engagement models

Fixed-Scope Strategic Projects

Defined Strategic Outcomes — Delivered With Clarity and Accountability

Sometimes the challenge isn’t deciding what to do. It’s delivering a specific strategic outcome — properly, rigorously, and without scope drift. Our Fixed Scope Strategic Projects are designed for leaders who know what needs to be produced, but want confidence that it will be delivered to the right standard, within a clearly defined boundary.

These engagements are outcome-led, time-bound and governed.

Fixed-scope projects

When a Fixed Scope Project Is the Right Choice

This model is most effective when:

  • A discrete strategic deliverable is required
  • The success criteria are clear or can be clearly defined
  • The work needs to stand up to board or investor scrutiny
  • Internal teams lack the time or objectivity to deliver it
  • Ongoing leadership ownership is not (yet) required

This approach removes ambiguity, protects focus and ensures accountability.

Fixed-scope projects

What This Is — and What It Isn’t

What It Is:

A clearly defined strategic engagement

Bounded by outcome, not open-ended activity

Delivered against agreed scope and acceptance criteria

Designed to inform senior decisions

Led by Chartered CMOs with board-level experience

What It Isn’t:

❌ A general consulting retainer

❌ An advisory relationship

❌ Tactical marketing execution

❌ Fractional CMO leadership

❌ A discovery or ideation exercise

Fixed scope means fixed responsibility.

Fixed-scope projects

The Types of Strategic Projects We Deliver

Fixed Scope Strategic Projects typically include work such as:

Each project is designed to produce a commercial-ready output, not a theoretical report.

Fixed-scope projects

How the Engagement Works

While each project is unique, the underlying structure is consistent and disciplined.

1. Define the Outcome

We begin by agreeing:
• The strategic question being addressed
• The required outputs
• Success and acceptance criteria
• How the work will be used in decision-making or commercially

This ensures clarity before any work begins.

2. Deliver Against Scope

The project is executed within the agreed boundary, using structured strategic frameworks and evidence-led analysis.

There is no scope creep or moving goalposts unless a new Scope of Work is defined and agreed.

3. Present and Transfer

Outputs are delivered in a form that:
• Leadership teams can act on
• Boards and investors can interrogate
• Internal teams can operationalise

Clarity and usability matter as much as insight.

Fixed-scope projects

What You Receive

At the end of a Fixed Scope Strategic Project, clients typically have:

✅ A completed strategic deliverable

✅ Clear rationale and evidence behind it

✅ Defined implications for action

✅ Reduced decision risk

✅ Confidence to move forward

The work stands on its own — and can also feed into wider advisory or leadership engagements if required.

Fixed-scope projects

How This Fits With Other VCMO Services

Fixed Scope Strategic Projects often sit between clarity and leadership in the VCMO ecosystem. Depending on the outcome, next steps may include:

The project delivers certainty. The next step sustains momentum.

Investment & Commercial Structure

Projects start from £5,000 (+VAT), with pricing based on:

• The complexity of the strategic question/deliverable
• Evidence and analysis required
• Seniority and stakeholder involvement
• Output and governance expectations

Investment is agreed in advance and fixed once scope is confirmed.

This protects both sides and ensures focus remains on outcomes, not hours.

Fixed-scope projects

When This Is Not the Right Approach

This engagement model is not suitable if:

  • The problem is not yet clearly defined
  • You need rapid alignment rather than a defined output
  • You require ongoing leadership ownership
  • You’re looking for tactical execution e.g. campaign or social media delivery

In those situations, a different engagement model will be more effective — and we’ll guide you accordingly.

Our project was to create a top-level marketing strategy which, once built, we could drive forward ourselves. And I can honestly say the work has been transformational for Yellowtail. After each workshop with VCMO, both Dennis Hall and I would be amazed at how much we'd achieved. We worked hard! But the results are worth it.

Sarah Steele
Operations Director, Yellowtail Financial Planning
Read the Case Study

Shout out to Paul Mills who bravely took on running a positioning workshop with us yesterday. Is there anything harder than doing the thing your client does for others for them?! Great work. Really thought provoking, and so important to have facilitated by someone with an external perspective!

Bryony Thomas
CEO, watertight business thinking

Paul is a professional strategic marketeer who is able to apply his expertise with marketing budgets large and small. The commercial impact of Shaw & Co's rebrand, which was initiated, designed and implemented by Paul, has been to differentiate us positively in a sector where few have succeeded. He delivers what he promises, on time and on/under budget, to a high quality. Paul made a positive impact on our business that will last.

Rod Leefe
chair, shaw & co

VCMO's audit brought clarity to a complex set of challenges. They cut through the noise and delivered a clear, prioritised roadmap that we could act on immediately. Their ability to engage across teams and translate insight into action was exactly what we needed.

Dr. Ross Burn
Co-founder, Catsci limited  
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Lydia possesses a deep understanding of marketing strategies and has consistently delivered exceptional results. Her ability to analyse market trends, create engaging campaigns, and drive customer acquisition is truly impressive. Her dedication, attention to detail, and strong communication skills make her an invaluable asset to any organisation. I cannot recommend Lydia enough for her expertise, professionalism, and exceptional work ethic.

Alan Leckey
Business Consultant, CCO - the Collaboration Company  

Paul Mills wasn't just an outsourced marketing leader — he was a mentor. His support helped me enhance my technical marketing skills and shape a more strategic mindset, as well as build my  confidence with senior leadership and deliver higher-impact work. He is dependable and skillful, and his guidance has made me feel more capable and prepared for future challenges.

Caitlin Daniels
marketing manager, catsci limited
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VCMO brings knowledge, insight and practical experience to the table, but also something else, which is quite rare, the unwavering commitment to finishing the job without compromising on the quality of the output. Their work for Yellowtail has been exemplary and we're seeing the results already.

Dennis Hall
founder, yellowtail financial planning

Ruth brought great experience and insight to my firm over many years. Her considered and thoughtful approach to problem solving are a real strength and her experience of marketing and business development in the legal sector was invaluable.

Gavin Tyler
Managing Partner, Cripps

VCMO helped us think beyond our capabilities and reframe how we communicate the true value of what we do. Paul's workshop unlocked fresh ideas resulting in a more strategic approach to our content plan and go-to-market materials. The quality of the output and power of the messaging is really impressive.

Peter Ridgway
Business Development Director, Reach Separations
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VCMO has been instrumental in reshaping how we approach marketing at Lucent. Their strategic clarity, attention to detail, and ability to deliver at pace have been exceptional. Paul's embedded himself seamlessly into the team and quickly earned trust — not just from me, but from our wider staff and partners. The website and content strategy he led have already started delivering results, and I now feel far more confident in how we grow the business over the coming years.

Steven Rowe
Founder - Lucent Financial Planning
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VCMO helped me find the words and structure to communicate what I do — and who I do it for — in a way that finally connects. I’ve had more inbound enquiries since the website relaunch than in the previous two years.

Lee Spencer
aka The rowing marine
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Let's chat if you have a clear strategic requirement and want it delivered with rigour, independence and accountability.

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