Non-Executive Director Services In Portsmouth

A stronger board and a leadership team that follows through, for Portsmouth businesses

Portsmouth businesses can add a Secantor Non-Executive Director to the board without taking on a full-time salary. The director brings an outside perspective, acts as a sounding board, mentors your leaders and helps build a more accountable management team, and stays with the board team until the plans are delivered. Hampshire and the South Coast are covered on our board-level support across Hampshire and the South Coast page, and our national Non-Executive Director page explains the role in full.

BOOK A CALL WITH AN EXPERT

What A Non-Executive Director Brings To A Portsmouth Boardroom

In Portsmouth, a Secantor Non-Executive Director sits with the board as a trusted team member and shares responsibility for the quality of its decisions. The areas of support typically include:

  • Outside perspective: a view formed on other boards, free from the habits of your own.
  • Sounding board: somewhere private to test a plan before money or people are committed to it.
  • Mentoring: development for the managing director and for those ready to step up.
  • A more accountable management team: named owners, dates and measures for what the board agrees.
  • Governance: regular, well-prepared board meetings with clear minutes and follow-up.
  • Connections: introductions to funders, buyers and specialist advisors.
  • Succession and sale: independent support when ownership or leadership is due to change.

When the question is about leading the finance function, see the Fractional Finance Director role.

SPEAK TO AN EXPERT

Why Portsmouth Owners Add A Non-Executive Director

Portsmouth owners add a Non-Executive Director to gain an outside perspective, a sounding board, mentoring for their leaders and a more accountable management team. Marine and defence suppliers, engineering firms, port and ferry-related logistics, hospitality and leisure operators around Southsea and Gunwharf Quays, and digital and professional businesses can all outgrow one person's judgement. The need shows when the owner is still approving everything, when the plan exists on paper but not in practice, when an offer or a retirement is approaching, or when the directors want challenge from someone with no stake in the internal politics.

WHY EVERY SME BUSINESS NEEDS A FINANCE DIRECTOR

How A Portsmouth Appointment Gets Under Way

A new Non-Executive Director starts by taking stock of the business. They get to know the people on the board and in the management team, then review systems, processes, reporting, the organisation structure and how the business operates. Together you agree an improvement action plan and the director helps put it into effect, joining board meetings and staying in contact between them.

We will put forward the Non-Executive Director whose background fits your board, or more than one if you would like to choose. All of our advisors have held senior board roles themselves, and each is accredited by our directors. The director you choose answers for the support you agree and stays on until it is done, and one of our own directors keeps the engagement under review.

A non executive director discussing investment plans with an SME business owner

What A Non-Executive Director Costs In Portsmouth

A Secantor Non-Executive Director in Portsmouth is priced at £1,200 a day plus VAT and expenses. The days are agreed in advance and you have full flexibility to increase or decrease them to suit your business needs. Boards often begin with a short programme of meetings and widen it once the value is clear. Our national Non-Executive Director page gives the wider picture.

A Non Executive Director discussing business performance with an SME management team
BOOK A CALL WITH AN EXPERT

Picking The Right Arrangement For Your Portsmouth Business

Secantor offers a Portsmouth business four routes to senior board-level support. Where it is unclear which role suits you best, we make our recommendation after meeting you and learning how the business operates.

  • Non-Executive Director: a board colleague who brings independence, challenge and mentoring.
  • Fractional Finance Director: runs reporting, budgeting and cash management day to day.
  • Fractional CFO: leads on raising funds, strategy and the value of the business.
  • Interim Finance Director: covers a finance vacancy or a period of change in the finance function.

Working With The Leaders And Advisors You Already Have

A Non-Executive Director does not displace your managing director, your senior team or your accountants and solicitors. They add an independent seat at the table, and any finance director already in post keeps that role. If a sale or succession is in view, read about Exit Planning and how to build value in your business.

A Non Executive Director creating a strategic plan with an SME business owner

Taking The First Step With A Free Business Review

Portsmouth owners can take up our Free Business Review without cost or commitment. We begin with a conversation, and we come to you to hear the story of the business and meet the people in it. Afterwards you receive our independent assessment and a recommendation on what to do next.

Our 5-Point Commitment to You

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

✅ A Trusted Working Relationship: We select advisors who fit 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.

Next Steps

Ask for your Free Business Review when you are ready to begin. If you would like to talk first, arrange a conversation and a Secantor director will talk it through.

Your Questions About Non-Executive Directors In Portsmouth

Does a Non-Executive Director replace a Finance Director?

No. A Finance Director leads the finance function and its reporting, while a Non-Executive Director challenges, guides and mentors from the board. The two roles do different jobs and can sit side by side.

Is a Non-Executive Director a consultant?

No. A consultant advises from outside and hands the work back to you. Your Secantor Non-Executive Director is a trusted member of the board team, answers for the support you agree and remains until it has been delivered.

Can we start with only a few board meetings a year?

Yes. Some boards start with one meeting a quarter. You set the days to begin with and can increase or decrease them whenever you choose.

Can a Non-Executive Director help if the owner wants to step back or sell?

Yes. The director advises on a successor, mentors whoever steps up and helps the board prepare for a sale. Our blog on what buyers value in a business adds detail.

Can a Non-Executive Director make a management team more accountable?

Yes. Clear objectives, a named owner for each and a regular review at board level are the director's tools, together with coaching for managers growing into wider roles. Our blog explains why SMEs should develop their teams.

Do you work with businesses beyond Portsmouth itself?

Yes. Our Non-Executive Directors work with boards in Fareham, Gosport, Havant, Waterlooville and Petersfield, and in nearby counties including West Sussex and Dorset.

Not quite found the answer you need? Contact our team and we will get back to you personally. For leadership of the finance function, our national Fractional Finance Director and Interim Finance Director pages are a good place to look.

Talk To Paul About Your Business Goals

Book a Free 30-Minute Business Review

Paul (colour)

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

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!

Click the button below to get instant access to your free guide and start growing your profits now!

Read Our Latest Case Studies

View All
The image shows a wooden surface with a row of six round, bite-sized chocolate truffles, each coated in various toppings like chocolate, nuts, and sprinkles. The background is blurred with hints of greenery.

Achieving the Dream Business Exit

Read More

Achieving the Dream Business Exit
Interim Finance Director Case Study

The Value of an Interim Finance Director

Read More

The Value of an Interim Finance Director
Resolving Board Conflict

Resolving Boardroom Conflict

Read More

Resolving Boardroom Conflict