Premier Partnership Harnesses Fractional Leadership for Smarter Growth

The corporate landscape is evolving, and a key trend making waves in 2025 is the rise of "fractional twinning"—a flexible, part-time leadership model that allows senior executives to provide targeted support to businesses.
Premier Partnership, a leading training specialist based in Yorkshire, is at the forefront of this movement, leveraging fractional expertise to enhance its financial leadership. This approach was highlighted in an article by Jane Hamilton in The Times.

Fractional Twinning: A New Era of Executive Support
As the demands of senior leadership roles continue to grow, many organisations are turning to fractional executives to provide top-level insight without the commitment of a full-time salary. This trend has seen significant growth, with the number of LinkedIn profiles mentioning fractional leadership skyrocketing from 2,000 in 2022 to 110,000 last year. The flexibility of this model allows companies to bring in highly skilled professionals who have "been there, seen it, and done it" without the need for significant oversight or training.

Premier Partnership has embraced this model by bringing in Nicola Horton, a fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO), to work alongside its full-time CFO, Chris Mouatt. This decision, recommended by the company’s bank, has provided Premier Partnership with strategic financial leadership tailored to its growth plans.

How Premier Partnership Benefits from Fractional Leadership
For Premier Partnership, the introduction of a fractional CFO twin has been a game-changer. Chris Mouatt explains, “Bringing in a fractional CFO twin was actually recommended by our bank—they recognised it as a way to strengthen our financial leadership in a way that was flexible, cost-effective, and aligned with our growth plans.”

This approach enables Premier Partnership to access high-level financial expertise without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire. It allows the company to scale efficiently, focusing on strategic growth while maintaining financial agility.

Nicola Horton, who works with six different businesses in various sectors, brings a broad perspective and invaluable insight to Premier Partnership. She shares, “Being a fractional twin allows me to be more outward-looking and strategic as we don’t get stuck in the day-to-day detail. Working with passionate C-suite executives, seeing the value I can bring to make their lives easier and help them truly enjoy their business again, is a joy.”

The Growing Appeal of Fractional Executives
The success of Premier Partnership in integrating fractional leadership reflects a broader trend across industries. Companies are recognising that a single full-time executive may not always possess the diverse skill set required to navigate today’s complex business landscape. By leveraging fractional executives, businesses can bring in specialised skills on a flexible basis, ensuring they remain agile and competitive.

Fractional executives can support businesses in multiple ways:

• Providing high-level strategic input without full-time financial commitment
• Offering fresh perspectives and insights gained from working across multiple industries
• Helping navigate business change or manage specific projects
• Strengthening leadership teams without disrupting existing structure

Finding the Right Fit
While the benefits of fractional leadership are clear, success lies in selecting the right individual. Chris Mouatt emphasises, “I would recommend fractional support to any business that requires senior leadership but does not need a full-time hire. However, the key to success is finding the right fit.”

The collaboration between Premier Partnership and Nicola Horton exemplifies how fractional executives can seamlessly integrate with existing leadership teams to drive success. As businesses continue to adapt to the evolving economic landscape, fractional leadership is set to become an integral part of C-suite strategy.

Looking Ahead
With the demand for fractional executives growing at an unprecedented rate, Premier Partnership’s adoption of this model highlights its forward-thinking approach. As companies seek new ways to enhance their leadership without overextending resources, the fractional twinning model offers a compelling solution.

By embracing this innovative strategy, Premier Partnership is not only strengthening its own financial leadership but also setting an example for other businesses looking to balance expertise with flexibility.

As 2025 unfolds, the fractional leadership revolution is poised to redefine executive support, providing companies with the agility they need to thrive in an ever-changing business world.

Premier Partnership offers a team of experienced industry expert coaches dedicated to supporting growing organisations and those undergoing significant change. Our tailored coaching services provide strategic guidance and practical insights to help businesses navigate challenges, drive performance, and achieve sustainable success. Additionally, we offer leadership and management qualifications designed to develop strong, future-ready leaders equipped with the skills to inspire teams and foster growth.

Contact us at: enquiries@premier-partnership.co.uk for more information.

(IMAGE: BARNABY ALDRICK/THE TIMES)