Non-Executive Director Services In Reading

Independent board experience for owner-managed Reading businesses

A Non-Executive Director gives an owner-managed Reading business an experienced independent voice on the board, to challenge decisions, hold the team to account and guide the business through change, without the cost of a full-time executive. Secantor's Non-Executive Directors join your board for the time you need, and we visit you in Reading to begin.

This page covers the local service. Our national guide to the Non-Executive Director role explains the model in full, and you can also see our wider board-level support in Reading.

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What Does A Non-Executive Director Do For A Reading Business?

Secantor's Non-Executive Directors bring independent judgement to the boards of Reading businesses. They test the plan, challenge assumptions, hold you and your team to account, and are available between meetings when a decision cannot wait.

  • Challenge and accountability. An outside view of what the board is deciding and whether it is being delivered.
  • Strategy. A sounding board for your ideas, and help in setting clear goals.
  • Governance. Structured board meetings, with an agenda and the right information circulated in advance.
  • Ownership and succession. Support through a change of ownership, including mentoring the directors who will lead the business afterwards.
  • Relationships. Introductions to the banks, lenders and advisors who can help.

A Non-Executive Director does not run the finance function. That is the job of a Finance Director.

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

Secantor's Non-Executive Director service suits a Reading business whose board lacks an independent voice. Typical triggers include a founder preparing to step back or sell, directors or shareholders who disagree, an owner who has no one to challenge them, or growth that has taken the business beyond the owner's own experience. Our case study on resolving boardroom conflict shows what an independent director can change.

How Has A Non-Executive Director Helped A Reading Business?

A Reading engineering business with 50 staff first worked with Secantor through a Finance Director, one day a month. As the founder prepared to retire, the support changed shape. A Secantor Non-Executive Director mentored the executive directors through the transfer of ownership, keeping structured board meetings and the focus on margin in place while the leadership changed hands.

Seventeen years on, Secantor still works with the business as Finance Director and Non-Executive Director. Sales have more than doubled and net profit has grown from £50,000 to £850,000. Read the full case study.

A Non Executive Director discussing strategy with a business owner

How Does A Non-Executive Director Work With You?

Secantor starts a Non-Executive Director engagement in Reading with a visit to your premises, to hear about the business and the board, and then proposes the advisor whose experience fits the people and the challenge. A Non-Executive Director then works to a rhythm that matches your board cycle, reviewing the papers before each meeting and staying available between them.

What Does A Non-Executive Director Cost In Reading?

Secantor charges £1,200 a day plus VAT and expenses for a Non-Executive Director in Reading. The days depend on how often your board meets and how much support you want between meetings. See our Non-Executive Director service for more.

A Non Executive Director discussing business performance with an SME management team
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Which Arrangement Suits A Reading Business?

Secantor's Non-Executive Director suits a Reading business whose board needs independent challenge, governance or support through an ownership change. If the main need is financial leadership, a Part-Time Finance Director is the better start. If funding, strategy or a sale is the question, consider a Part-Time CFO. For a gap in leadership, an Interim Finance Director can start at short notice. Read Fractional vs Part-Time vs Interim CFO for the national picture.

How Does A Non-Executive Director Work With Your Existing Team?

Secantor's Non-Executive Directors support the managing director and directors of a Reading business and do not replace them. They are independent of the day to day, which is what makes the challenge useful. They work alongside your existing accountants and advisors, and with a Finance Director if you have one.

A Non Executive Director reviewing financial information with an SME business owner

What Is The Free Business Review?

Secantor's Free Business Review is our no obligation starting point for Reading boards and owners. We begin with a chat, then a couple of our team visit you in Reading to hear the story of your business and how the board works. You leave with an independent view and our recommendation of the right support. See the Free Business Review.

Next Steps

Start with a visit. Our Free Business Review begins with a conversation, then we come to your Reading premises to hear how the business and the board work. You leave with an independent view and no obligation. Prefer to talk first? Book a discovery call with a Secantor Director.

What Do Reading Business Owners Ask About A Non-Executive Director?

How is a Non-Executive Director different from a Finance Director?

A Finance Director works inside the business on reporting, forecasting and control. A Non-Executive Director works at board level, bringing independent challenge and experience. Some businesses use both.

How many days a month does a Non-Executive Director work?

It depends on your board cycle and the support you want between meetings. We agree the level with you at the first meeting and adjust it as the business changes.

What does a Non-Executive Director cost?

Our Non-Executive Director support is charged at £1,200 a day plus VAT and expenses.

Can a Non-Executive Director help with a sale or succession?

Yes. An independent director can support a change of ownership, mentor the next generation of directors and help prepare the business for a sale. See our Exit Planning service.

Do you cover businesses beyond Reading itself?

Yes. We visit businesses in Caversham, Tilehurst and along the M4 corridor, and across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey.

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

“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 and Co-founder of Montezuma’s Chocolates

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Want to Boost Your Business Profits?

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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Read Our Latest Blog Posts

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Peter Laurie Joins Secantor As Regional Director
Peter Laurie Regional Director at Secantor Business Services
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Peter Laurie Joins Secantor As Regional Director

Experienced entrepreneur and Non-Executive Director to support SME owners across London and the South East Secantor Business Services is delighted to welcome Peter Laurie as Regional Director for London and the South East, bringing several decades of expe…

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What Financial Support Does A Business Need At Each Stage Of Growth?

How does financial support change as a business grows? The financial support a business needs changes as it grows, but the change is driven less by turnover than by the complexity and consequence of the decisions the owner is facing. A start-up needs a cr…

Sep 14, 2026, 9:00:00 AM
Fractional Vs Part-Time Vs Interim CFO: Which Does Your Business Need?
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Fractional Vs Part-Time Vs Interim CFO: Which Does Your Business Need?

A Fractional CFO and a Part-Time CFO are, in practice, the same arrangement: senior financial leadership for an agreed number of days each month, with no fixed end date. An Interim CFO is different. They join temporarily, usually for more days, to cover a…

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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

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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

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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

Free Business Review

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