

Main-Board is an independent specialist executive search consultancy which understands the real value of people. We provide nationwide expertise at fulfilling senior level roles on behalf of SMEs, privately owned firms, PE portfolio companies and listed companies.
With more than 25 years executive search experience, we are dedicated to working collaboratively with our clients to tackle the real business challenges facing leading organisations. We use our knowledge, expertise and market insight to provide bespoke solutions which will enable you to stand apart from your competitors.
Organisations are continually evolving; we understand and recognise the vital importance of securing the most talented individuals who will deliver in senior level roles that are instrumental in managing change and achieving strategic growth and success.
We seek out the most highly skilled individuals at board level including CEO, COO, and CFO with six figure packages, as well as aspiring management roles in the form of “Heads of …” functions including Operations, Production, Engineering, Finance & IT. Not only do we ensure they possess a proven and exceptional track record, we understand the necessity to demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities and inspiration to ensure that your key values and culture run through every aspect of your organisation.
In addition we provide Interim Managers and Directors on day rates from £400 to £1500 per day for short term and medium term assignments for a variety of situations including:
· Business planning and Year End
· Funding and refinancing
· Leadership and mentoring including Chairs / NEDS
· Part-time CFOs and CEOs
· Sale, acquisition and integration of businesses
· Turnaround Managers
Creating partnerships is at the very core of every successful executive search.
Our commitment knows no compromise; using our extensive knowledge, network and know-how we gain a thorough understanding and insight which allows us to deliver commercially astute, people-focused solutions.
We are seen as trusted advisors, able to provide insight and strategic counsel.
Our reputation, precise approach and speed of delivery ensures that through effective search and selection we will make a true and on-going difference to your organisation.
Julian Woodman talks with Keith Jackson, CEO of Brandon Medical about leadership principles learned during his career.
Read more...Andrew Cope is one of Yorkshire’s most renowned entrepreneurs and who, as the driving force behind vehicle leasing company Zenith Provecta, steered the company through an historic five successful private equity buyouts between 2003 and 2014. Last year Cope was instrumental in the sale of the Huddersfield-headquartered group of companies FMG to Redde Plc just four months after snapping up the firm in an Endless backed management buyout. We caught up with him and found out how one man’s influence in particular has shaped his approach to business.
Read more...Job title: Chief Executive / Chairman, Salary: £150,000
Location: North of England, Sector: Transport & Logistics
“One of our business advisors introduced Chris to me, when our business had begun to suffer from slowing sales and a lack of clear leadership. It became obvious that we needed a Turn- Around specialist to come in quickly to galvanise the management team into action, give confidence to our bank and reposition the business for what was a new era. Chris’s network delivered an extremely strong candidate who we chose in preference to another candidate recommended to us by our bank. After a very successful turnaround, we have promoted him to Non-Executive Chairman as the group continues to prosper.
Family business owner
Job title: Managing Director, Salary: £100,000 + substantial bonus & equity
Location: South East, Sector: Manufacturing consumer products
“Chris was recommended to me by our Group Finance Director who had known him for over 15 years. We retained Chris Sharp and his team to secure an MBA calibre Managing Director with strong leadership qualities to further grow our PE backed business. Chris was quickly able to understand our key criteria and delivered a strong shortlist, allowing the Board to present three individuals to the Private Equity House for final interviews. I was delighted with the service and the in-depth personality insights we gained through the 360 degree referencing system.”
Chairman and business owner with over 20 years PE experience.
Job Title Group Finance Director
Salary £85,000 + Benefits, Bonus & Equity
Location South Yorkshire
Sector Manufacturing
“Julian Woodman impressed us from the outset by his keen desire to understand fully our requirements. His detailed knowledge of the market place quickly led him to provide several high quality candidates which he kindly pre-interviewed for us and presented us with a thumbnail sketch of each candidate.
This allowed our interview panel of directors to be better prepared for our preliminary interviews with each candidate. Acting as the conduit for two-way feedback after each interview helped us move more quickly to a satisfactory conclusion.
I would also like to thank him and his team for allowing us to use your offices for the interviews as confidentiality was of the utmost importance in this rather sensitive appointment.”
Chief Executive – PE backed business
Job title: Brand Product Director, Salary: £65,000 + car
Location: North of England, Sector: FMCG
A combination of advertising and the use of a specialist research firm was the recommendation that Chris Sharp made to us, allowing our business to make a very important board level appointment from a very small pool of qualified candidates. I can confirm that the process ran smoothly and that the candidates were exceptionally well briefed and a good match to our core values. Managing Director of a fast growing SME.
Job title: Chief Financial Officer, Salary: £125,000 + 40% bonus & equity
Location: Yorkshire, Sector: Business Services
Identifying and selecting high quality candidates for an MBO remains one of the great challenges for all PE Houses. Despite us knowing many candidates ourselves, it was Chris and his team who found the `right one’ allowing us to complete the management team for this business.
Job title: Group Finance Director, Salary: £85,000 + benefits, bonus & equity
Location: South Yorkshire, Sector: Manufacturing
“Julian Woodman impressed us from the outset by his keen desire to understand fully our requirements. His detailed knowledge of the market place quickly led him to provide several high quality candidates which he kindly pre-interviewed for us and presented us with a thumbnail sketch of each candidate. This allowed our interview panel of directors to be better prepared for our preliminary interviews with each candidate. Acting as the conduit for two-way feedback after each interview helped us move more quickly to a satisfactory conclusion. I would also like to thank him and his team for allowing us to use your offices for the interviews as confidentiality was of the utmost importance in this rather sensitive appointment.”
Chief Executive – PE backed business
Job title: PLC Group Finance Director, Salary: £145,000 + bonus
Location: North of England, Sector: Engineering
“I have worked with Julian Woodman on a number of occasions when seeking to make senior appointments in our finance function. His in-depth knowledge of the market, straightforward approach and professionalism has enabled him to consistently present high quality candidates for our demanding business”
Aim Listed Group CEO