What is a fractional executive?

A fractional executive is a senior operator — CEO, COO or similar — who works with a business on a part-time basis, typically one to three days per week, with real accountability for outcomes rather than advisory input only. It gives growing businesses access to executive judgement without the cost of a full-time hire.

Where are you based and who do you work with?

I'm based in Newcastle upon Tyne and work with founders, investors, boards and portfolio companies across the North East, London and the wider UK, with regular engagements in Europe. Most engagements blend on-site leadership days with remote operating rhythm.

How are engagements structured?

Rolling monthly retainer, one to three days per week, with a clear mandate and success measures agreed with shareholders or the board at the start. Engagements are designed to be finite: the goal is to leave the business stronger and less dependent on me, not more.

What sectors and situations do you focus on?

Software and SaaS, energy and offshore wind, engineering and manufacturing, professional services and investor-backed portfolios. Situations include growth acceleration, operational turnaround, M&A integration, AI adoption and preparing a business for sale.

How do we get in touch?

Email hello@stevepugh.co.uk or message me on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube or WhatsApp (@SteveDanielPugh). Initial conversations are confidential and no-obligation.

STEVE PUGH · CEO · CONSULTANT

Supporting businesses to scale, transform or exit.

I am currently leading Next 11 Ventures, a software development company, and supporting a €250m+ revenue portfolio across software, energy, engineering and high-growth businesses for a global investor Topp Holdings GmbH. I am not currently accepting any new projects.

Get in touch

Newcastle, UK

Portrait of Steve Pugh, CEO and C-suite consultant

• LEADERSHIP• OPERATIONS• M&A AND INTEGRATIONS• DUE DILIGENCE• AI IMPLEMENTATION• GROWTH STRATEGY• PROJECT EXECUTION• BOARD ADVISORY• MARKETING• BUSINESS PLANNING• FUNDRAISING

POSITIONING

When strategy becomes execution.

I have the best job in the world. I work with teams where strategy needs to become execution. My background combines C-suite operating experience, P&L level accountability and leadership, plus entrepreneurial execution. Click the video to learn more about Next 11 Ventures.

WHAT SERVICES I OFFER

Services

Leadership

CEO, Managing Director, COO, interim and fractional leadership for growth, transition, turnaround, succession or exit preparation.

Operations

Portfolio operations, reporting cadence, accountability, KPI discipline and commercial execution for investors and shareholders.

M&A and Integrations

Identifying growth, preparing for acquisition or exit, and integrating businesses post-transaction.

Due Diligence

Commercial, operational and financial due diligence for investors, acquirers and leadership teams.

AI Implementation

Practical AI adoption, automation and digital transformation to drive efficiency and scalable growth.

Growth Strategy

Strategic planning, market expansion, revenue acceleration and route-to-market development.

Project Execution

Delivering complex programmes with clear governance, stakeholder alignment and measurable outcomes.

Board Advisory

Independent advice for boards preparing for growth, acquisition, exit or governance improvement.

Marketing Strategy & Execution

Brand positioning, go-to-market strategy, commercial messaging and investor communications.

Business Planning

Business cases, financial modelling, forecasting and comprehensive planning for sustainable growth.

Startup Fundraising

Capital raising, investor readiness, pitch preparation and funding strategy for ventures at every stage.

Corporate Photography and Video

Professional photography and video production for your business or organisation. 20 years+ experience including YouTube and LinkedIn.

Travel Photography

Professional travel photography for your hotel or resort, to create stunning visuals to sell the dream to a luxury customer base.

SELECTED IMPACT

Positive measurable impact

€250m+

Portfolio revenue supported.

3000+

Employees across portfolio.

144

Countries reached by Roadmap MBA.

200%+

Net profit growth at Bignall Group.

£300m

Contracts supported by Tees Valley Catalyst Fund.

-20%

Overhead reduction on restructure with no loss in revenue or performance

+30%

Efficiency through the implementation of AI

22,000+

Followers on LinkedIn

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Recommendations

An engineer with a flair for management, innovation and entrepreneurship, Steve left a mark.

Steve shows real interest and takes time to get to know you and your business to be able to offer strategic insights.

Forward thinking, innovative, professional and approachable.

BUSINESS EDUCATION

Roadmap MBA

Roadmap MBA was a startup, operating 2019-2025, making business education accessible for 5 billion people. Users in 144 countries.

We believe it shouldn't matter where you grow up or what your financial background is on deciding if you can access information to help you build a better life for yourself.

A good business education can help almost everyone and we're building something which gives the complete roadmap to grow your business or career, as an alternative to a traditional MBA based on real world skills, designed for people with passion not privilege.

Download course PDF

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is a fractional executive?: A fractional executive is a senior operator — CEO, COO or similar — who works with a business on a part-time basis, typically one to three days per week, with real accountability for outcomes rather than advisory input only. It gives growing businesses access to executive judgement without the cost of a full-time hire.
Where are you based and who do you work with?: I'm based in Newcastle upon Tyne and work with founders, investors, boards and portfolio companies across the North East, London and the wider UK, with regular engagements in Europe. Most engagements blend on-site leadership days with remote operating rhythm.
How are engagements structured?: Rolling monthly retainer, one to three days per week, with a clear mandate and success measures agreed with shareholders or the board at the start. Engagements are designed to be finite: the goal is to leave the business stronger and less dependent on me, not more.
What sectors and situations do you focus on?: Software and SaaS, energy and offshore wind, engineering and manufacturing, professional services and investor-backed portfolios. Situations include growth acceleration, operational turnaround, M&A integration, AI adoption and preparing a business for sale.
How do we get in touch?: Email hello@stevepugh.co.uk or message me on LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube or WhatsApp (@SteveDanielPugh). Initial conversations are confidential and no-obligation.

DEDICATED ENGAGEMENTS

FRACTIONAL CEO

Chief executive leadership, part-time

Scale, transform or exit — with an experienced CEO in the boardroom without the full-time cost.

Learn more

FRACTIONAL COO

Operations leadership that ships

Install the rhythm, systems and accountability that turn strategy into repeatable execution.

Learn more

VENTURE BUILDER

AI-first software ventures

Next 11 Ventures builds, backs and scales new software companies alongside founders and investors.

Learn more

AI IMPLEMENTATION

Practical AI for SMEs

Improve efficiency, automate workflows and introduce ChatGPT Work and Claude Cowork safely.

Learn more

CONTACT

Get in touch.

For CEO, interim leadership, board advisory, consulting or venture-building opportunities — drop me a line.

EMAIL: hello@stevepugh.co.uk
BASED: Newcastle, UK

LINKEDIN: Steve Pugh
INSTAGRAM: @stevedanielpugh
YOUTUBE: @SteveDanielPugh

WHATSAPP: SteveDanielPugh

Enquiries treated in strict confidence.