“We’ve found the whole experience to be hugely positive. Working closely with Heather we were able to define the support we were looking for at a board level and were quickly matched to a board advisor that had the relevant experience and could add real value to our board meetings. At the same time, we have been able to provide exposure to how we manage our business which is providing them with the experience they were seeking. Boardroom Ready has been a very valuable experience for us and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to other small businesses looking for some outside perspective at their board meetings.”

"The Boardroom Ready team are matchmakers supreme! The process of finding an observer for our board was fast and painless, extremely professional and ended with us welcoming an executive of outstanding calibre to our board for a year. The new observer started adding value from the very first meeting and our company is benefiting massively from having the new recruit onboard and our contact with the Boardroom Ready team"

"Working with the Boardroom Ready team has given Farnborough International access to a high quality senior executive, who is adding real value to the quality and depth of our board discussions"

"The Boardroom Ready team placed me with an ambitious, engaging and supportive board, as part of the Boardroom Ready programme. I have gained insight, coaching and exposure that I wouldn't have had without the team and this great programme, and I feel that my understanding of boards, and the value I can bring as a leader and potential future board member, has grown during this time. I've found the team's support extremely helpful as I work on my profile and networking skills, and would recommend anyone wishing to move into a board position in the future to get join the Boardroom Ready programme."

“The board thought taking on a board observer was an interesting concept though not realising the full potential this offers a small business like ours. Heather matched us with a useful senior executive from BDO and their Head of Strategic Development. Zoe brings with her big business thinking and planning whilst we offer her an agile way of approaching business plus boardroom experience to support her career. So we have a win-win situation. Heather and her team take a careful approach to matching someone to a board, thinking through not only the skills and experience but the personality and fit with our business. In a short period of time we have already profited from this opportunity and would whole-heartedly recommend this programme to other boards seeking to widen their board skills and knowledge”

“If you are looking for a programme where you can develop your boardroom skills, confidence and abilities in a really safe way then the boardroom ready programme is the one for you. It does everything it says on the tin and much more. The matching process is managed by Heather herself to ensure that you are placed with a board where you can thrive. You are also matched with a coach to help you on the way. I have found this coaching invaluable in providing me with insights, a safe environment to test my approach and general support and encouragement. Again Heather takes time to manage this matching process personally and I have to say she has got mine spot on! I am half way into my ‘boardroom ready’ journey and I would recommend it wholeheartedly. I am learning and growing and obtaining the skills I need to be an effective board NED.”

“Heather quickly understood our needs as a company and matched us with Nick who is a good ‘match’ for us and has the experience to bring additional insight into our discussions as a board and as an outside ‘voice’ on key issues. He has gained by seeing the way a small company is managed and so it is a win/win situation. The Boardroom Ready team has done a great job for us and we are very happy with the board observer scheme. I always think a key question to ask oneself on new initiatives – is would I do it again? And the answer is a resounding yes!”

"Working with Heather and her team at Smarter Networking has been an absolute joy! Gaining experience on a Non-Executive Board as a Board Observer gave me the opportunity to understand a new market, bring tangible value to the board and the company, broaden my network, make new friends and validate my skills in an entirely new capacity.

If you believe that the best way to test yourself and bring value in a new capacity to a board is to hone your skills first, then the Boardroom Ready programme is the ideal way to do this. The programme enables you to fine tune yourself and progress at a stage in your career where very few are given personal development appraisal.

Well worth the personal investment!"

“I found the BoardRoom Ready programme incredibly helpful as I sought to gain real Board experience as a first step in preparing for an NED career. The preparation and coaching were meticulous, and I was matched with a Board that gave me the opportunity to both learn and contribute. I was fortunate to be able to play an active role in some strategic initiatives where my experience was valued, and built up strong working relationships as a result. Thanks to Heather and the team on a very rewarding and productive programme.”

“Heather and the Boardroom Ready team have sourced 2 high quality contributors for 2 early stage companies which have already reaped significant benefit from their input. It's a great win-win relationship.”

“The Boardroom Ready programme has been an excellent experience which I couldn’t recommend enough. Heather spent considerable time to understand my aims and then was able to quickly match me with a company which suited my experience and objectives. Along the way, my coaching sessions challenged me to reflect on the experience I was gaining and consistently pushed me to think deeper and question my assumptions, which helped me be ever more prepared for meetings and get more out of them.

As an earlier stage professional, the programme has allowed me to develop an holistic understanding of a business in a way which is not possible when leading a single function for a larger business.”