Question 1

Is the audit right for my business?

Accepted Answer

If your business spends significant time on manual, repeatable tasks - admin, scheduling, reporting, data entry - the audit will almost certainly find opportunities. It works best for owner-led and growing businesses where the leadership team is still close to day-to-day operations. If we do not find any practical improvements, we say so.

Question 2

What sectors do you work with?

Accepted Answer

Trades and contractors, professional services (accountants, bookkeepers, recruiters, estate agents), health and wellness, and training providers. If you are not sure whether your business fits, book a free fit call and we will tell you honestly.

Question 3

Is this just AI hype?

Accepted Answer

No. Most of what we implement is not AI in the headline sense - it is workflow automation: connecting the tools you already use so information stops being copied by hand. When AI is genuinely the right tool, we use it, but we will not recommend it where a simpler solution works better. The goal is time saved, not technology for its own sake.

Question 4

What tools do you use? Are you tied to specific platforms?

Accepted Answer

We are tool-agnostic. We work with whatever you already have wherever possible - common platforms include Make.com, Zapier, n8n, and direct API integrations. We do not earn referral fees from any tool vendor and we will not recommend a platform switch unless the case for it is clear.

Question 5

How long does the whole process take?

Accepted Answer

The questionnaire takes about 20 minutes. The workflow session is 45-60 minutes. The written report is delivered within 3 working days of your session, followed by a 20-minute call. Most clients are through the full audit within two weeks.

Question 6

What does the audit report actually look like?

Accepted Answer

A written document - typically 8-12 pages - that lists each opportunity we found, the tool or approach that would address it, an estimate of time saved, and a priority order. It is written to be understood without a technical background.

Question 7

What does implementation typically cost?

Accepted Answer

The retainer is typically £800-1,500 per month depending on scope and complexity. Most clients start with a 3-month engagement to implement the top 2-3 findings.

Question 8

We're not technical at all. Is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

No. You do not need to understand the technical side for any of this to work. We build it, we test it, and we hand it over in a way you can manage.

Question 9

What if the audit finds no opportunities?

Accepted Answer

We will tell you. The audit fee is still charged - you have paid for an honest expert review of your business, not just a recommendation. This is rare, but we would rather say there is nothing worth doing here than sell you something unnecessary.

Two ways to work with Cortel

AI Efficiency Audit

AI Implementation Support

FAQ