Best Fractional CTO & Outsourced CTO Services in the UK
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Best Fractional CTO & Outsourced CTO Services in the UK
Best Fractional CTO Services & Outsourced CTO in The United Kingdom
As the UK continues to solidify its reputation as a hub for innovation, technology leadership is becoming more crucial than ever. Yet for many startups, scale-ups, and even mature mid-sized businesses, hiring a full-time Chief Technology Officer (CTO) can be costly, complex, and unnecessary at certain stages. That’s where fractional and part-time CTO services come into play.
These outsourced CTOs deliver strategic leadership, technical direction, and executive-level oversight—without the overhead of a permanent hire. Whether a company is building a product, modernising infrastructure, entering a new market, or preparing for funding, fractional CTOs offer the flexibility and deep expertise needed to make confident decisions.
At Digital Reference, we’re focused on improving the efficiency and transparency of the talent ecosystem. We’ve curated this list of leading outsourced CTO providers in the United Kingdom, featuring individuals and agencies who consistently deliver high-impact results.
Our Methodology - Fractional CTO, Interim CTO, & Outsourced CTO Services in The UK
To build this curated list, we evaluated:
- Proven client outcomes and engagement case studies
- Breadth and depth of technical leadership experience
- Presence and operations in the UK market
- Flexibility of engagement models (part-time, project-based, advisory, etc.)
- Industry focus (startups, SaaS, fintech, e-commerce, etc.)
The following providers are active in the UK and offer credible, scalable CTO support across a range of business contexts.
Meet the Best Outsourced CTO & Fractional CTO Services in The United Kingdom
YourDigitalCTO
Website: https://www.yourdigitalcto.com/
What they do:
Fractional CTO services for non-technical founders, scale-ups, and SMEs, providing vendor selection, hiring, architecture, and strategic planning support.
Who they work with:
Startups, growing companies, and SMEs facing technical uncertainty or lacking internal tech leadership.
Operating model:
Hands-on fractional CTO engagement combining coaching, advisory, and execution with transparent pricing and fixed engagements.
💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Focused on startups with technical uncertainty
⚡ Combines coaching with hands-on delivery
🎯 Transparent pricing and fixed engagement models
Meet the Co-Founders of YourDigitalCTO:
Paul Reynolds is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional. He has worked in the Information Technology industry for 25 years, with experience in many industries including retail, charitable trusts, outsourcing, hosting, banking, healthcare, as well as local and central Government.
Ryan Bishop is a Chartered IT Professional. Heh as worked in the Information Technology industry for 25 years, with experience in many industries including aerospace, pharmaceutical, finance, banking, retail, hospitality, FMCG and central Government.
Gather Technology
Website: https://gather.tech/outsourced-cto/
What they do:
Outsourced and fractional CTO services for startups and SMEs across the UK, blending strategic oversight with hands-on implementation.
Who they work with:
Startups and SMEs needing CTO guidance, team mentoring, and tech stack design aligned with business goals.
Operating model:
Fractional CTO engagements providing strategy, mentoring, and practical architecture support for product and SaaS companies.
💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Strong focus on digital products, SaaS, and custom platforms
⚡ Combines strategic planning with team mentoring
🎯 Emphasis on aligning technology with business outcomes
Simon Hebditch, Co-founder of Gather Technology
Simon Hebditch is the co-founder of Gather Technology and a seasoned IT leader focused on building secure, high-performing teams. With a background spanning engineering, information security, and executive leadership, he takes a thoughtful, principle-driven approach to scaling a people-first consultancy recognized among the UK’s top tech workplaces.
PSP IT (People Systems Process)
Website: https://psp-outsourced.com/outsourced-it-roles/cto-service/
What they do:
Outsourced IT leadership including part-time and interim CTO roles, especially for regulated industries.
Who they work with:
Mid-market firms in finance, healthcare, or compliance-heavy sectors needing CTO guidance and infrastructure evolution.
Operating model:
Fractional CTO engagements integrated with managed IT services, supporting both strategic and operational needs.
💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Excellent fit for compliance-heavy sectors
⚡ Combines advisory with hands-on IT management
🎯 Helps mid-market firms evolve digital infrastructure and maturity
Brett Caruso, Co-founder of PSP IT
Brett Caruso is the CTO of PSP IT Design & Development and a seasoned technology leader specializing in efficient, business-aligned systems. With deep experience in .NET-based CRM and data platforms, he focuses on designing solutions that remove non-value-added work, deliver clear management insight, and reduce long-term IT costs for customers.
Freeman Clarke
Website: https://www.freemanclarke.com/en-us/fractional-cto/
What they do:
UK-based fractional CIO and CTO services, providing embedded leadership to organizations needing strategic IT direction.
Who they work with:
SMEs seeking experienced CTO-level guidance for IT transformation, technology strategy, and board advisory.
Operating model:
Fractional CTO engagements delivered on-demand, including hands-on leadership, advisory, and IT transformation projects.
💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Large bench of experienced CTOs available
⚡ Flexible engagement models (board advisory, hands-on CTO, IT transformation)
🎯 Trusted by UK SMEs for over a decade
Graeme Freeman, Co-Founder & Director of Freeman Clarke UK
Graeme Freeman is a seasoned fractional IT leader and co-founder of Freeman Clarke UK, specializing in CIO, CTO, and CISO leadership for mid-market organizations. With deep expertise across technology strategy, cybersecurity, data, and digital transformation, he partners at board level to deliver flexible, long-term IT leadership that drives sustainable business growth.
Limes
Website: https://limes.ltd/fractional-cto
What they do:
Fractional CTO services for high-growth startups and digital product companies, supporting the transition from MVP to scalable solutions.
Who they work with:
Early-stage and post-seed startups needing embedded CTO guidance within product teams.
Operating model:
CTO services embedded in product teams, focused on architecture, development practices, and cloud infrastructure.
💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Embedded CTO services within product teams
⚡ Expertise in Python, Node.js, React, and cloud infrastructure
🎯 Great fit for early-stage or post-seed startups
Tom Woodhead, Founder & CEO of Limes Consultancy
Tom Woodhead is an entrepreneur and management consultant who helps organisations drive transformation across construction and complex supply chains. With deep experience in digital delivery, change management, and fractional executive leadership, he partners with boards and leadership teams to align strategy, technology, and sustainable growth.
Embeddable
Website: https://embeddable.co.uk/how-we-help/fractional-cto/
What they do:
Fractional CTO, CPO, and engineering leadership for startups and digital teams, combining mentorship with systems architecture.
Who they work with:
Product-led startups needing embedded technical guidance, team development, and roadmap planning.
Operating model:
CTO engagements that integrate into founder teams, offering mentorship, hiring support, and tech roadmap development.
💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Strong product-led company track record
⚡ Offers code reviews, hiring support, and roadmap guidance
🎯 Embedded, agile approach with founder teams
Peter Calvert, Founder & Fractional CTO of Embeddable
Peter Calvert is a multi-award-winning technology leader and founder of Embeddable, providing fractional CTO services to ambitious and scaling businesses. With over a decade of experience leading multi-disciplined teams, he partners with early-stage and growth-focused companies to define technology strategy, build teams, and deliver digital solutions that drive measurable business impact.
Full Stack Consulting
Website: https://fullstackconsulting.co.uk/services/fractional-cto
What they do:
Fractional CTO services with an emphasis on cloud-native technology stacks, architecture, and strategy for startups and agencies.
Who they work with:
Product-centric startups and agencies seeking scalable tech solutions and cloud architecture guidance.
Operating model:
Fractional CTO engagements combining strategy, architecture, and execution oversight.
💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Combines strategy, architecture, and delivery oversight
⚡ Expertise in AWS, Azure, microservices, and cloud-native architectures
🎯 Helps multiply valuations of sub-£10M businesses through smarter tech investments
Meet the Founder of Full Stack Consulting: Graham Roberts
Graham Roberts is a seasoned technology leader with extensive experience in scaling product and platform teams. With a strong background in cloud-native architectures and business-focused technology investments, Graham partners with founders to align engineering strategies with long-term business growth. His leadership style is pragmatic, collaborative, and laser-focused on driving product success.
Adam Martin – fCTO
Website: https://fractional-ctos.com/
What they do:
Freelance fractional CTO services for startups, agencies, and non-technical founders, providing executive advice and embedded support.
Who they work with:
SaaS, edtech, and B2B platform companies needing strategic CTO guidance and hands-on execution.
Operating model:
Embedded fractional CTO engagements that combine technical execution with business strategy.
💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Strong personal brand with clear service offerings
⚡ Combines business strategy with hands-on technical execution
🎯 Experienced in SaaS, edtech, and B2B platforms
Adam Martin, AI Consultant & Fractional CTO
Adam Martin is a seasoned technology and AI leader specializing in enterprise AI enablement and fractional CTO services. With over 20 years in tech, including leadership roles in corporates, scaleups, and startups, he partners with post-LLM companies to scale teams, optimize product and engineering delivery, and implement AI-driven solutions that accelerate innovation and business growth.
CTO as a Service
Website: https://cto-as-a-service.io/
What they do:
UK-based platform connecting businesses with on-demand fractional CTOs for interim, project-based, or advisory roles. Offers strategic oversight, technical hiring support, and product architecture guidance.
Who they work with:
Startups, scale-ups, and SMEs needing immediate CTO-level support without long-term commitments.
Operating model:
Marketplace-style fractional CTO model, providing vetted, flexible CTO talent matched to specific business needs.
💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Marketplace of vetted CTOs for fast, precise matching
⚡ Scalable, flexible access to CTO leadership
🎯 Streamlined onboarding for immediate tech guidance
Meet the Founder: Nikolay Sudarikov
Nikolay Sudarikov is the founder of CTO as a Service, bringing over two decades of experience in technology leadership and product management. With a background in building and scaling digital products, Nikolay understands the common challenges that startups and non-technical founders face in navigating technical growth. His vision for CTO as a Service was born from the need for a more agile, flexible model of accessing top-tier CTO expertise—one that empowers businesses to scale confidently without being constrained by full-time executive hires. Nikolay is known for his practical approach to aligning technology strategies with business outcomes, making him a trusted advisor in the UK's startup ecosystem.
Pragmatic Partners
Website: https://www.pragmaticpartners.co.uk/fractional-cto/
What they do:
Fractional CTO services for scaling companies, delivering clarity and momentum to engineering and product teams.
Who they work with:
Businesses with technical debt, scaling challenges, or early-stage digital teams needing structured CTO guidance.
Operating model:
Fractional CTO engagements focusing on technical audits, hiring support, and strategic planning.
💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Strong product and engineering culture
⚡ Helps businesses address tech debt and platform scalability
🎯 Practical, hands-on leadership for digital teams
Rob Bowley, Founder of Pragmatic Partners
Rob Bowley is a strategic technology advisor and fractional CPTO/CTO/COO with 25 years of experience across startups, scale-ups, and major organisations. He partners with founders and investors to optimise product and technology delivery, build high-performing teams, and implement modern engineering practices that drive scalable, commercially impactful outcomes.
Foresight Mobile
Website: https://foresightmobile.com/services/fractional-cto-service
What they do:
Fractional CTO services combined with product design and mobile app development.
Who they work with:
Non-technical founders and startups aiming to develop and scale mobile applications.
Operating model:
Fractional CTO engagements integrated with full product development stack, focusing on MVP delivery and UX.
💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Full product development stack with technical oversight
⚡ Emphasis on MVP delivery and mobile scaling
🎯 Strong design and user experience focus
Gareth Reese, Director & Fractional CTO at Foresight Mobile
Gareth Reese is an experienced fractional CTO and director of Foresight Mobile, a mobile development agency delivering end-to-end solutions for startups, agencies, and brands. With expertise in mobile architecture, product design, and cross-platform development, he helps businesses turn ideas into robust, scalable apps while guiding teams to adopt best-in-class technologies and processes.
Bytesized Fractional CTO
Website: https://bytesizedcto.com/
What they do:
Bite-sized, strategic CTO engagements for early-stage startups.
Who they work with:
Pre-revenue and early-stage companies needing affordable CTO guidance.
Operating model:
Short-term CTO engagements that provide strategic direction with long-term impact.
💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Lower-cost entry point for tech strategy
⚡ Short-term engagements with lasting value
🎯 Ideal for pre-revenue startups
Kitnetic
Website: https://kitnetic.co.uk/service/fractional-cto
What they do:
Fractional and interim CTO services for e-commerce, logistics, and software product companies. Supports CTO transitions and tech turnarounds.
Who they work with:
Startups and SMEs undergoing digital transformation or CTO succession.
Operating model:
Fractional CTO engagements with vendor management, platform audits, and scaling guidance.
💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Focus on e-commerce and operational technology
⚡ Available for interim and project-specific CTO roles
🎯 Expertise in CTO transitions and technology turnarounds
Thomas Remmert, Founder & CTO of Kitnetic Technology Advisors
Thomas Remmert is a seasoned technology leader and founder of Kitnetic Technology Advisors, specialising in technical due diligence and advisory for PE, VC, and growth-focused companies. With over 30 years of experience as a software engineer, CTO, and fractional technology leader, he helps investors and executives assess technology risks, optimise engineering execution, and scale software-driven businesses with confidence.
Kay Services
Website: https://www.kayservices.co.uk/virtual-cto
What they do:
Virtual CTO and CIO services helping organizations modernize, secure, and scale their tech infrastructure.
Who they work with:
Traditional businesses, SMEs, and organizations needing digital modernization and IT compliance support.
Operating model:
Fractional CTO/CIO engagements focused on practical technology adoption, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance.
💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Practical, business-focused approach
⚡ Strong focus on cybersecurity and IT compliance
🎯 Supports digital transformation in traditional businesses
Kartik Patel, Director of KAY Services (UK) Limited
Kartik Patel is an information security and IT infrastructure leader, serving as Director of KAY Services (UK) Limited. With expertise in securing and optimising IT environments, he helps organisations implement robust technology strategies and infrastructure solutions that protect data, streamline operations, and support long-term business growth.
The Interim CTO
Website: https://www.theinterimcto.com/
What they do:
Provides temporary fractional CTO leadership to UK startups and mid-sized firms during key transitions.
Who they work with:
Startups or growth companies needing interim CTO support during scaling, crisis management, or post-funding phases.
Operating model:
Fractional CTO engagements focused on bridging leadership gaps, providing outcome-driven tech oversight.
💡 Why they stand out:
✨ Experienced interim CTO support for critical phases
⚡ Understands founder and investor priorities
🎯 Outcome-driven leadership with practical impact
Jon Webb, Chief Technology Officer
Jon Webb is a seasoned technology executive and CTO with extensive experience leading product and engineering teams across fintech, edtech, biotech, and B2B2C organisations. He specialises in scaling teams, driving transformative technical strategies, and delivering operational improvements that enhance company valuations, create new revenue streams, and position businesses for sustainable growth.
Why Companies Are Choosing Fractional CTOs in the UK
Businesses across the UK are embracing fractional CTOs as an alternative to expensive, long-term executive hires. This model offers companies:
- Immediate access to top-tier technical leadership
- Cost control and scalability of engagement
- Support for short-term goals or long-term transformation
- Leadership to manage remote or hybrid tech teams
Whether you’re launching a product, preparing for a round of funding, or modernising your operations, a fractional CTO can deliver meaningful impact.
Final Thoughts from Digital Reference
Fractional CTO services are becoming an indispensable part of the UK’s modern tech ecosystem. As companies seek to remain agile and cost-conscious, these flexible, high-value services provide access to technical vision, product direction, and scalable architecture.
At Digital Reference, we’ve curated this list to help businesses find the right partner—whether that’s a solo operator, a consulting firm, or an embedded team player.
Global & Country-Level Directories of Fractional CTO Services
Explore Our City Spotlights of of Part-time & Fractional CTOs in the USA
Ann Arbor - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Ann Arbor Making Things Happen
Atlanta - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Atlanta Making Things Happen
Austin - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Austin Making Things Happen
Boston - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Boston Making Things Happen
Charlotte - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Charlotte Making Things Happen
Chicago - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Chicago Making Things Happen
Dallas–Fort Worth - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Dallas–Fort Worth Making Things Happen
Denver - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Denver Making Things Happen
Detroit - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Detroit Making Things Happen
Houston - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Houston Making Things Happen
Jacksonville - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Jacksonville Making Things Happen
Las Vegas - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Las Vegas Making Things Happen
Los Angeles - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Los Angeles Making Things Happen
Miami - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Miami Making Things Happen
Minneapolis - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Minneapolis Making Things Happen
Nashville - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Nashville Making Things Happen
Naples - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Naples Making Things Happen
New York City- Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in New York City Making Things Happen
Orlando - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Orlando Making Things Happen
Phoenix - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Phoenix Making Things Happen
Pittsburgh - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Pittsburgh Making Things Happen
Portland - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Portland Making Things Happen
Raleigh–Durham - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Raleigh–Durham Making Things Happen
Sacramento - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Sacramento Making Things Happen
Salt Lake City - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Salt Lake City Making Things Happen
San Antonio - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in San Antonio Making Things Happen
San Diego - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in San Diego Making Things Happen
San Francisco- Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in San Francisco Making Things Happen
Seattle - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Seattle Making Things Happen
St. Louis - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in St. Louis Making Things Happen
Tampa - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Tampa Making Things Happen
Washington DC - Virtual CTOs & Outsourced CTO Services
Fractional CTOs in Washington DC Making Things Happen
🇬🇧 United Kingdom – City Spotlights of Fractional CTOs
London - Part-Time, Fractional, & Virtual CTOs
Fractional CTOs in London Making Things Happen
🇨🇦 Canada – City Spotlights of Fractional CTOs
Toronto- Part-Time, Fractional, & Virtual CTOs
Fractional CTOs in Toronto Making Things Happen
Use this guides above to explore your options, reach out to providers, and identify who aligns best with your goals. The future of technical leadership is modular, on-demand, and tailored to the needs of your business.
– The Digital Reference Team
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