In London’s fast-paced business environment, companies need more than just ambition they need experience, insight, and strategic direction. That’s why many turn to advisory board companies for high-level support without the formality of a board of directors.
These firms connect businesses with seasoned professionals who guide growth, governance, investment, and leadership decisions. Whether you’re a scaling startup or an established enterprise, having the right advisors in place can significantly influence success.
This guide explores the top 10 advisory board companies in London, carefully selected based on real client reviews, proven expertise, and their ability to deliver trusted, effective advisory services. Each firm listed meets high standards for transparency, authority, and impact aligned with Google’s content quality expectations.
What Are Advisory Board Companies and How Do They Support UK Businesses?
Advisory board companies are external entities or networks that provide expert strategic guidance to businesses without the formal responsibilities of a board of directors. In London, a major global business hub, these firms have become increasingly vital for companies aiming to scale, innovate, or navigate complex regulatory landscapes.
Unlike traditional consultancy services that are often short-term and project-based, advisory boards focus on long-term value. They help organisations with decision-making, governance, market positioning, and funding strategies, acting as a sounding board for leadership teams. In the UK, particularly in London, businesses rely on advisory firms to access industry expertise, improve operational efficiency, and align their strategy with market trends.
Top 10 Advisory Board Companies in London
1. Boardroom Advisors – Flexible Executive Support for Growing Businesses
Boardroom Advisors is known for offering part-time advisory and executive services to startups and scale-ups that need hands-on strategic input. With a national network of experienced professionals, including regional directors in London, the company connects businesses with proven advisors who have held senior roles across various industries.
Services are tailored for growth-stage firms needing board-level input without the cost of full-time executives. They specialise in scaling, business planning, and investor readiness.
Companies benefit from consistent, high-quality mentorship aimed at sustainable development. Boardroom Advisors works with companies of all sizes but has developed a strong presence among UK-based SMEs and funded startups. Its straightforward onboarding and flexible model make it a favourite for founders wanting serious expertise without bureaucracy.
Focus Area
Strategic Leadership Engagement
Ideal For
Entrepreneurs and SMEs scaling rapidly
- Website: www.boardroomadvisors.co.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)117 300 9945
- Address: 86-90 Paul Street, London EC2A 4NE
- Email: Info@BoardroomAdvisors.co
2. The Supper Club – Peer-Led Growth for Entrepreneurs
The Supper Club is a membership-based community and advisory platform that connects London’s most ambitious entrepreneurs with like-minded founders, mentors, and business experts. It operates as a peer advisory network, rather than a traditional consultancy, and offers curated events, advisory boards, and strategic sessions to support business growth.
With a strong focus on leadership development and peer collaboration, members gain real-world insights from others who have scaled businesses. The Supper Club is especially useful for navigating common entrepreneurial challenges from team building to investment strategy.
Its members include leaders from some of the UK’s fastest-growing companies, creating a unique space for mutual growth and shared experience.
Key Offering
Entrepreneur Peer Advisory Circles
Recommended For
Scale-up founders seeking strategic peer insight
- Website: www.thesupperclub.com
- Phone: +44 20 7250 3190
- Address: 5th Floor, 167–169 Great Portland Street, London W1W 5PF
- Email: hello@thesupperclub.com
3. Criticaleye – Leadership Support for Executive Teams
Criticaleye specialises in advisory services for senior executives and board-level leadership. Known for its high-level forums, peer discussions, and expert panels, it supports enterprise leaders navigating complexity and change. Clients include multinational corporations and UK-based large enterprises.
Criticaleye provides structured advisory programmes that focus on succession planning, board effectiveness, and leadership performance. The company also facilitates executive learning through confidential peer groups, where CEOs, CFOs, and HRDs share insights and develop leadership resilience.
Their model emphasises long-term transformation and alignment between boards and executive functions. It’s a premium service suited for corporates investing in strategic leadership development.
Core Expertise
Executive Performance Advisory
Designed For
C-suite leaders in medium to large corporations
- Website: www.criticaleye.com
- Phone: 020 7350 5100
- Address: 4th Floor, 22 Tudor St, London EC4Y 0AY
- Email: info@criticaleye.com
4. The Boardroom Partnership – Building Better Boards for the Future
The Boardroom Partnership works with companies to improve the structure, efficiency, and accountability of their boards. Their London-based team includes former CEOs, CFOs, and legal professionals who offer bespoke advisory services focused on board performance and composition.
The firm helps businesses form advisory boards, select independent directors, and navigate governance challenges. They are particularly valuable for companies preparing for investment, mergers, or IPOs, offering deep insight into regulatory frameworks and risk oversight. The company also delivers board reviews and succession planning frameworks to support long-term growth.
Primary Strength
Board Structure & Governance Advisory
Most Useful For
Companies preparing for fundraising or structural change
- Website: https://www.theboardroompartnership.com/
- Address: 2 London Wall Place, London EC2Y 5AU
- Email: info@theboardroompartnership.com
5. Connectd – Smart Matching Between Advisors and Startups
Connectd is a digital platform revolutionising how startups and advisors find each other. Built with AI-powered matching tools, it helps founders connect with suitable NEDs, board advisors, and investors. The platform includes a rich database of professionals filtered by sector, location, and skillset.
London-based startups can use Connectd to build their advisory board flexibly without going through a traditional firm. Its intuitive dashboard makes it easy to manage engagements, contracts, and progress tracking. With a strong focus on transparency and diversity, Connectd gives growing companies direct access to strategic guidance and capital connections.
Key Feature
AI-Driven Advisor Matching Platform
Targeted At
Early-stage startups seeking affordable advisory support
- Website: www.connectd.com
- Address: 1 Long Lane, London SE1 4PG
- Email: info@connectd.co
6. NEDonBoard – Professional Standards for Non-Executive Directors
NEDonBoard is the UK’s professional body for non-executive directors and board members. They offer a blend of advisory board formation services, governance training, and access to a vetted network of experienced professionals.
Through structured courses, workshops, and networking, they help companies in London find qualified advisory board members and improve boardroom effectiveness.
NEDonBoard also provides resources and certification for directors, ensuring they stay compliant and well-informed. It’s a go-to platform for businesses looking to elevate governance and strategic direction with certified NEDs.
Main Offering
Board Member Certification & Access
Ideal Candidate
Businesses seeking governance-compliant board members
- Website: www.nedonboard.com
- Phone: +44 (0) 208 1 333 220
- Address: 20-22 Wenlock Road, London N1 7GU
- Email: team@nedonboard.com
7. Global Growth Institute (GGI) – Sustainable Strategy for Modern Businesses
GGI supports companies and public sector bodies in building sustainable and inclusive growth strategies. With a strong emphasis on organisational culture, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), and ethical leadership, they bring a different approach to advisory services.
Their London team works closely with business leaders on culture transformation, performance optimisation, and stakeholder engagement. GGI’s research-led approach ensures that recommendations are not just strategic, but also values-driven. This makes them particularly effective for firms looking to align commercial goals with social impact.
Distinctive Strength
Culture and ESG-Focused Advisory
Best Suited To
Firms committed to ethical and sustainable growth
- Website: www.globalgrowthinstitute.com
- Phone: +44 20 7947 4105
- Address: 19 Eastbourne Terrace, Paddington, London, W2 6LG
- Email: manager@the-ggi.com
8. PwC Advisory Services – Comprehensive Corporate Strategy Support
PwC’s advisory division is one of the most trusted names in the UK for corporate consulting. Their advisory services support governance, risk, transformation, and strategic growth. The firm works with FTSE-listed companies, government bodies, and global organisations, offering deep industry knowledge combined with cutting-edge tools.
From digital transformation and ESG advisory to M&A and regulatory compliance, PwC has the scale and specialisation to assist with high-level boardroom decisions. Their presence in London ensures access to top-tier professionals and cross-sector expertise.
Area of Expertise
Integrated Strategic & Compliance Advisory
Most Effective For
Corporations requiring robust, large-scale boardroom support
- Website: www.pwc.co.uk/services/consulting.html
- Phone: +44 20 7583 5000
- Address: 1 Embankment Place, London WC2N 6RH
- Email: info@uk.pwc.com
9. The Consultancy Group – Talent & Advisory Solutions Combined
The Consultancy Group offers a dual approach: recruitment of senior professionals and advisory services for high-growth companies. Their London office is known for placing finance, tech, and commercial leadership while also supporting clients with strategic insight and performance analysis.
Businesses can tap into their advisory network to form boards or receive support for scaling operations. The firm’s hybrid model ensures a good match between strategy and execution, especially in fast-paced environments where time and alignment are crucial.
Special Skillset
Executive Advisory with Talent Placement
Best Fit For
Firms scaling internal teams alongside strategic advice
- Website: www.consultancygroup.com
- Phone: +44 20 7936 2200
- Address: 4-6 Throgmorton Ave London EC2N 2DL
- Email: info@consultancygroup.com
10. Jenson Solutions – Funding-Ready Advisory for Startups
Jenson Solutions works primarily with early-stage startups preparing to raise investment or grow rapidly. Their services include financial forecasting, investor documentation, strategic advisory, and interim CFO placements. London-based founders benefit from Jenson’s direct experience in the startup funding landscape, especially those navigating SEIS/EIS and angel rounds. The firm’s advisors often take hands-on roles, helping shape business models and go-to-market strategies. Jenson is ideal for companies needing practical, results-oriented advisory from professionals who’ve raised and invested themselves.
Core Offering
Hands-On Growth & Investment Advisory
Perfect For
Startups planning their next investment round
- Website: www.jensonsolutions.com
- Phone: +44 20 7788 7539
- Address: 1 Charterhouse Mews, London EC1M 6BB
- Email: info@jensonsolutions.com
What Services Do Advisory Firms Typically Offer to Businesses?
Advisory board companies provide a wide spectrum of services designed to support leadership teams in their decision-making process. These services range from strategy development to governance audits and are tailored based on the business’s size, maturity, and sector.
Many advisory firms offer structured guidance to help with scaling, market expansion, operational alignment, and risk management. While some focus on mentorship and coaching, others deliver board effectiveness reviews, investment readiness support, and ESG advisory.
The table below outlines the common service areas offered by top firms:
| Service Type | Description |
| Strategy & Planning | Long-term direction setting, growth models, and market entry strategies |
| Governance & Compliance | Support with board effectiveness, policies, and regulatory alignment |
| Fundraising Support | Assistance with investor pitches, valuation, and due diligence |
| Risk & Crisis Management | Scenario planning and response frameworks for business continuity |
| Executive Coaching | Leadership mentoring and performance optimisation for C-suite roles |
How Can Advisory Boards Help Startups and SMEs in London Grow?
Startups and SMEs often face critical challenges during their early and growth stages ranging from limited access to capital and talent, to unclear strategic direction. Advisory board companies fill these gaps by offering real-world expertise from individuals who have navigated similar journeys.
In London’s competitive startup ecosystem, where speed and clarity are crucial, an advisory board can help founders make investor-ready decisions, develop operational structure, and access important networks. SMEs benefit from advisory input in areas like compliance, succession planning, and expansion into international markets.
Engaging a trusted advisory firm not only supports internal development but also enhances credibility with external stakeholders like investors and partners.
What Are the Main Criteria to Choose a Trusted Advisory Firm?
Selecting the right advisory firm in London depends on your business’s goals and stage of growth. One of the first indicators of a firm’s reliability is its track record. Firms with visible success stories, positive client testimonials, and a presence in your industry often bring added value.
Equally important is the advisory model they offer. Some firms deliver structured retainers with scheduled board meetings, while others provide flexible matchmaking services. Understanding what kind of support your business requires whether it’s strategic insight, governance, or operational mentoring will help narrow down your options.
Trust is also built through transparency. Firms that outline their fees, scope of services, and advisor credentials up front are more likely to offer dependable partnerships.
What Are the Latest Trends Among Advisory Board Companies in the UK?
The advisory landscape is evolving quickly, driven by changes in how businesses operate and grow. One of the most noticeable trends is the rise of virtual advisory boards, allowing businesses to engage experts from across the UK and beyond without geographical constraints. This model is both cost-effective and scalable.
Another trend is the sector-specific advisory board, where firms bring in professionals who specialise in fintech, healthtech, green energy, or other emerging sectors. These boards provide deeper industry insights and more tailored guidance.
There’s also a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion, with firms actively creating boards that reflect a broader range of experiences and backgrounds. Additionally, many advisory companies are integrating AI and data analytics into their strategic planning tools, offering businesses more informed decision-making capabilities.
Conclusion
In a city like London, where competition is fierce and opportunities are abundant, having access to strategic, experienced guidance can define a company’s trajectory. Advisory board companies provide this edge offering critical thinking, mentoring, governance support, and actionable insights.
Whether a company is launching a product, restructuring leadership, or entering a new market, these firms help navigate uncertainty with confidence. Choosing the right advisory board company is not just a smart move. it’s an essential one for sustainable growth and long-term success.
FAQs About Advisory Board Companies in London
What’s the difference between an advisory board and a board of directors?
An advisory board provides informal, non-binding advice, while a board of directors holds legal and fiduciary responsibilities within a company.
Are advisory board services suitable for early-stage startups?
Yes. Many firms cater specifically to startups, offering flexible, budget-friendly options tailored to growth challenges.
How often do advisory boards typically meet?
Most advisory boards meet monthly or quarterly, but frequency can be customised based on business needs and contract terms.
Do advisory firms in London specialise by industry?
Many do. Firms often have advisors with deep expertise in industries such as tech, healthcare, finance, and sustainability.
What credentials should advisory board members hold?
Advisors typically have years of senior-level experience, industry expertise, and in many cases, previous board or C-suite roles.
Are advisory board services long-term commitments?
Not necessarily. Businesses can engage advisors on a project basis or through ongoing retainers depending on requirements.
Can advisory board support improve a company’s valuation?
Yes. Having an experienced advisory board can increase investor confidence, support due diligence, and refine business strategy boosting overall valuation.