For years, the term Non-Executive Director conjured up an image of a silver-haired, ex-CEO whose main role was to attend quarterly meetings and offer “sage advice” from the sidelines.
But times have changed.
Today, SMEs – and even investor-backed scale-ups – are rewriting the rulebook. The modern board isn’t just looking for governance and gravitas; it’s hungry for new skills, new energy, and hands-on commercial expertise in areas like digital, marketing, data, and even product.
It’s No Longer About Just “Oversight”
Traditionally, a NED’s job has been to provide independent oversight and strategic guidance – not get involved in operations.
That’s still true. But what’s changed is what kind of strategic guidance businesses now value.
Once upon a time, financial acumen and a network in banking might have been enough. Today? If you can demystify TikTok, understand how to leverage AI for commercial gain, or build a growth engine through performance marketing… you’re probably more useful to a growing SME than a FTSE veteran with three pensions and a golf handicap.
What Do SMEs Want From Their NEDs Now?
Based on hundreds of conversations with founders, PE funds, and chairs in our network, here’s what’s rising up the NED wish list:
- Digital transformation – Not jargon, but practical knowledge of how to implement digital tools that drive efficiency or revenue
- Marketing & growth expertise – Especially paid digital, brand, CRM, and customer journey
- Tech-savvy minds – Product, platforms, UX, data-led decision making
- People and culture – Especially for scale-ups moving from founder-led to team-led
- Commercial rigour – How to turn strategy into action, with sleeves rolled up
This represents a real shift in mindset, particularly at the SME level, where hiring a NED is often the first serious move toward professionalising the board.
And these companies are no longer turning solely to former CEOs or PLC board members. They’re appointing people who’ve led growth in scaleups, built high-performing marketing funnels, or launched and sold digital-first businesses.
No, You Don’t Need to Be Over 60 With FTSE Experience
This myth still lingers: that you need to be near-retirement, have sat on half a dozen boards, and own a double-breasted suit.
In reality, we’re seeing first-time NEDs getting appointed in droves. They’re often in their 30s or 40s, still working in executive roles, and bring an edge of “real-time” market relevance.
And because most NED roles in SMEs come via referrals or networks (see Question 5), the best way to break in isn’t always through a headhunter – it’s through the right network.
💡 What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re reading this and thinking:
- “I’ve scaled a digital business…”
- “I’ve built marketing teams from scratch…”
- “I know how to turn data into decision-making…”
- “I’ve helped a founder move from chaos to control…”
Then guess what? You’re exactly the kind of person many boards are now actively looking for.
Final Thought: The Modern Board is a Growth Engine
As investors pour into mid-market UK businesses and scale-ups eye £10m–£50m exits, boards need more than oversight – they need acceleration.
And they’re looking to appoint non-executives who bring skills, not just stories.
If you’re considering stepping into the NED world, there’s never been a better time to do it – especially if your expertise lies outside of “traditional” boardroom roles.
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