Defining the Line Between Consultancy and Interim Management in London UK

With the exponentially growing popularity of interim management in London and the UK, many businesses are starting to realize the incredible range of tasks a temporary manager can provide. From turnaround to growth to a crisis situation, it is an increasing number of different shoes an interim can fill. And this service is beneficial to various types of companies. For example, businesses with tighter finances will find a cost-effective solution by bringing on a senior executive for only several months, rather than the expensive alternative of making them permanent. But even with the growing usage in the UK, many people still find an interim manager's role somewhat unclear, quite often placing them into the same category as consultants. It’s important to know interim management is quite distinct from consultancy and an article from Personneltoday.com explains why:

While both interim managers and consultants are brought in for their expertise, ideas, and extensive analysis skills, it is the interim managers who not only advise and plan, but also implement those ideas. The service becomes more hands-on. A consultant would come in, discuss options, work with the company to come up with a plan, and then hand the project back to that company. The interim manager develops the particular project as well, but sees it through from start to finish. As well, interim managers usually play a more involved role by becoming part of the senior management team for the designated length of stay, while consultants are managed by their own firm. Both professionals provide an outsider’s perspective, which is a huge advantage, but the two differ on their level of involvement in the project’s execution.

And different situations might call for either an interim manager or a consultant. Neither is ultimately better than the other as it depends entirely on the circumstances. It is extremely important however that interim management is becoming noticed and used so frequently to fill those niches and circumstances where it is the best solution.