City Seats — Inside London NED Recruitment

n London—and more broadly across the UK—many executive search and recruitment firms specialise in placing Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) onto boards. These roles bring independent perspective, governance oversight, and strategic depth to organisations.

Firms like Edward Drummond & Co emphasise a tailored approach—starting with a board’s strategy and skills gaps to deliver boardroom fits that go beyond mere CVs 
 Similarly, Eton Bridge Partners combines deep networks and in-house research to match clients with objective advisory talent 

Others, like Nigel Wright Group, operate at scale—placing NEDs across sectors from start-ups to FTSE-listed companies, and even into health, education, and government bodies Macildowie and Norrie Johnston Recruitment stand out with their NED networks, rigorous searches, and fast delivery of shortlists—sometimes within just a few weeks  COREcruitment also has an international edge, promising high-calibre NED and Chair placements globally, with a strong commitment to diversity and excellence.

Our Sister Company is Ned Capital - who are rapidly establishing themselves as leaders.

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Why is London so significant in the NED landscape?

1. Strategic density: It’s a hub for businesses of all scales—from venture-backed scale-ups to global PLCs—each needing NEDs with varied expertise.
2. Access to diverse talent: London’s boardrooms benefit from candidates with fintech know-how, ESG insight, PE/VC experience, and public sector networks.
3. Regulatory demands and innovation: With evolving governance expectations, the city’s pool of experienced NEDs helps boards stay resilient and forward-thinking. Across many firms, recruitment starts with a clear understanding of a board’s long-term strategy and cultural fit 

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What do London NED recruiters look for?

• Independence and judgment: The ability to challenge without bias and guide discussions effectively
  
  
• Sector-specific insight: Whether tech, finance, education, health, or regulated industries—experience in context matters
  
  
• Governance and accountability: NEDs must help ensure oversight, risk control, and compliance
  
  
• Board dynamics and communication: Strong interpersonal skills and ethical judgement contribute to effective board functioning 

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However, recruitment isn’t without its challenges. The broader London recruitment sector has faced headwinds: firms like Hays, PageGroup, Robert Walters, and others reported steep declines in revenues—some down 24% since 2022—as companies freeze hiring or lean toward flexible, temporary arrangements
Hays even issued a profit warning amid these market headwinds 

Yet, the demand for high-quality board personnel—especially NEDs—persists. For organisations navigating complexity and regulation, NEDs remain a strategic necessity.

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In London’s ever-evolving business space, NED recruitment is more than hiring—it’s sculpting boardroom strength. Whether you're a rapidly scaling tech firm or an established enterprise seeking diverse or revitalised leadership, drawing on the right NED expertise can make all the difference.

Thanks for tuning into City Seats. Next time, we’ll step inside the world of virtual boardrooms and global NED collaboration. Until then, I’m Adrian Lawrence—helping you discover the leadership shaping tomorrow’s boardrooms.