Terms of Engagement
Introduction
These terms describe how Ahlert Advisory works with its clients: how engagements are agreed, what is in scope, how fees are set, and how confidentiality, independence, and liability are handled. They apply to advisory services provided by Ahlert Advisory, the independent advisory practice of Petra Ahlert, Cham (Zug), Switzerland. The full Terms of Engagement form part of every written proposal and are available on request.
How an engagement is agreed
Every engagement is agreed individually in writing. A discovery call comes first, followed by a written proposal that sets out the question to be addressed, the scope, the deliverables, the timing, and the fee. The engagement becomes binding once the proposal is confirmed in writing. Where a client’s own procurement terms are referenced, they apply only if accepted in writing.
What Ahlert Advisory does
Ahlert Advisory provides independent strategic advisory services in three areas: strategy and growth transformation, AI and data-driven commercial excellence, and board and executive advisory. The work delivers analysis, structure, recommendations, and an independent outside perspective. Decision-making authority, implementation, and management responsibility remain with the client at all times.
What is not in scope
Ahlert Advisory does not provide legal, tax, audit, accounting, investment, or regulatory advice, and does not perform regulated financial services. It does not take on executive, managerial, or fiduciary functions within a client organisation unless a separate mandate is agreed in writing. Where specialist advice is required, clients should engage appropriately qualified professionals. Content published on this website is general information and is not advice.
The discovery call
The discovery call is thirty minutes, exploratory, free of charge, and without obligation. Its purpose is to understand the situation, clarify the question, and establish whether there is a good fit. Everything discussed is treated as confidential, whether or not an engagement follows. No advisory relationship arises from a discovery call alone.
How fees are structured
Fees are agreed per engagement and set out in the proposal before any work begins. Four models are used, alone or in combination: an hourly rate for ad-hoc strategic counsel, a daily rate for defined workstreams, a fixed fee for a scoped sprint with agreed deliverables, and a monthly retainer for standing advisory relationships. Which model applies depends on the nature of the work, not on the size of the client. All fees are quoted excluding value added tax; Swiss VAT is added where legally applicable and shown separately on every invoice.
Payment Terms
Invoices are payable within 14 days net, without deduction. Retainers are invoiced monthly. Fixed-fee engagements are invoiced against agreed milestones, or 50% on commencement and 50% on completion, as specified in the proposal. Work beyond the agreed scope is agreed in writing before it starts.
Travel
Travel time within the Zug and Zurich area is not billed as working time, and travel costs within this area are not invoiced separately. Outside this area, travel is charged at CHF 1 per kilometre by car or at first-class rail fare. For international travel, flights of up to six hours are charged at economy or premium economy fare, and flights exceeding six hours or departing overnight at business class fare. All travel outside the Zug and Zurich area requires prior approval.
Confidentiality and discretion
Client information is treated as confidential during an engagement and afterwards, and is used solely for the purposes of that engagement. Clients are named publicly only with prior written consent. Where work is described without consent, it is described in anonymised form only, so that the client cannot reasonably be identified. Testimonials are published only with written approval and are withdrawn on request. A separate non-disclosure agreement is signed where a client requires one.
Independence and conflict of interest
Ahlert Advisory works independently and advises other clients, including within the same industry. A conflict check is carried out before an engagement is accepted. Material conflicts are disclosed in writing, and an engagement is declined or ended where a conflict cannot be appropriately managed. Exclusivity or sector restrictions apply only where expressly agreed and separately compensated. No success fees or commission arrangements are used.
Use of AI tools
AI-based tools are used in research, analysis, and drafting, consistent with the subject matter of the advisory work. Confidential client information is not entered into publicly accessible AI models. Where client information is processed with AI support, only business or enterprise accounts are used, on which training on customer data is contractually excluded. All output is reviewed and validated personally by Petra Ahlert, and responsibility for delivered work rests with Ahlert Advisory. Clients may request in writing that no AI tools be used in their engagement.
Deliverables and intellectual property
Ahlert Advisory retains the rights to its methods, frameworks, and templates. On full payment, the client receives a licence to use the deliverables for its own internal business purposes. Deliverables are prepared for a specific client, for an agreed purpose, and on the basis of the circumstances known at the time. They are not to be disclosed to third parties or relied upon by third parties without prior written consent.
Liability
Services are performed with the care of a diligent professional advisor. Advisory work is an obligation of diligent performance, not of a specific commercial result, and no guarantee is given as to any particular outcome. Liability is limited to direct damage and capped at the fees paid for the engagement concerned. This limitation does not apply in cases of unlawful intent or gross negligence, or where liability cannot be limited under mandatory Swiss law.
Governing law and jurisdiction
Engagements are governed by Swiss law. The exclusive place of jurisdiction is Zug, Switzerland.
Full terms and contact
The complete Terms of Engagement form part of every proposal and are available on request. For questions, please write to ahlert (at) ahlert-advisory.com with “Terms of Engagement” in the subject line.
Last updated: August 2026