Back to The Essential Expert Rate Card 2026
Engagement Rate Card · 2026

Better Leaders. Better Systems. Better Futures.

Three pillars. Five products. Every engagement is shaped from the situation in front of you, never a packaged programme. The accessible rate is a structural commitment, not a discount. Service is identical at both rates.

Tip: Print or save as PDF using the button above, or your browser's File → Print menu (or ⌘P / Ctrl+P). Layout is print-optimised.

Flagship Programme · The Director's Path

From Senior Manager to Director in 90 Days.

A structured leadership programme for those ready to step into the boardroom, or determined to lead better within it.

What it is. Six modules across 90 days. Six working tools to apply directly in your real role. A peer cohort of no more than ten. A closing individual development review. Six entry routes from £197 Self-Led to £1,950 employer-sponsored 1:1 Coached, plus the £395 per month Sounding Board for those already in the role.

For. Aspirant directors. Newly appointed executives. Senior leaders carrying director-level accountability who want to lead with full clarity and authority. Hosted on Coachful, paired with TEE.

Always-open routes

  • Self-Led from £197
  • Readiness Review £195
  • 60 launch assets in companion library
  • One new asset every week of the year
Self-Led
£197
Always open. Move at your own pace.
Readiness Review
£195
90-min paid diagnostic. Confirms route.
Cohort-Guided
£497
Per intake. Cohorts capped at ten.
1:1 Coached
£1,197
£1,950 employer-sponsored.
Sounding Board
£395 / mo
Retained. Three-month minimum.
Team and Board
Scoped
Five Behaviours plus Everything DiSC.

Exclusive to TEE. The only structured board-readiness programme led entirely by a former Gold Commander, national operational director, and defence programme lead. There is no equivalent at this price point from this level of practitioner experience.

Better Leaders

Executive coaching for leaders where the stakes are real.

Executive Coaching

Retained. Senior leaders only. Limited to eight clients at any time.

Investment
£1,800 / mo
£1,350 accessible rate

Two 90-minute coaching sessions per month. Between-session access for time-critical decisions. Structured development arc reviewed at 90 days. Rolling monthly retainer. Delivered directly and exclusively by the TEE founder.

Better Systems

Independent review and recovery for organisations that cannot afford to get it wrong.

The Essential Review

Fixed scope. Board-level outcome. Four to eight weeks.

Investment
£9,500 to £14,500
£7,500 to £11,000 accessible rate

Structured discovery audit across leadership, governance, and operational delivery. Independent analytical assessment. Board-level written report with a prioritised improvement roadmap. One board facilitation session included at the six-month point to review progress.

Better Futures

Strategic intelligence that keeps boards ahead of the environment they lead in.

Strategic Foresight

Retained. Boards and leadership teams. Maximum six clients at any time.

Investment
£3,500 / mo
£2,800 accessible rate

Monthly written intelligence briefing tailored to sector and strategic priorities. One half-day facilitated board session per quarter. On-demand advisory access between sessions. Annual horizon review with a long-range strategic position paper. Reviewed and renewed every six months.

Bespoke Mandate · By Invitation

Embedded Leadership.

Embedded programme direction and operational leadership. By personal agreement.

Interim COO, programme director, or senior operational lead for complex, high-consequence mandates. Structured turnaround and delivery methodology from day one. Available across public sector, defence, infrastructure, and PE-backed commercial. All mandates by personal agreement with the TEE founder only.

£1,100 to £1,450 / day
Min. 20-day engagement

The accessible rate is structural, not discretionary.

The lower rate applies automatically to: public sector and NHS organisations, registered charities, self-funding individuals, and SMEs under fifty employees. No application. No proof required. Declare on booking and the accessible rate applies. The service at both rates is identical in every respect, including direct delivery by Stephen Marshall VR.

Starting an engagement

Every engagement begins with a no-charge scoping conversation arranged via the website. No obligation, no sales process, response within 48 hours for routine enquiries.

Billing

Retainers monthly in advance, 30 days rolling notice. Diagnostic projects 40% on commissioning, 60% on delivery. Programme fees in full on booking; instalment option on request.

Availability

Coaching and Strategic Foresight retainer places are strictly limited. Bespoke mandates by personal agreement only. All fees exclusive of VAT at the prevailing rate.

Engagements begin with a scoping conversation about the gap you need to close.

No charge. No sales process. We confirm fit, or we point you somewhere better.

steve@theessentialexpert.com
+44 117 473 0294 Direct contact
The Essential Expert Ltd. Registered in England and Wales, Company No. 14143619. Registered office: Dragon House, Princes Way, Bridgend Industrial Estate, Bridgend, CF31 3AQ. All fees exclusive of VAT at the prevailing rate.
Better Leaders. Better Systems. Better Futures. theessentialexpert.com · Rate Card 2026 · Confidential