Portfolio NED Recruitment

Portfolio NED Recruitment

Portfolio NED Recruitment by Ned Capital

Introduction

At Ned Capital, we offer specialist Portfolio Non‑Executive Director (NED) recruitment services across the UK—supporting growth‑focused businesses, SMEs, private equity‑backed firms, and scaling enterprises. Born from FD Capital’s proven track record in elite financial and boardroom appointments, Ned Capital brings strategic leadership recruitment to a new level

Why Recruit a Portfolio NED?

Non‑Executive Directors bring independent oversight, fresh perspectives, and strategic insight—without the burdens of day‑to‑day management. Unlike executive directors, NEDs focus on governance, finance, risk, and board performance—adding immense value to companies ready for their next phase of growth

Specifically, portfolio NEDs often:

• Offer strategic guidance gained across multiple boards, verticals, and phases of scale.

• Provide network access and credibility that can unlock funding and partnerships.

• Serve as mentors and sounding boards for executive teams and founders.

In a world demanding stronger governance, agility, ESG awareness, and board inclusion, the boardroom benefits immeasurably from well‑matched independent directors.

Why Ned Capital?

1. Deep Sector & Governance Expertise

Ned Capital builds on FD Capital’s heritage in board-level placements—now fully focused on recruiting non-executives and chairs, with expertise in finance, regulation, sustainability, and digital transformation

2. Tailored, High‑Quality Matching

We don’t just fill a vacancy—we work closely with you to identify the right strategic, cultural, and personal fit. Through a consultative vetting process, we align candidates with your board’s dynamic and future ambitions

3. Extensive Nationwide Network

With offices and access points across London, the Midlands, and the Southeast, we serve companies from startups to private equity portfolios on a national scale. Our network includes seasoned executives, chairpeople, and finance professionals ready for NED roles

4. Portfolio Career Support for Candidates

Ned Capital also supports executives seeking plural careers—a concept increasingly recognised as a development and retention tool. We guide individuals building a portfolio NED offering, helping them match the right opportunities and build sustainable board careers

Our Portfolio NED Recruitment Process

Our approach is structured yet flexible, ensuring efficiency and quality at each stage:

Role Definition & Mapping

We begin by understanding your company’s governance needs, board composition, ambition, and culture. This helps define role criteria—sector experience, board skills, ESG knowledge, and stakeholder engagement.

Sourcing & Short‑listing

Through our curated network and search channels, we identify high‑calibre candidates who actively manage portfolio roles. We prioritise diversity, fresh sector insight, and track records in strategic governance.

Selection & Assessment

Candidates undergo rigorous vetting and interviews, ensuring motivations, availability, and alignment with your long‑term goals. We align expectations regarding time commitments and contributions

Appointment & Onboarding

Supporting you through negotiation and board induction, we help ensure the incoming director can deliver impact quickly and effectively.

What You’ll Gain

Strengthened Governance & Strategy

A portfolio NED helps navigate risk, challenge assumptions in growth plans, and align governance with strategy.

Increased Credibility

Appointing experienced non‑execs demonstrates quality governance, often attracting investor confidence and helping during capital raises

Access to Expert Networks

Portfolio NEDs bring relationships and insights from other boards, sectors, and markets.

Developing Internal Talent

Well‑matched NEDs can mentor CEOs or finance leaders, transferring valuable boardroom skills to your team.

Ideal for These Organisations

• Early‑stage or scaling SMEs seeking external guidance.

• Businesses preparing for investment, M&A, or IPO, needing stewardship and strategic credibility.

• Private equity portfolios requiring disciplined oversight at board level.

• Server-owned limited companies or non‑profit boards needing volunteers with governance expertise.

• Ambitious executives seeking portfolio NED roles where Ned Capital can support career expansion.

Case in Point

• Private equity‑backed tech scale‑up: Added a finance‑savvy NED recruited within 6 weeks, boosting investor confidence and guiding a successful £10M raise.

• SME in transition: Appointed a chair with turnaround and board experience who helped restructure and reposition the business strategically.

• Multiple portfolio NED appointments: Winning board-level talent advising across three Midlands-based businesses, aligned with Ned Capital’s geographic reach.

Building a Portfolio NED Career? We Can Help

If you’re an experienced executive exploring portfolio or plural career directions, Ned Capital offers:

• Guidance on how to position yourself for NED roles.

• Support completing governance training (e.g. via IoD, ICAEW, IoD Director programs).

• Coaching on representing board-ready maturity and commitment requirements

What to Expect with Ned Capital