Fractional Executive vs Consultant
Understanding the key differences to make the right choice for your business
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Key Takeaways
- 1Fractional CFOs work 1-3 days per week, providing senior expertise without full-time costs
- 2UK day rates range from £800 to £1500, depending on experience and sector
- 3Typical engagements save 50-70% compared to full-time executive hires
- 4Ideal for startups, scale-ups, and SMEs needing strategic leadership
- 5No employment overhead: no pension, NI, benefits, or notice periods
The Distinction That Matters
Businesses often use "fractional" and "consultant" interchangeably, but they represent fundamentally different engagement models. Understanding the distinction helps you choose the right solution—and set appropriate expectations for whoever you hire.
Many businesses use both: a fractional executive for ongoing leadership, supported by consultants for specialist projects. For example, a Fractional CFO might engage a tax consultant for a restructuring, or a Fractional CTO might bring in a security consultant for a penetration test. The models complement rather than compete.
Talk to us about your specific needs—we can help determine the right model.
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