, performance or something else — and identify where support would have the greatest impact.