The UK’s executive interim management sector has seen modest growth of 8 per cent over the last 12 months, in spite of the Brexit backdrop. That’s according to findings from the WIL (Worldwide Interim Leadership) Group‘s third annual survey.[1] 

The study is the largest global survey of its kind, providing unique insights into the development and nature of the executive interim and transition management industry.

France has surpassed the UK having grown by one third (33 per cent), and is now second in the WIL Group’s league table[2] when it comes to cross-border business for executive interim based solutions over the last 12 months. Germany continues to hold number one spot [3], witnessing growth of 31 per cent.[4] 

There is also overwhelming optimism for 2018; two thirds (66 per cent) of respondents have a more positive outlook for the industry than last year.

When it comes to the sectors utilising the services of these top-level executives, manufacturing and industrial projects dominate – accounting for over 40 per cent of all executive interim assignments. This compares with 35 per cent in the 2017 survey.

More than one fifth (21.5 per cent) of assignments were focused on growth, business and digital transformation. This was followed by 19 per cent for project and programme management.

Only 12 per cent of those who responded to the survey were women. However, when asked whether they thought it was harder for women to work on international assignments nearly three quarters (74 per cent) thought not, and that there should not be a barrier for reaching equality.

Jason Atkinson, managing director of Russam GMS and UK member firm of the WIL Group, said: “The UK has seed mixed results in the context of global interim activity, having lost ground to the European powerhouses of Germany and France. And in relation to the upcoming UK events, one respondent commented: “Negative UK, positive elsewhere.”

“Whilst we have dropped down the league tables, the growth remains healthy when it comes to the use of this flexible resourcing option. During times of uncertainty organisations are less inclined to build up their permanent resource banks. In this context, it is positive to see the healthy conditions when it comes to the interim management sector.”

Patrick Laredo, WIL Group chairman, added: “Our findings indicate that the executive interim management sector is experiencing huge growth globally, and we expect this to continue. “The WIL Group is providing agile solutions that perfectly fit our clients large scale transformation needs – committing to value and results.”

[1] The study (carried out in February/March 2018) included 1,580 participants. The represented 32 different nationalities; and have – on average – completed five interim/transition management assignments. The location of assignments spanned across 151 different countries.

[2] This is supported by 17 per cent revenue growth witnessed by French member firm, X-PM

[3] 1169 assignments (or 74 per cent of those assignments) had an international dimension

[4] This is supported by 31 per cent revenue growth witnessed by German member firm, Management Angels GmbH