Non-Executive Director
Independent board leadership that strengthens governance, challenges strategic thinking, and builds the credibility investors demand. Our NEDs bring C-suite experience and networks that transform board effectiveness while positioning your business for investment and growth.
Strong governance isn’t optional when you’re building for investment and scale. You need independent board leadership that challenges thinking, strengthens decision-making, and builds the credibility investors demand. Gibson Watts provides experienced Non-Executive Directors to ambitious companies navigating growth – giving you C-suite board expertise exactly when you need it, scaled to your stage.
the challenge.
Your board consists of founders and executives deeply embedded in day-to-day operations. You’re building a valuable business, but you lack the independent oversight, strategic challenge, and governance credibility that investors, partners, and stakeholders increasingly expect.
Without experienced Non-Executive Directors, boards face critical blind spots: groupthink goes unchallenged, strategic risks remain unidentified, governance structures fail to meet investor requirements, and crucial decisions lack the independent scrutiny needed to protect shareholder value. When fundraising or pursuing exits, weak board composition becomes a tangible barrier to success.
what we offer.
Strategic Oversight & Challenge We provide independent scrutiny of strategic plans, challenging assumptions constructively and ensuring robust debate on critical decisions. Your leadership team benefits from experienced perspectives that identify risks and opportunities others might miss.
Governance & Investment Readiness We establish board structures, policies, and processes that meet investor and regulatory requirements. Our NEDs strengthen board credibility with institutional investors, bringing the governance sophistication required to position your business as a well-governed investment opportunity.
Risk Management & Oversight We implement risk frameworks that protect shareholder value, ensuring financial, operational, and strategic risks receive appropriate board-level attention and mitigation.
Network Access & Strategic Value Beyond governance, our NEDs leverage extensive networks to facilitate strategic partnerships, customer introductions, and investor connections that accelerate growth and create tangible business value.
Succession Planning & Leadership Development We work with boards to develop executive succession strategies and support leadership development, ensuring your business has the talent pipeline needed for sustained growth.
when you need this.
You’re Preparing for Investment Investors expect to see independent board oversight and governance maturity. Our NEDs strengthen your board composition and governance frameworks, addressing investor requirements before they become deal obstacles.
You’re Experiencing Rapid Growth As your business scales, strategic complexity increases and operational risks multiply. Independent board oversight ensures your growth strategy receives proper scrutiny and your governance structures evolve with your business.
You Need Strategic Perspective Your executive team is deeply embedded in operations, making strategic blind spots inevitable. An experienced NED provides the independent viewpoint needed to challenge thinking and identify strategic opportunities or threats.
You’re Approaching an Exit Whether acquisition, merger, or IPO, transaction success requires demonstrable governance maturity. Our NEDs prepare your board and governance structures for rigorous due diligence and stakeholder scrutiny.
You Need Credibility in Your Market In certain sectors and markets, board composition signals legitimacy and capability. The right NED brings industry credibility, regulatory expertise, or market connections that elevate your business’s standing.
Senior NEDs
Experienced board directors with proven track records across multiple sectors and growth stages.
Industries Represented
From tech and healthcare to manufacturing and professional services – we match expertise to your sector needs.
Investment Success Rate
Companies with our NEDs on their board successfully closed funding rounds and strategic transactions.
Collective Value Overseen
Our NEDs have guided businesses through fundraising, exits, and strategic transformations worth billions.
how it works.
Board Assessment & Requirement Definition We begin by understanding your business strategy, current board composition, and specific governance or strategic needs. This assessment identifies gaps and defines the expertise and experience required.
NED Matching & Introduction We introduce you to carefully selected NED candidates from our network, each bringing relevant sector experience, functional expertise, and the cultural fit required for effective board dynamics.
Onboarding & Integration We ensure your NED thoroughly understands your business, market, and strategic objectives. Proper onboarding establishes productive working relationships and enables immediate value contribution.
Active Board Participation Your NED actively engages in board meetings and strategy sessions, providing independent challenge, leveraging networks for strategic benefit, and ensuring governance frameworks evolve with your business needs.
Governance Evolution As your business grows, your NED adapts their focus and support, ensuring board structures, policies, and processes continue meeting stakeholder expectations and regulatory requirements.
Trusted by PE-backed companies, high-growth businesses, and organisations navigating critical transitions across the UK.
engagement options.
Advisory
- Quarterly board meetings & governance oversight
- Strategic advisory (1-2 days/month)
- Risk framework guidance
- Board presentation review
Standard
- Everything in Foundation
- Monthly board meetings
- Committee participation (Audit/RemCo)
- Strategic project oversight (2-3 days/month)
- Active network leverage
- Investor relationship support
Chair/Senior
- Everything in Growth
- Board Chair or Senior Independent Director role
- Intensive governance transformation (3-4 days/month)
- Direct investor & stakeholder management
- M&A or exit preparation support
- Dedicated strategic counsel
Sector-Specialist
- Sector-specialist appointments (regulatory, technical, market expertise)
- Interim Chair coverage
- Crisis management & turnaround
- Special situations
- IPO readiness programs
All engagements are structured with clear terms, defined time commitments, and appropriate remuneration reflecting the value and risk profile of your business. We work with you to establish compensation structures—cash, equity, or hybrid—that align with your stage and budget while fairly reflecting the expertise and commitment being provided.
Next Steps
Ready to build revenue-driven marketing foundations?
Schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation to assess your current board composition and governance structure, identify gaps that could impact investor confidence or strategic decision-making, and explore how Non-Executive Director support could strengthen your business for growth and investment readiness.