Questions about Eclectic Consulting
How are you different from other consultancies?
We focus on practical outcomes, not report heavy theory. We work hands on with SMEs, tailoring our support to your reality and staying close to delivery rather than disappearing after recommendations.
Do you offer fixed scope or flexible engagements?
Both. We can work to a clearly defined scope or provide flexible, fractional support depending on what will deliver the most value for your organisation.
How do you ensure recommendations are practical?
Everything we recommend is shaped by your context, capabilities, and constraints. We focus on actions that can actually be delivered and often stay involved to help turn decisions into outcomes.
Both founders are ex-military — does that mean you only work in defence?
No. While we are veteran founded, our experience since leaving the military spans a wide range of sectors and project environments. We’ve supported public and private sector organisations of all sizes, including charities, cyber and digital, infrastructure, engineering, systems integration, technology, and transformation programmes.
That said, our background does give us a deep understanding of service leavers, veterans, and the realities of working in defence and security sensitive environments. This means we can confidently support defence related work, while bringing broad, commercially grounded experience from well beyond it.
Questions about P3M
What methodologies and frameworks do you use?
We have extensive experience across recognised delivery frameworks including Waterfall, PRINCE2, APM, Agile, MSP and SAFe. We don’t believe in one size fits all solutions, so we tailor our approach, often using hybrid models, based on a clear understanding of your organisation, projects and challenges.
Do you use anything other than Project Management methodologies and approaches?
We are not solely guided by project management methodologies. Our knowledge and experience allow us to tailor solutions that draw on a broader range of disciplines to meet the specific needs of each engagement.
For example, we have applied principles from safety management and Just Culture, including FAIR³ and Human Factors drawn from the aviation industry, to address complex project challenges. This cross-industry approach enables us to design bespoke solutions that go beyond standard delivery frameworks and address the underlying behavioural, operational, and organisational factors affecting project success.
What types of organisations do you work with?
We primarily support SMEs delivering complex change, transformation, critical projects, or projects that are stalling. Our approach scales to your size and level of delivery maturity.
What do you class as a critical project?
A critical project is one that really matters to your organisation, because of its impact, risk, or strategic importance, not its size. What’s “critical” will differ by organisation, so we focus on the work where failure or delay would have the greatest consequence for you.
Do you manage projects for us, or work with our team?
Both. We can lead delivery directly, strengthen existing teams, or provide targeted support where you need it most, from mobilisation to recovery.
Can you help rescue projects that are already struggling?
Yes. We regularly support project recovery by clarifying scope, resetting governance, realigning stakeholders, and restoring delivery momentum. Helping you replace uncertainty and pressure with structure, traction, and a clear path to success. Giving you the reassurance that your goals are still achievable, and your project is firmly back on track.
What if we don’t have a PMO or formal governance?
That’s common in SMEs. We put in place proportionate, lightweight structures that improve visibility and control without adding unnecessary complexity.
How quickly can you add value?
Usually very quickly. We focus first on understanding what really matters, then prioritise practical actions that improve confidence, control, and outcomes.
Do you offer short-term or part-time support?
Yes. Our support is flexible, from short interventions to ongoing fractional leadership, depending on what’s most effective for you.
Questions about Business Strategy Consulting Services
What level of strategy do you support?
We support practical business strategy, from setting direction and priorities through to identifying growth, diversification, and capability requirements.
Is this just high-level strategy work?
No. Strategy must connect to delivery. We focus on realistic, achievable recommendations that your organisation can actually implement.
Who is this strategy support best suited for?
It’s ideal for SMEs facing growth decisions, change, or uncertainty, especially where leadership teams need clarity and alignment.
How do you approach strategy development?
We start by understanding your goals, context, and operating environment. We then analyse internal and external factors before shaping clear, practical options.
Do you work with leadership teams?
Yes. We often work directly with founders, directors, and senior leaders to support decision making, prioritisation, and alignment.
Can you help us assess new opportunities or markets?
Absolutely. We support opportunity evaluation, risk assessment, and resource analysis to help you make informed, confident decisions.
What do we get at the end?
Typically: a clear direction, prioritised options, and a strategy that is grounded in reality and connected to delivery.
Questions about the Forces Talent Pathway (Employers) Service
How is this different from recruitment?
Recruitment stops at the job offer. We stay with you through probation, provide a structured onboarding plan that fits around any existing onboarding, and help close any skill gaps with support, training, and access to industry experts. It’s a pathway, not a placement.
What if the candidate has gaps?
That’s normal, especially in SMEs where people often wear multiple hats. We don’t just identify gaps; we help close them through targeted support, training, and time with our associates who specialise in areas like commercial awareness, communication, customer interaction, and broader business skills.
What if we’ve never hired a service leaver before?
Many SMEs haven’t, and that’s exactly why the pathway exists. We help you understand the capability you’re getting, how it aligns to your role, and what support (if any) will help them thrive.
What if we don’t understand military backgrounds?
You don’t need to. We translate military capability into civilian terms and only put forward candidates who genuinely fit your environment and expectations.
What if we don’t have a formal onboarding process?
That’s fine. Our Accelerator includes a structured onboarding plan that fits around whatever you already do, whether that’s a full process or something informal.
What if the candidate doesn’t work out?
Our support during probation significantly reduces that risk. If challenges appear, we help address them early.
Do we have to hire someone?
No. The Talent Clarity Review helps you understand what you need, but there’s no obligation to hire.
How long does the process take?
It depends on your role and the backgrounds that align, but SMEs typically meet strong candidates quickly because we already understand the military talent landscape.
What does it cost?
Typically, no more than traditional recruitment but with much less risk and higher ROI. This could be offset through the zero contribution of National Insurance when hiring a service leaver. There are no upfront fees.
Do we really not pay NI for a whole year for a Service Leaver?
Yes! Employers hiring a qualifying armed forces veteran do not pay Employer National Insurance for the first 12 months of their civilian employment, on earnings up to £50,270. This applies from the veteran’s first day in civilian work and continues for a full year.
Do candidates already have security clearance?
Many do. If you need staff who already hold, or can pass, vetting quickly, ex‑military are a strong fit.
Do you have a complaints policy?
Questions about the Forces Talent Pathway (Candidates) Service
Do I need a perfect CV to register?
No, and we say that with real understanding. We’ve lived the CV fear and pain ourselves. Most service leavers feel unsure about their CV, and many don’t have one at all. Military careers rarely fit neatly into a two-page document, and trying to translate everything you’ve done into civilian language can feel overwhelming.
At this stage, we don’t care what your CV looks like. Just send whatever version you have or even a simple note if you don’t have a CV yet. No judgement. No pressure. This is exactly what we’re here for.
What happens after I send my CV (or note) to you?
You’ll be able to book a free call with us. Even if you decide not to move forward with the pathway, you’ll leave that call with something genuinely useful, such as:
CV guidance
How to position your experience
LinkedIn profile advice
Resettlement timing and when to take action
Clarity on your capability
Insight into what civilian employers actually look for
Everyone leaves with value.
Is this recruitment?
Recruitment is part of what we do, but this is far more than a recruitment service.
Traditional recruitment ends at the job offer. The Forces Talent Pathway continues long after that:
We help you translate your military experience
We match you with companies where your capability genuinely fits
We support you and your new employer all the way through probation
We succeed if you succeed.
It’s not just about getting you into a role. It’s about helping you settle, grow, and thrive in your civilian career.
Do you only work with people leaving the military right now?
No. We support anyone who is leaving the military or already a veteran.
What kinds of roles do you support?
Roles vary, but often include:
Maintenance engineering
Project Management
Field service
Manufacturing and production
Technical support
Utilities and infrastructure
Operations and reliability
Defence supply chain
Hands‑on engineering and technician roles
What if I don’t know what I want to do yet?
That’s completely normal. The Capability Conversation helps you understand your strengths, your options, and the environments you’d thrive in.
What if I’ve done loads of different things in the military — how do I explain that?
You’re not alone. Most service leavers have a broad mix of skills that don’t fit neatly into a civilian job title. We help you translate your experience, so employers understand your capability clearly and confidently.
Do I need civilian qualifications?
Not necessarily. Many roles value your experience, mindset, and problem-solving ability more than certificates. If a qualification would help, we’ll tell you and point you in the right direction.
Do you only work with certain companies?
We work with companies who genuinely value ex‑military talent and are open to supporting your transition. We only match you with employers where your capability aligns and where you can grow.
What is the Talent Integration Accelerator?
It’s the structured support you receive once you start your new role. We help you and your employer through probation with:
Onboarding guidance
Regular check-ins
Workplace culture support
Access to industry experts
Help building any additional skills the role might require
It’s there to help you settle, grow, and succeed.
Why does it matter that you’re veteran founded?
Because we’ve lived the transition ourselves. We understand the challenges, the uncertainty, and the value you bring. You’re not explaining your world to people who don’t get it, you’re talking to people who’ve been there.
What if I’m not ready to start a new role yet?
That’s completely fine. You can still send your CV (or note) and book a call. We’ll help you understand your options, plan your timing, and get clear on what steps to take, whether that’s now, in six months, or further down the line. There’s no pressure to move quickly. We’re here to support you at the pace that’s right for you.
Do you have a complaints policy?
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Let’s talk about your ambitions and challenges
Whether you're shaping strategy, delivering change, strengthening governance, or looking to access new talent through our Forces Talent Pathway, Eclectic Consulting can support you.