Best Fractional COO Services in the UK

Top Outsourced COO Services & Fractional COO in the United Kingdom

In the competitive UK business landscape, companies must balance growth, scalability, and operational efficiency. However, hiring a full-time Chief Operating Officer (COO) is not always feasible, especially for startups, SMEs, and companies in transition. Part-time COO services offer a cost-effective and flexible solution, providing companies with on-demand operational leadership without the overhead of a full-time executive.

A Fractional COO is an experienced executive who works with businesses on a part-time, interim, or project-based basis. These professionals enhance business operations, streamline processes, improve profitability, and manage teams—all crucial for sustained success.

Many UK-based companies turn to outsourced COO agencies to gain top-tier operational guidance. These agencies help businesses scale, increase efficiency, and implement strategic initiatives, ensuring long-term stability and growth.

To assist businesses in finding the right Fractional COO partner, Digital Reference has compiled a list of the top outsourced COO agencies in the UK.

Methodology: How We Selected the Best Interim, Fractional, & Outsourced COO Services in the UK

This list is the result of extensive research into each firm’s reputation, leadership team, client feedback, and service offerings. We evaluated these agencies based on:

1. Experience & Reputation – Number of years in operation, client success stories, and industry impact.
2. Key Leadership & COO Professionals – The expertise, credentials, and industry experience of key executives.
3. Client Reviews & Testimonials – Analysis of customer feedback, online ratings, and case studies.
4. Service Offerings – The breadth of services, including strategy consulting, business transformation, process optimization, and team leadership.
5. Industry Specialization – Whether the firm specializes in startups, SMEs, SaaS, finance, manufacturing, or eCommerce.

Meet The Best Outsourced COO & Fractional COO Services in the UK

The Second C

What they do:
The Second C provides outsourced COO and operational consulting services, helping startups and enterprises transform operations, improve efficiency, and develop long-term growth strategies.

Who they work with:
High-growth businesses across industries in the UK seeking operational clarity, scalable systems, and strategic guidance.

Operating model:
Fractional COO and interim executive services with a data-driven approach, embedding experienced COOs into leadership teams to identify inefficiencies, drive performance, and enhance profitability.

💡 Why they stand out:
  ✨ Hands-on experience scaling operations globally
  ⚡ Culturally fluent and EDI-focused leadership
  🎯 Expertise in structuring operations for fundraising, M&A, and cross-functional alignment
  💬 Mentors teams while architecting systems for scale

Lorena Armitage, Founder

Lorena Armitage founded The Second C to help high-growth businesses build sustainable operations from the inside out. With a career spanning continents and industries—from financial services to heavy metals—she has led global operational transformations, built core systems from scratch, and helped businesses expand into new markets. Lorena combines system design with human mentorship to ensure operational success at scale.

The Ops Guys

What they do:
The Ops Guys embed senior fractional COO leadership into creative and service businesses, designing operational systems for delivery, finance, and growth.

Who they work with:
Agencies, studios, and creative brands looking for operational clarity without stifling creativity.

Operating model:
Hands-on fractional COO support for project management, resource planning, and financial forecasting, helping teams balance creativity with execution.

💡 Why they stand out:
  ✨ Extensive experience in creative industries and agency operations
  ⚡ Global experience across UK, Dubai, Ghana, and South Korea
  🎯 Builds clarity around budgets, roles, and delivery workflows
  💬 Provides calm authority and operational order to dynamic teams

Steve Squires, Founder

Steve Squires brings over 25 years of experience in operations across agencies, exhibitions, and marketing divisions. He has a proven track record of guiding creative businesses through growth and transformation while creating clarity around roles, budgets, and workflows, making him a trusted fractional COO for high-energy environments.

PayAsYouGo COO

What they do:
PayAsYouGo COO provides on-demand fractional COO services, giving UK businesses flexible, experienced leadership without full-time overhead.

Who they work with:
Small and medium-sized businesses seeking operational guidance on an hourly or project basis.

Operating model:
Flexible fractional COO model tailored to stabilize operations, design scalable systems, and provide hands-on support exactly when needed.

💡 Why they stand out:
  ✨ Scalable and flexible fractional COO support
  ⚡ Expertise in system design and operational stabilization
  🎯 Ideal for businesses needing interim executive guidance
  💬 Supports teams without long-term commitments

Milly Barker, Founder

Milly Barker founded PayAsYouGo COO to deliver flexible operational leadership for businesses needing immediate support. With senior-level experience in education, retail, and professional services, she provides hands-on COO guidance to stabilize operations and implement scalable systems without the need for full-time executive hires.

Scale‑Upp UK

What they do:
Scale‑Upp UK delivers executive COO support, helping businesses scale through operations, systems, and leadership enablement.

Who they work with:
Businesses preparing for or navigating scaling phases, seeking structured operational leadership.

Operating model:
Fractional COO services focused on aligning teams, processes, and systems for growth while providing strategic and operational expertise.

💡 Why they stand out:
  ✨ Deep experience in scaling operations for fast-growth companies
  ⚡ Tailored fractional support for operational alignment
  🎯 Focused on growth-oriented systems and processes
  💬 Combines strategy and execution to prepare companies for next-level success

Peter Peart, Founder

Peter Peart brings decades of leadership experience, including executive roles and startup scale-ups. He founded Scale‑Upp UK to provide structured, growth-oriented operational leadership, building platforms for scalable operations, cross-team collaboration, and governance.

Angel Advisors

What they do:
Angel Advisors is a boutique advisory firm providing embedded COO-level operational strategy for early-stage and growth-focused companies.

Who they work with:
Venture-backed startups, fintech firms, and B2B SaaS companies looking to build scalable processes, structured operations, and investor-ready infrastructure.

Operating model:
Hands-on, founder-aligned fractional COO services focusing on operational excellence, systems design, and scalable growth.

💡 Why they stand out:
  ✨ Founder-first orientation with embedded leadership
  ⚡ Cross-functional capabilities across finance, HR, compliance, and strategy
  🎯 Trusted by high-growth companies to prepare operations for funding or scale
  💬 Hands-on, operationally integrated support for ambitious founders

Avneet Singh Riat, Founder

Avneet Singh Riat founded Angel Advisors to help founders evolve from doing everything to building resilient, repeatable operations. He brings deep experience in venture-backed startups and high-growth environments, guiding companies to scale effectively with investor-ready systems and strategic operational frameworks.

Arpit Kaushik – Fractional COO

What they do:
Arpit Kaushik provides fractional COO leadership, helping businesses design scalable operations, optimize systems, and align strategy with execution across e-commerce, tech, and professional services.

Who they work with:
Startups and scale-ups seeking hands-on operational leadership and frameworks for growth, efficiency, and performance management.

Operating model:
Custom fractional COO engagements focused on strategic operations design, process engineering, and cross-functional leadership, with flexible support tailored to each business’s growth stage.

💡 Why they stand out:
  ✨ Strategic operations design rooted in data and process rigor
  ⚡ Hands-on support for scaling and optimizing business systems
  🎯 Adaptable and customized approach for each client
  💬 Combines operational expertise with a founder’s vision

Arpit Kaushik, Founder

Arpit Kaushik brings deep experience in operational model design, process engineering, and cross-functional leadership. With a career spanning startups and scale-ups, he has built frameworks for revenue reporting, product delivery, and performance management. Arpit’s hands-on support ensures businesses execute reliably while continuing to innovate.

Fractional Executives UK

What they do:
Provides fractional executive leadership, helping tech, finance, and healthcare companies scale through on-demand C-level expertise. His work focuses on stabilizing operations, accelerating growth, and delivering hands-on support in regulated and high-growth environments.

Who they work with:
Scaling startups and growth-stage companies seeking rapid operational and strategic support without the overhead of full-time executives. Ideal for firms undergoing funding rounds, product launches, or post-merger integration.

Operating model:
Flexible fractional executive engagements that provide tailored senior leadership exactly when it’s needed—covering strategy creation, operational execution, and team scaling. Clients receive plug-and-play executive talent with a focus on results and efficiency.

💡 Why they stand out:
  ✨ 30+ years of experience growing enterprise software and tech companies
  ⚡ Hands-on execution combined with proven scaling strategies
  🎯 Expertise in regulated sectors, including fintech and medtech
  💬 Builds tailored solutions to address critical skills gaps without long hiring cycles

Alan Giles, Founder

Alan Giles has spent over three decades helping tech companies grow through strategic leadership, operational excellence, and market expansion. At Fractional Execs, he leverages this experience to deliver fractional C-suite support that empowers companies to scale effectively, execute reliably, and achieve growth milestones without the burden of full-time executive costs.

Boardroom Advisors

What they do:
Boardroom Advisors provides embedded fractional COO and executive leadership, helping SMEs and startups navigate operational challenges, increase efficiency, and implement strategic change.

Who they work with:
Startups and growth-stage SMEs seeking flexible, hands-on operational leadership. Ideal for companies entering growth mode, needing temporary C-suite support, or looking to optimize business systems and strategy.

Operating model:
Founder-aligned fractional COO and executive services delivered by a vetted network of over 200 part-time, director-level experts. Advisors are matched to clients based on sector experience and leadership style, ensuring customized, operationally integrated support.

💡 Why they stand out:
  ✨ Founder-first approach with embedded leadership for immediate impact
  ⚡ Deep bench of seasoned executives across finance, HR, marketing, sales, IT, and operations
  🎯 Trusted by SMEs and scale-ups to optimize operations and drive growth
  💬 Hands-on, sector-aligned advisory support, no one-size-fits-all playbooks

John G. Courtney, Founder

John G. Courtney founded Boardroom Advisors to provide companies with experienced fractional leadership that delivers results without the overhead of full-time executives. With over 40 years as a Board Director, strategy consultant, and entrepreneur, he has started seven businesses and advised over 100 SMEs, scale-ups, and family enterprises. John’s approach combines operational expertise with practical mentorship, helping businesses scale reliably while preparing for growth and funding. Outside work, he is a cricket enthusiast and charitable leader, having chaired The Lord's Taverners (West), a national charity supporting disabled and disadvantaged children through sport.

Leadership Services Limited

What they do:
Leadership Services Limited provides embedded fractional COO and executive leadership, helping SMEs across industries move from gut-driven execution to metrics-based decision-making. They deliver hands-on operational and strategic expertise to transform business performance.

Who they work with:
SMEs and growth-stage companies across manufacturing, tech, and other sectors seeking fractional C-level support. Ideal for leadership teams needing operational systems built, not just gaps pointed out.

Operating model:
Founder-aligned fractional executive services offering part-time IT, Finance, Operations, Data, and Marketing Directors. Leaders integrate directly with client teams, taking ownership of strategic decisions, project delivery, and operational execution.

💡 Why they stand out:
  ✨ Founder-first, hands-on leadership embedded in client teams
  ⚡ Fractional executives with 10+ years of experience and proven track records
  🎯 Flexible, cost-effective engagements tailored to each business’s needs
  💬 Trusted to implement transformative operational systems and drive growth

David Bailey, Founder

David Bailey founded Leadership Services Limited to give CEOs and leadership teams access to seasoned C-level expertise without the overhead of full-time hires. With a focus on hands-on leadership and operational transformation, David helps companies scale reliably, implement metrics-driven decision-making, and achieve business turnarounds. His experience spans IT, finance, operations, and marketing, enabling SMEs to leverage high-level expertise exactly when and where it’s needed.

The Growth Chain

What they do:
The Growth Chain provides embedded fractional COO and operational leadership, specializing in business transformation and operational efficiency for companies undergoing pivots, restructures, or scaling plateaus.

Who they work with:
Founders and growth-stage companies who understand the why behind scaling but need clarity on the how—especially organizations navigating transitions or operational change.

Operating model:
Hands-on, founder-aligned fractional COO services focusing on change management, process optimization, and scalable operational systems.

💡 Why they stand out:
  ✨ Deep expertise in transformation with a people-and-process lens
  ⚡ Founder-friendly approach translating vision into operational reality
  🎯 Supports scaling through pivots, restructures, and complex transitions
  💬 Embedded COO-level guidance for sustainable growth

Sneha Morjaria, Founder

Sneha Morjaria founded The Growth Chain® to help founders convert momentum into operational reality. A double award-winning certified online business manager and former FTSE 100 corporate auditor, she brings experience across global brands, guiding companies through change with structured, repeatable frameworks and hands-on support.

Osmo Partners

What they do:
Osmo Partners delivers fractional COO and operational restructuring services, improving performance, reducing risk, and optimizing costs for investment management firms.

Who they work with:
Start-ups, emerging managers, and established hedge fund operations seeking operational excellence, risk mitigation, and streamlined processes.

Operating model:
Founder-aligned fractional COO engagements with a focus on operational restructuring, portfolio management systems, and cost-effective risk reduction.

💡 Why they stand out:
  ✨ Sector-specific expertise in investment management and hedge funds
  ⚡ Proven operators who execute restructuring and process optimization rapidly
  🎯 Focused on compliance, risk mitigation, and seamless operations
  💬 Hands-on support bridging front, middle, and back-office operational needs

Ian Forrest, CEO

Ian Forrest founded Osmo Partners to provide actionable fractional leadership for hedge funds and asset managers. With over 20 years in portfolio management, operations, and trading systems, he helps firms simplify complexity, improve operational performance, and reduce risk across the investment lifecycle.

Wakerman Advisory Ltd.

What they do:
Simon Wakeman provides embedded fractional COO and leadership advisory, helping founders translate vision into scalable operations and accountable teams.

Who they work with:
Startups and scale-ups seeking a step-by-step operational partner who integrates into their leadership mix, making complex visions executable.

Operating model:
Hands-on, founder-aligned fractional COO services leveraging the B3 framework® for operational execution, team building, and organizational cadence.

💡 Why they stand out:
  ✨ Founder-friendly, operationally embedded approach
  ⚡ 26 years of COO, MD, and founder experience with proven scale-up success
  🎯 Combines frameworks with hands-on guidance to deliver real results
  💬 Trusted to transform vision into operational reality without overengineering

Simon Wakeman, Founder

Simon Wakeman helps founders navigate the transition from startup to scale-up. His B3 framework®, combined with decades of operational leadership experience, enables him to build strong teams, implement structured processes, and solve growth challenges quickly. He has led multiple businesses from small teams to multimillion-pound revenues, including successful exits.

Ser Team

What they do:
SER Team provides fractional COO and advisory services, helping mid-sized enterprises adopt AI, improve operational efficiency, and implement governance frameworks.

Who they work with:
Mid-sized enterprises and PE-backed portfolio companies needing strategic, flexible, and cost-effective operational leadership.

Operating model:
Founder-aligned fractional COO and strategy services focusing on AI strategy, governance, and operational execution for high-growth enterprises.

💡 Why they stand out:
  ✨ Expertise in AI strategy and operational transformation
  ⚡ Hands-on guidance integrating emerging tech into business operations
  🎯 Supports governance, risk management, and innovation without slowing delivery
  💬 Explains complex tech in actionable business terms for Boards and leadership teams

Troy Norcross, Founder

Troy Norcross founded SER Team to help organizations convert AI and digital ambitions into operational reality. With 15+ years as a business architect, fractional COO, and strategy advisor, he guides leadership teams in adopting AI responsibly while enhancing efficiency, governance, and growth outcomes.

Lagom Consulting

What they do:
Lagom Consulting provides fractional COO and consulting services, helping growing brands and service organizations connect strategy with scalable infrastructure.

Who they work with:
Founder-led businesses and professional service firms seeking structured operations, marketing strategy, and operational alignment.

Operating model:
Hands-on, founder-aligned fractional COO support focusing on operational execution, marketing strategy, and business development alignment.

💡 Why they stand out:
  ✨ Founder-friendly, operationally integrated support
  ⚡ Combines business strategy with operational execution for scalable growth
  🎯 Helps teams align strategy, operations, and marketing for maximum impact
  💬 Practical guidance bridging leadership vision and operational delivery

Jonathan Greenstein, Founder

Jonathan Greenstein founded Lagom Consulting to provide operational clarity and structure for founder-led businesses. With experience across professional services, technology, and financial industries, he helps companies align strategy with scalable operational frameworks and achieve growth efficiently.

Choosing the Right Fractional COO Service for Your Business

With many high-quality options available, selecting the right Fractional COO agency depends on your company’s industry, needs, and budget. Here’s a quick guide:

• For fast-growing startups: The COO Centre, Your Fractional COO, Next Level COO
• For SMEs & mid-sized companies: Boardroom Advisors, Freeman Clarke, COO Advisory UK
• For digital transformation & automation: The Change Partners, Virtual COO UK
• For finance & investment firms: Insight Partners UK, Fractional Executives UK

By choosing the right outsourced COO agency, businesses can gain operational expertise, scale effectively, and enhance performance—without the cost of a full-time hire.

More From Digital Reference?

Guides like this are part of our broader mission: to make the talent ecosystem more transparent, more human, and more efficient. A few more guides worth looking into:

• Best Platforms to Hire Fractional COOs
• Full Directory of Local Fractional COO Listings
• Best Communities for Operations Professionals

We believe the future of work doesn’t live in resumes—it lives in reputation, results, and relationships.

Explore our talent insights or reach out (hello@digitalreference.co) for a curated recommendation.

Check Out Our Global and National Directories of Fractional COO Services

Australia - Fractional & Virtual COO Services

• Top Outsourced COO Agencies in Australia

Australia’s business ecosystem is booming with SaaS, logistics, and ecommerce companies in need of agile ops leadership. This list features top firms helping Aussie founders scale with precision.

Canada - Fractional & Virtual COO Services

• Top Outsourced COO Agencies in Canada

From Toronto to Vancouver, Canadian companies are tapping outsourced COOs to manage growth while staying lean and compliant. These firms stand out for operational excellence across sectors.

India - Fractional & Virtual COO Services

• Top Outsourced COO Agencies in India

India’s startup and enterprise growth stories are fueled by execution. Our picks here lead the way in fractional leadership, process optimization, and ops-as-a-service solutions.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) - Fractional & Virtual COO Services

• Top Outsourced COO Agencies in the UAE

As Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue attracting global business, these COO firms are helping organizations operationalize scale in high-growth, high-regulation markets.

United States (USA) - Fractional & Virtual COO Services

• Top Outsourced COO Agencies in the USA

The U.S. market demands operational leadership that can flex—fast. These top agencies and fractional executives bring scalable systems, cross-functional savvy, and startup-to-scaleup experience.

Start your journey today by reaching out to one of these top-tier COO agencies and take your business operations to the next level !