As organisations look to control their costs, a flexible interim solution really is a great way to remain agile and deliver critical projects. Whether addressing transformation initiatives, plugging leadership gaps, or navigating regulatory changes, companies often face a crucial decision - should they engage a consulting firm or opt for an interim management solution?
Both approaches offer distinct benefits, but which delivers the best value? There is a definite case for consulting firms to bring structured methodologies and provide industry benchmarks. Experts with broad experience gained across multiple organisations are best suited for:
- Strategic Overhaul & Advisory – Providing high-level recommendations and strategic roadmaps that guide long-term business growth and transformation.
- Best Practice & Benchmarking – Bringing insights from similar industries or past projects, ensuring businesses remain competitive within their sector.
- Project-Based Work – Delivering predefined scopes with clear deliverables, ensuring business-critical objectives are met within agreed timelines.
- External Objectivity – Offering an outsider’s perspective on internal challenges, often identifying inefficiencies that may not be visible to internal stakeholders.
- Specialist Knowledge – Bringing in niche expertise that might not be available within the current workforce.
However, consulting engagements often come at a premium price and with recommendations that require further implementation efforts by the client’s internal teams. Additionally, some businesses find that consultants focus heavily on diagnostics and recommendations, leaving the execution burden on the existing team, which may already be stretched thin.
The case for interim management, on the other hand, provides highly experienced executives embedded within an organisation to drive transformation and execute change. We would recommend this solution for:
- Hands-On Implementation – Taking direct ownership of initiatives and delivering measurable results, rather than just providing recommendations.
- Immediate Impact – Quickly integrating into the business and making critical decisions from day one, without the long ramp-up time required by consulting firms.
- Cost-Effective Expertise – Providing executive-level experience without long-term commitments or overhead costs associated with permanent hires.
- Flexible & Scalable – Adapting to evolving business needs without the rigid structures that consulting firms often impose.
- Cultural Alignment – Unlike external consultants who operate at arm’s length, interim managers work within the organisation, understanding its culture and internal dynamics to drive change more effectively.
Unlike consultants, interim managers are accountable for execution, not just recommendations. They work within the organisation, align with its culture, and drive sustainable results beyond a theoretical framework. This level of involvement ensures that change is not only strategised but also implemented and measured for success.
So, the question is, which solution delivers the best value?
While consulting firms are invaluable for large-scale strategic initiatives, businesses often struggle with translating recommendations into action. This is where interim management stands out, offering a more cost-effective and results-driven approach, particularly when organisations need leadership embedded in their teams.
Additionally, interim management provides a significant advantage in times of crisis or rapid change, such as mergers and acquisitions, sudden leadership vacancies, or regulatory changes requiring immediate adaptation. Consultants may take weeks or months to assess the situation and provide a plan, whereas interim managers can step in immediately, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.
There are key factors to consider when deciding between consulting and interim management, so we recommend that organisations should ask themselves:
Do we need strategic advice or execution support?
- If execution is the priority, interim management is often the better choice.
How urgently do we need results?
- Interim managers can act immediately, while consulting firms may require extensive assessment periods.
What is our budget?
- Consulting firms typically charge high fees, while interim managers offer a more flexible cost structure.
Do we need ongoing support?
- Consulting firms often complete their project and exit, whereas interim managers ensure continuity and sustained impact.
For companies looking to remain agile, cost-conscious, and results-focused, interim management provides a dynamic alternative that ensures not just strategy, but execution and impact.
At Aston Fisher, we specialise in providing top-tier interim professionals who deliver real results in business-critical areas. If you’re looking for a flexible, high-impact solution, let’s talk.