Interim sector continues to grow

The interim management sector has grown significantly in the past year according to the latest research carried out on behalf of the Interim Management Association (IMA).

The latest Ipsos MORI annual survey reveals that more companies than ever are turning to interim support to spearhead business change.

The IMA believes that the speed at which business now operates is one reason behind the transformation in how companies are using interim management and the industry is recognised as the fastest growing strategic resource for UK firms.

The analysis is based on 1,613 interim assignments undertaken during 2007, up 24% on the previous year.

What is more, the interim management sector generated a turnover of 158 million pounds, which is up 55% up on 2006.

The new chair of the IMA, Paul Botting, said that these latest figures show that much of the focus is now on change management.

He said it means interim executives are going into major private and public sector organisations, often in leadership roles, to introduce and lead business-critical changes and improvements.

The survey also revealed that 39% of assignments were for programme or project management, while change management and business improvement each accounted for one in five postings.