Impact Executives Reveal Results from Survey of Interim Managers

LONDON, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Impact Executives announce the results of their most recent survey of interim managers, who reflect the current state of the economy.

Findings indicate we're in for a long hard slog, with no imminent prospect of a return to easy growth. As such, maturity and experience seem to be increasingly prized: the proportion of interims over the age of 55 continues to grow steadily, while this year three per cent of respondents were over 65 -- an age bracket the survey has not previously captured. It is encouraging too that while last year the number of interims on assignment was fewer than those not on assignment, this year the balance has shifted again, with 55 per cent working and 45 per cent not.

Turnarounds are at the same level as last year, but the number of business restructurings has fallen, with business growth taking up the slack. This is encouraging; while companies are at pains to get their strategy right, a tight focus on costs is being balanced with investment in activities designed to foster growth.

While the falling day rate is partly to do with the fact that companies are tightening their purse strings, it could also indicate a shift among some firms to payment by results.

When looking ahead, downsizing has reared its ugly head for the first time in many a year as a primary reason for organisations needing interim managers  over the next six to 12 months -- a view no doubt linked to imminent dramatic cutbacks in the public sector.

Also, unsurprisingly, respondents felt the public sector was likely to yield significantly less work this year than it has in the past -- a view informed by the significant cost savings announced by the Government. However, at Impact Executives, we believe that once the dust has settled, demand for experienced interim executives (who never shy away from a challenge) will rise again.

Christine de Largy, Managing Director of Impact Executives, stated, "These results do not set out to shock or buck the trend but reiterate our continued message that things are heading in a positive direction, just at a slow steady pace.  We have also noted that in interim appointments, maturity and expertise will be important differentiators in cost reduction or profit improvement."

About Impact Executives

Impact Executives is a leading interim management provider to organisations of every size in the UK and globally. Originally formed as a specialist practice within PA Consulting Group, over the past 20 years Impact Executives has helped more than 2000 companies. These include more than two-thirds of the FTSE 250 -- find the very best executive interim management talent.

With offices covering the UK, continental Europe, Asia Pacific and Australia, Impact Executives is part of the global services consultancy Harvey Nash Group plc, giving clients and interim managers the confidence that we have the resources, expertise and focus to deliver results -- fast.

SOURCE Impact Executives