Straight answers.
The questions owners ask before they get in touch, and the ones professionals ask before they apply.
For business owners
Is Stride right for a business my size?
Yes. Stride is built for sole traders, early-stage founders and small teams of under ten people. You do not need a big budget or a big brief, just a clear sense of what is taking up your time.
Can I afford it?
Everything is priced around what you actually need. You can start with a single project, such as a website, or a few hours of support a week, and add more as the business grows. Once we understand what you need, we give you a clear quote before anything starts.
I do not know which stage I am at. Does that matter?
Not at all. Most owners have a foot in more than one stage. Send us an enquiry and we will work out together where the biggest return is, and tell you honestly where to start.
Who will I actually be working with?
A named lead who owns your work, manages delivery and keeps you updated. You are not handed to a pool of anonymous freelancers.
Where is the team based?
Stride is UK-led and part of OA Holdings Group. Our talent is sourced from West Africa and delivers under UK-aligned governance: clear SOPs, quality checks, NDAs and a reporting rhythm you can rely on. That is how we keep quality high and costs within reach of a micro business.
What happens with my data and access?
Access is scoped from the start: only what is needed for the agreed tasks. NDAs are standard, and access controls are documented as part of onboarding.
Am I tied into a long contract?
No long-term commitment. Every engagement is covered by a straightforward service agreement with OA Stride Ltd that sets out what we deliver, when, and the notice period.
How quickly can we start?
Once we have agreed the scope, we typically match and set up within one to two weeks. We do not start delivery until the plan is agreed.
Do you work with businesses outside the UK?
Stride is UK-led and most of our clients are UK-based, but we work with international founders and diaspora-owned businesses. If you are based outside the UK, get in touch and we will tell you if we are a good fit.
What if I am not happy with the work?
Every engagement starts with a written scope so expectations are clear from day one. If something is not right, you raise it with your named lead and we fix it. We do not disappear when things get uncomfortable.
What if a placement does not work out?
If a Stride placement is not working within the first 30 days, tell us. We will find you a replacement at no additional cost. We stand behind every introduction we make.
Do you give regulated financial or legal advice?
No. Our bookkeeping and finance support is administrative and works alongside your accountant. We deliver operational, creative and strategic support, not regulated professional advice.
For candidates
Do I need to be based in West Africa to apply?
Our primary talent pool is West African professionals, but location within the region is flexible. What matters most is your skills, reliability, and ability to work remotely within agreed hours.
Do I need prior UK or international work experience?
Not necessarily. We assess candidates on their professional skills and work ethic first. Experience working with international clients is an advantage but is not a hard requirement for every role.
How long does it take to get placed?
There is no fixed timeline as it depends on the roles available and how well your profile matches current client briefs. Submitting a strong expression of interest with a clear CV significantly improves your chances of being matched quickly.
Will I be employed by OA Stride or by the client?
You will be engaged through OA Stride Ltd, which means we handle your contract, support your onboarding, and remain your point of contact throughout the placement. You are not left to manage the client relationship alone.
What kind of support will I receive once placed?
Our UK team conducts regular check-ins to ensure the placement is working well for you. We are also available to mediate if any issues arise with the client.
Is there a cost to join the talent pool?
No. Submitting your expression of interest and being considered for placement is completely free.
Still have a question?
Send it through the enquiry form or email hello@oastride.com. We reply within one working day.