The UK’s interim management industry

A growing sector, but where next?

Interim managers provide board level independent business leaders or project managers. They are experts in their field; high-level performers with a track record of quantifiable achievement.

Generally, interims possess drive and energy; they are perceptive individuals, capable of adapting to new environments and delivering immediate results.

The UK has the most established interim management sector in the world, which is worth £1.5 billion per year, according to the IMA’s Ipsos MORI’s quarterly survey.

And, the sector has grown by 93 percent since the pre-recession levels of 2006.

There are up to 15,000 of these ‘top flight’ executives working in the UK, and according to the IMA research, we send approximately 11 percent of these individuals to work overseas.

Jason Atkinson, chairman of the IMA, comments: “I believe ongoing sector growth will come from both domestic and international sources. We envisage the industry being valued at £2bn by 2015; with up to 25 percent of that coming from British interims working overseas.

“Trends are also highlighting the fact that interim management is continuing to be seen as a proven alternative to the wellworn path of management consultancy.

Interim management provides a flexible and strategic labour force, which can be turned on and off to suit an organisation’s exact requirements.”