Independent IT Leaders - Your Trusted Technology Advisors

Who provide strategic business technology solutions and digital transformation services to organisations on a part-time, retainer, or contract basis. (e.g., independent technology leaders such as CTO, CIO, CISO)

Rather than hiring a full-time executive—which can cost £100k–£400k+ annually plus equity and benefits—companies opt for an independent technology leader to provide business technology solutions for a fraction of the time (e.g., 1 day a week or 10 hours a month) at a fraction of the cost. This model enables mid-sized businesses to access heavyweight leadership talent necessary for their digital transformation services that they otherwise could not afford.

Fractional CTO - Offering business technology solutions for startups focused on product development, engineering, and optimizing their tech stack for software creation; ideal for companies needing a clear technical roadmap. Fractional CIO - Providing digital transformation services for mid-market firms by enhancing internal IT, security, operations, and optimizing ERPs, internal workflows, and vendor contracts. Fractional CISO - Delivering cybersecurity, compliance, and risk management expertise for companies requiring ISO27001 and SOC2/ISO compliance, but not ready for a full-time security head. Fractional CPO - Assisting companies in product strategy, UX, and market fit, particularly where the product vision is unclear or development is stalling, through the guidance of independent technology leaders.

Organisations typically trigger a search for independent technology leaders during specific inflection points: 

The "Technician" Gap: The company has developers or IT staff who excel at coding or fixing issues, but lacks guidance on high-level strategy that aligns with their business technology solutions. 

Post-Seed / Pre-Series A: Startups that need to professionalize their engineering culture to meet due diligence requirements for the next funding round often seek digital transformation services. 

Crisis or Stagnation: When products are buggy, shipping dates are constantly missed, or technical debt is crippling growth, organizations may turn to independent technology leaders for support. 

Specific Compliance Needs: A B2B company may suddenly require ISO27001 compliance to close enterprise deals and need a CISO for 6 months to manage the audit effectively.

These terms are often confused in the realm of business technology solutions. Here is the distinction: 

Fractional: This refers to a long-term relationship (often 12+ months) involving low hours (e.g., 5–10 hours/week). Fractional leaders act as true members of the executive team, providing valuable insights for digital transformation services. 

Interim: This arrangement is full-time (40+ hours/week) but for a short, defined period (e.g., 3–6 months) to bridge the gap between two full-time hires. Independent technology leaders often take on these roles to ensure continuity during transitions. 

Consultant: A consultant works on a project-based basis with a specific deliverable (e.g., 'Write a report on our security'). Once their report is finalized, they leave with much of their knowledge, having contributed to the broader goals of the organisation.

The cost of hiring independent technology leaders is significantly lower than that of a full-time hire, though the hourly rate is higher due to their seniority level. 

Retainer Model (Most Common): This model involves a fixed monthly fee for a designated block of hours or days. For example, companies might pay £6,000 per month for approximately one day of business technology solutions per week. 

Hourly Rate: Experienced fractional leaders, who provide essential digital transformation services, often charge between £150 and £500+ per hour. 

Equity: Unlike full-time co-founders, fractional leaders typically accept less equity (or none at all), favoring cash compensation. If they do take equity, it is usually in the form of advisory shares, ranging from 0.5% to 2%.

Speed to Impact: Independent technology leaders have 'seen this movie before' and can identify red flags in your architecture or hiring process on Day 1. Objectivity: Because they are not fully embedded in office politics and serve multiple clients, they often provide more blunt, honest feedback than a full-time employee who may fear for their job. Network: They bring a 'rolodex' of pre-vetted vendors, agencies, and developers, which aids in delivering effective business technology solutions and saves you months of recruiting time, especially during your digital transformation services.

In the UK, the market for fractional leadership is well-developed, featuring a blend of dedicated 'Associate' firms that employ independent technology leaders, such as The Rest is Tech, alongside specialized recruitment agencies that place contractors in roles focused on business technology solutions and digital transformation services.

These firms (such as The Rest is Tech) provide independent technology leaders, including a 'bench' of CTOs, CIOs, and CISOs. When you contract with The Rest is Tech, we assign a leader to your organization, ensuring continuity and offering backup support. We specialize in delivering business technology solutions and digital transformation services tailored for Mid-Market IT & CTOs, with a turnover of £10m–£50m. Our Associates will effectively act as your IT Directors or CTOs.

When hiring an independent technology leader in the UK, you must navigate specific factors related to business technology solutions: 

IR35 Status - Outside IR35: Most genuine fractional leaders operate "Outside IR35" (B2B). Because they have multiple clients, use their own equipment, and possess the "right of substitution," they function as true businesses. This is advantageous for you as you will incur no Employer NI/Pension, holiday, or sick leave costs. 

Check: Ensure the contract clearly defines them as a supplier of digital transformation services, not a disguised employee. 

Typical UK Day Rates for a high-quality Fractional CTO/CIO in the UK typically fall within the following rate structures: Day Rate: £850 – £1,500+ per day or Monthly Retainer: £3,000 – £6,000 per month (for ~1 day/week).