The fractional-versus-permanent decision is harder than it looks
UK senior hiring decisions increasingly start with a question firms didn’t routinely ask five years ago: should this be a fractional appointment, an interim, or a permanent hire? The fractional senior hiring market has matured substantially in the UK over the past decade — particularly …
What boards keep getting wrong about NED diversity
By Adrian Lawrence FCA, Founder, Exec Capital UK board diversity has improved substantially over the past decade — the FTSE 350 looks materially different from how it looked in 2015 — and the substantive arguments for diverse boards are now well-rehearsed. What’s also true is …
How SMCR is changing the senior appointment timetable for FCA-regulated firms
By Adrian Lawrence FCA, Founder, Exec Capital Boards at FCA-regulated firms approaching senior appointments often underestimate the timetable. The substantive search work — brief, market mapping, candidate engagement, assessment, offer — proceeds on a familiar calendar. The Form A submission, fitness and propriety assessment and …
The compensation trend that’s quietly reshaping UK senior hiring in 2026
By Adrian Lawrence FCA, Founder, Exec Capital There’s a structural shift in UK senior compensation that doesn’t get the attention it warrants. Headline base salaries at the senior end have moved within recognisable bands over the past three years; the underlying mix of cash, deferred …
Why senior team strength now drives PE exit valuations more than ever
By Adrian Lawrence FCA, Founder, Exec Capital PE-backed exit conversations have changed materially over the past two years. Where senior team composition was historically discussed late in the process — typically once an indicative offer was on the table and management presentations were being prepared …
Maximizing Value: Strategies for Improving EBITDA Before Business Exit
Introduction Importance of EBITDA in Business Valuation EBITDA, which stands for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization, is a critical metric in business valuation. It provides a clear picture of a company’s operational profitability by focusing on earnings derived from core business activities. By …
How Much Does a Virtual CFO Cost in the UK?
How Much Does a Virtual CFO Cost in the UK? Introduction Overview of the role of a Virtual CFO In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has become increasingly crucial. However, for many small businesses, hiring a full-time …
Common CFO Hiring Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Common CFO Hiring Mistakes and How to Avoid Them The Importance of Hiring the Right CFO Strategic Leadership The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of a company. As a key member of the executive team, the CFO …
How to Hire a Fractional CFO in London: A Complete Guide for Growing Businesses
How to Hire a Fractional CFO in London: A Complete Guide for Growing Businesses Understanding the Role of a Fractional CFO Defining a Fractional CFO A Fractional CFO, also known as a part-time or outsourced CFO, is a financial expert who provides executive-level financial management …
What makes a great chief technology officer today and in venture-backed businesses
What makes a great chief technology officer today and in venture-backed businesses The Changing Landscape of Technology Leadership in Startups The Rise of Technology-Driven Business Models In recent years, the startup ecosystem has witnessed a significant shift towards technology-driven business models. This transformation has been …


