A Non-Executive Director is a board member who brings independent oversight, strategic guidance and commercial experience to your business. Unlike executive directors, NEDs don’t manage day-to-day operations but provide challenge, support and accountability at board level.

Many SMEs benefit from having a NED when they’re facing growth, succession, strategic change or governance challenges. A NED brings outside perspective, experience and accountability — helping the business owner step back and make better long-term decisions .

A NED typically attends board meetings, reviews performance, asks challenging questions, and provides strategic input. They might also mentor the owner, support funding or exit plans, or act as a sounding board for key decisions.

A NED acts in a purely advisory and oversight role, while a part-time Finance Director or Operations Director is hands-on and involved in day-to-day operations. Many Secantor team members are qualified to act in both capacities where needed.

Most NEDs work with SMEs for 1–2 days per month, often around key board meetings. The frequency can increase if the business is undergoing major change or planning an exit.

Look for someone with strategic vision, commercial judgement, integrity, and the ability to challenge constructively. But it is equally important that ther personal chemistry is right with you and your team. At Secantor, all our NEDs are personally accredited and selected for both their experience and their ability to build strong relationships with business owners.

Yes — succession and exit planning are among the most valuable contributions a NED can make. They bring an outside view, keep the plan on track, and ensure decisions are made with long-term value in mind.

Costs vary depending on how involved the NED is. As a guide, the cost of a dedicated Secantor NEDs typically starts from £1,200 +VAT per month. We tailor each engagement to the needs, size and stage of the business.

Yes. You don’t need to be a large company to benefit. In fact, many smaller businesses benefit more — especially when the owner is juggling strategy and operations . A NED brings clarity, governance and future focus.

Our NEDs are not just advisors — they’re proven commercial leaders, handpicked for their ability to influence, support and guide SME owners. Every Secantor NED is personally accredited by our directors and has hands-on experience across sectors and business lifecycles.

The easiest way is to book a call with one of our senior team. We’ll understand your needs, explain our process, and match you with a NED who fits your culture and objectives — with no obligation.