Question 1

How long does a file share to SharePoint Online migration take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on data volume, permissions complexity and how clean the source is. A typical departmental share (1-5 TB, well structured) is 4-8 weeks end to end. Larger estates with messy permissions, long paths or active workflows usually run 3-6 months. Discovery and a pilot give a confident, evidence-based timeline before committing to a cutover date.

Question 2

Which migration tool is best: ShareGate, AvePoint or Microsoft Migration Manager?

Accepted Answer

There is no single best tool. ShareGate is excellent for SharePoint to SharePoint and complex remapping. Microsoft Migration Manager is free and great for pure file share to OneDrive or SharePoint at scale. AvePoint DocAve and Quest Content Matrix shine on large enterprise estates with deep customisation. The right tool is selected per workload, often combining several in the same programme.

Question 3

Can you fix a stalled or failed SharePoint migration?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A large part of recent work has been recovering programmes that prior teams could not deliver. At Next, a migration two previous teams failed to complete in 18 months was rescued and delivered in 12. The first step is always an honest technical and process audit, then a pragmatic plan to ship.

Question 4

Do you handle tenant to tenant migrations after a merger or divestiture?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SharePoint, OneDrive, Exchange and Teams tenant to tenant migrations are a core service, including carve-outs where a new tenant has to be stood up from scratch and a clean cutover delivered in a fixed window.

Question 5

What is your day rate and are you inside or outside IR35?

Accepted Answer

£750 per day plus VAT for direct engagements. Most work is delivered outside IR35 on a Statement of Work basis. Inside IR35 engagements and fixed-price packages for well-scoped work are also possible.

Question 6

Are you available for short-term work or only long programmes?

Accepted Answer

Both. Focused short engagements (cutover support, audits, tool selection, recovery sprints) and multi-month programme delivery roles are all available.

Question 7

Do you work remotely or on-site?

Accepted Answer

UK based and remote by default. On-site for kick-offs, key workshops, training and cutover weekends where that adds value.

Question 8

Do you accept work through recruitment agencies?

Accepted Answer

No. Direct client engagements only. This keeps your day rate down, removes the agency margin and means the person you brief is the person doing the work.

Matthew Hughes, SharePoint Online Migration Expert

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Hire direct, £750/day + VAT

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