Non-Executive Director Services In London

Independent challenge and board discipline for owner-managed businesses

A Non-Executive Director gives a London business an experienced, independent voice at the board table. They challenge assumptions, hold the plan to account and keep the directors focused on the business rather than on each other. Secantor provides Non-Executive Directors to owner-managed businesses across London and the Home Counties. We visit you, listen to the whole story and propose the NED we think fits your board.

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What Does A Non-Executive Director Do In A Growing Business?

A NED does not run the business. They make sure the people who do are asking the right questions. Typically that means:

  • Independent challenge: a sounding board with no stake in the politics and nothing to protect.
  • Board discipline: monthly board meetings with a published agenda, the right management information and a record of who will do what by when.
  • A shared plan: helping directors agree a vision and a business plan, then monitoring progress against it.
  • Accountability: holding the owner and the directors to what they said they would do.
  • Succession and exit: preparing the business and the people for a change of ownership.

Our Non-Executive Director page explains the role in general; this page covers how it works for London boards.

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When Does A London Business Need A Non-Executive Director?

Look for the signs: directors who disagree about direction, an owner who makes every decision, a board that meets rarely or not at all, or a sale or succession that is getting closer. A NED is often the quickest way to turn a collection of strong individuals into a team that pulls in one direction.

Our Strategic Business Review research shows how often growing businesses have no independent challenge at board level.

How Has A Secantor NED Helped A London Business?

A London business where a boardroom dispute was holding the company back

A London business founded by four specialists was being held back by a serious breakdown between two of its directors. Secantor was invited in and carried out a two day Strategic Business Review, interviewing each director and testing opinions against the financial and operational facts.

The review showed that one director was holding on to an outdated approach while the other three led the business towards new opportunities. Secantor facilitated an amicable exit, with a legal settlement and a share buy-back based on an independent valuation.

The remaining three directors then asked Secantor to act as their Non-Executive Director. We helped them agree a shared vision, a business plan and a three year forecast, and introduced monthly board meetings with a published agenda, management information and a record of actions and owners. Within 18 months, turnover had grown from £1.6m to £1.85m and net profit from £135,000 to £200,000. Read the full case study.

A Non Executive Director discussing strategy with a London business owner

How Does A Non-Executive Director Work With You?

We visit you at your premises, hear how the board works today and then propose the NED we think fits. Every Secantor advisor is personally accredited by our directors, and most have held board-level roles themselves. A NED usually attends the monthly board meeting and prepares for it, with time in between for the owner or Managing Director.

What Does A Non-Executive Director Cost In London?

Our Finance Director, CFO and Non-Executive Director support is charged at £1,200 a day plus VAT and expenses, invoiced monthly for the days worked. Many boards start with one day a month, covering the board meeting and the preparation for it, and the commitment can be adjusted as the board's needs change.

A non executive director chairing a board meeting in London
BOOK A CALL WITH AN EXPERT

Which Board-Level Support Fits Your Business?

  • Non-Executive Director when the board needs independent challenge, discipline and a shared plan.
  • Part-time Finance Director when control, reporting and cash are the first priority. See our Finance Director service.
  • Part-time CFO when strategy, funding and growth are the priority. See our CFO service.
  • Strategic Business Review when you want an independent assessment first. See our Strategic Business Review.

Many boards benefit from a NED alongside a Finance Director, because the NED challenges the plan and the Finance Director supplies the numbers behind it.

Can A NED Help When Directors Disagree?

Yes. An independent voice who has reviewed the facts, spoken to each director and has nothing to protect is often the quickest route to agreement. A NED can facilitate the difficult conversation, propose a resolution that serves the business as a whole, and then keep the board on track afterwards, with regular meetings and clear actions so old disagreements do not return.

A Non Executive Director making plans with a London-based business owner

What Happens At A Free Business Review?

We start with a conversation about the business and the board, then visit your premises to hear the full story and see how the directors work together. You receive an independent view of where a Non-Executive Director would help most and our recommendation of the right advisor, with no obligation.

Our 5-Point Commitment to You

✅ Expert Advice You Can Rely On: You’ll work with a qualified, experienced professional who’s focused on results.

✅ A Trusted Working Relationship: We select someone who fits your culture, team, and goals.

✅ Tailored Support for Your Business: No templates — just relevant, practical, hands-on input.

✅ Dependable, Consistent Delivery: We meet deadlines, keep promises, and deliver lasting impact.

✅ Clear, Proactive Communication: No jargon. Just senior-level expertise, clearly delivered.

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Next Steps

Book your Free Business Review, or book a discovery call with a Secantor Director.

Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Executive Directors In London

What is the difference between a NED and a Finance Director?

A NED provides independent challenge at the board and does not run any function. A Finance Director runs reporting, forecasting and cash. Many boards benefit from both.

How much time does a NED need?

Typically a monthly board meeting, preparation for it and time between meetings for the owner or Managing Director. More is possible during a turnaround, a dispute or a sale.

Do we need a NED if we are a family or founder owned business?

Often more so. Without independent challenge, decisions can run through one person, and succession or exit is harder to plan. A NED provides the structure to prepare for both.

Can a NED also help prepare us for a sale?

Yes. A NED can bring the board discipline, planning and forecasting that buyers expect to see, and guide the owner through the process.

What does a Non-Executive Director cost in London?

Our Finance Director, CFO and Non-Executive Director support is charged at £1,200 a day plus VAT and expenses, and many boards start with one day a month.

Not quite found the answer you need?    Contact our team – we’ll get back to you personally.

Interested in how senior support could help in other areas too? Learn more about our Part-Time Finance Directors and Outsourced Operations Directors.

Talk To Paul About Your Business Goals

Book a Free 30-Minute Business Review

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Paul Gibbins

Use the calendar to book a free 30-minute call with Paul and get clarity on your next steps

On the call, you’ll:

  • Identify what’s holding back your profit and growth
  • Gain clearer direction on your business priorities
  • Understand how to improve cashflow and performance
  • Explore practical steps to move your business forward

No obligation

30-minute call

Expert advice

Free Business Review

No two businesses are the same. This is why we offer a free business review. We can arrange an initial chat with one of our experts to get things started. Then a couple of our team members will visit you to listen to the story of your business. From this meeting, we’ll be able to provide you with some interesting insights into your business from our independent experience. This will allow you to see how we work and help us to select the right expert for your business. Contact us to book a free consultation.

Why not read one of our short case studies to learn about Secantor's impact.

“We will never forget your huge contribution to Montezuma’s and your constant support, encouragement and all the board room laughs. Thank you for everything!” - Helen Pattinson, MD & Co-founder of Montezuma’s Chocolates

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Profitability is the heartbeat of any successful business. Ready to take your business to the next level? Download your free guide and discover 10 powerful strategies to increase your business profits today!

Inside this guide, you'll discover how to:

✓ Create a budget that works for you

✓ Identify profit hotspots (and tackle any losses)

✓ Maximise sales while keeping costs in check

✓ Master the difference between 'Mark-up' and 'Margin'

…and so much more!

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Ways Secantor Will Help You

4 Develop a Plan
Develop & Implement A Successful Plan
5 Optimise Finances
Optimise Your Finances
6 Develop a Team
Develop A Strong Accountable Team
7 Build Value in Your Business
Build Value In Your Business
8 Improve Operational Efficiency
Improve Operational Efficiency
9 Exit Your Business Successfully
Exit Your Business Successfully

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What Does It Take to Build a Successful SME?

This guide is designed for ambitious SME owners who want to:

  • Focus on what actually drives growth
  • Spot where profit is being lost
  • Improve margins with smarter decisions
  • Strengthen cash flow and financial control
  • Build a stronger foundation for sustainable growth
  • Take practical action that moves the business forward
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Our Services

We help you make strategic decisions

Secantor provides expert financial and management support to SME owners and directors. Our commercially experienced team covers the following roles.

1 Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Strategic support and experience to guide you as you make decisions and build value in your business. A NED acts as a sounding board for your ideas, improves business performance, holds you and your team to account and helps you achieve a successful exit.

Responsibilities

✓ Strategic business planning

✓ Support strategic decision-making

✓ Set business goals and objectives

✓ Rejuvenate struggling businesses

✓ Manage growth effectively

✓ Implement best practice

✓ Sounding board for your ideas

✓ Set and communicate vision

✓ Hold you & your team to account

✓ Build an effective management team

Learn More
2 Finance Director

Finance Director

Expert financial leadership from a commercially experienced, qualified accountant. An FD will create financial plans, report your monthly performance against budget and interpret the figures to help you make sound decisions & improve profitability.

Responsibilities

✓ Expert financial advice

✓ Interpret financial results a support decisions

✓ Develop & oversee your finance team

✓ Improve profitability & control costs

✓ Prepare management accounts

✓ Create 3-5 year financial plan

✓ Budget setting

✓ Source appropriate funding

✓ Cashflow forecasting & management

✓ Prepare reports & commentaries for your bank

Learn More
3 Operations Director

Operations Director

Strategic operational leadership to transform your people and business processes to improve efficiency and profitability. An Operations Director helps you build a strong management team, delegate operational actions and improve business performance.

Responsibilities

✓ Develop strength in your management team

✓ Establish key performance indicators (KPIs)

✓ Hold people accountable to achieve results

✓ Process and quality improvement

✓ Help you delegate effectively

✓ Create clear job descriptions

✓ Identify and recruit talent

✓ Implement robust operational systems

✓ Establish clear goals and expectations

✓ Enable your team to achieve excellence

Learn More

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