Interim Management from BIE Interim Executive

Since 1999 BIE has annually commissioned Ipsos to undertake a poll of Captains of Industry. The aim of the poll is to ascertain their awareness and assess their views on executive interim management in the UK.

Over the years, the results have increasingly shown that a growing number of companies are starting to recognise the benefits of using an interim executive.

The latest MORI poll results can be found below:

Key Findings:

Consultants vs. Interims

The proportion of Captains agreeing that interim executives are more suitable and cost-effective than management consultants continues its steady increase to 56%, last year 53%. Among those who have used Interims two thirds believe this to be true. Only 6% disagree (over 10% mentioned last year) -- see chart below.

Application Split

Covering sudden departures (25% mention) continues to be the top reason for appointing interim executives at this level. There is somewhat higher use of Interim Executives this year for start up (8%) last year 2% and turnrounds (21%) last year (13%).

Who Buys?

The proportion of Captains who have not used interim executives at senior/board level and has decreased from 50% to 42%.

How are Interim Executives sourced?

The preferred method for sourcing interim executives continues to be to approach a specialist interim executive organisation (37%). However asking colleagues/associates to recommend candidates has increased as a favoured option 14% to 24% as well as recommend actions from colleagues of suitable Interim Providers 5% to 18% and web search increasing up 1% to 4%.

Applications

Special Projects remains the highest application area followed by MD, Finance, Manufacturing / Ops and HR.

Future development of the Industry

There remains plenty of scope for communicating the real benefits of Interim Management. There is still a great deal of misperception of what good Interim Executives can deliver, how quickly they can get up to speed in a new environment and their level of drive and dedication

The challenge remains for Interim Executive providers is to maintain consistent and reliable standards of delivery -- as well as educating the market that a 'specialist' in say search & selection is not necessarily also an Interim Executive specialist. Several firms are cited by respondents as potential providers who do not in fact offer Interim Executive services.

Cost Effectiveness of Interim Executives -- BIE Interim Executive/Ipsos Poll

Q How strongly do you agree or disagree that Interim Executives are more suitable and cost effective for implementing change or transition than management consultants?

Base: All British Captains of Industry MORI 1999 / 2000 / 2001 / 2002 / 2003 / 2004 / 2005. Experienced Users of Interim Management, 50 face to face interviews, from September to November 2005.