Steve PughContact

FRACTIONAL CEO

Fractional CEO for UK businesses ready to scale, transform or exit

Experienced chief executive leadership on a part-time basis, based in Newcastle and working with businesses across the North East and the wider UK. I step in alongside founders, investors and boards to sharpen strategy, tighten operations and unlock the next stage of growth — without the cost of a full-time CEO.

Get in touch

Newcastle, UK

Portrait of Steve Pugh, CEO and C-suite consultant

When a fractional CEO makes sense

Fractional CEOs are best suited to businesses turning over £3m–£75m that need senior executive judgement but cannot yet justify a permanent hire. Common triggers: an owner stepping back, a founder scaling beyond their operating comfort zone, a portfolio company between substantive leadership hires, or a business preparing for investment or exit.

What I bring to the role

I have led a €250m+ revenue portfolio across software, energy, engineering and high-growth ventures. That means pattern recognition across board dynamics, commercial strategy, M&A, integrations, restructuring and AI-led operational change — applied to your business from day one, not month six.

How the engagement works

Typically one to three days per week on a rolling monthly retainer. I embed with your leadership team, chair or attend board, own the operating rhythm and drive the priorities agreed with shareholders. Engagements are designed to be finite — the goal is always to leave the business stronger and less dependent on me, not more.

Sectors and situations

Software and SaaS, energy and offshore wind, engineering and manufacturing, professional services and investor-backed portfolios. Situations I take on include growth acceleration, operational turnaround, post-acquisition integration, AI adoption and preparing a business for sale.

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

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What does a fractional CEO cost in the UK?
Fractional CEO engagements in the UK typically run £8,000–£25,000 per month depending on days per week, stage of business and scope. Mine are structured as a rolling monthly retainer with a clear mandate agreed upfront with shareholders or the board.
How is a fractional CEO different from an interim CEO or a consultant?
An interim CEO is full-time for a fixed period, usually covering a gap. A consultant advises but doesn't own delivery. A fractional CEO is a part-time executive with real accountability — sitting on the leadership team, owning the operating rhythm and delivering measurable outcomes over months, not years.
How quickly can you start?
Most engagements start within two to four weeks of an initial conversation, subject to a short scoping call, alignment on mandate and reference checks. Urgent situations can move faster.
Do you work remotely or on-site?
Both. I'm based in Newcastle upon Tyne and work in-person across the North East and regularly in London, with remote delivery for teams elsewhere in the UK and Europe. Most engagements blend on-site leadership days with remote operating rhythm.

CONTACT

Get in touch.

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

BASED
Newcastle, UK
LINKEDIN
Steve Pugh

Enquiries treated in strict confidence.

Steve Pugh