Reflecting on the trends, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped the first half of the year, Interim specialist at Rutherford Cross, Euan Bodie, shares his insights on what we have seen across the market and what these developments could mean for organisations and interim professionals heading into H2.
A Slow Start, Followed by Month on Month Acceleration
The first half of the year has been a standout period for the Rutherford Cross Interim team, marked by shifting market dynamics, rising demand, and a record breaking flow of opportunities for high calibre interim finance talent.
While January began more cautiously than usual, momentum built quickly. Each month saw a steady increase in new interim mandates, culminating in June where job flow peaked. This upward trajectory reflects both renewed confidence across sectors and the growing recognition of the value interim professionals bring during periods of change, growth, and pressure.
Public & Not for Profit: A Buoyant, High Demand Sector
The public and not for profit sectors have been exceptionally active. Organisations continue to face complex financial, regulatory, and operational challenges, driving demand for experienced interim finance leaders who can stabilise teams, improve processes, and deliver critical projects.
The requirement for strong, immediately effective candidates has never been higher.
Private Equity: Growth, Transformation & Interim Support
We had a number of interim opportunities within private equity-backed businesses, even though the deals space has been slower this year.
Private equity deals have slowed somewhat due to rising funding costs, greater valuation scrutiny, and ongoing economic uncertainty, making investors more selective in pursuing new transactions. These environments often require rapid mobilisation of specialist finance talent; whether to support integrations, drive performance, or strengthen financial control.
Interim professionals have played a key role in helping private equity-backed organisations maintain pace and deliver on strategic objectives.
Continuing Growth of the Fractional CFO
Almost a quarter of our most senior roles up to the half year have been Fractional CFO opportunities in Scotland, a marked uplift from last year.
There continues to be a huge appetite to move into the fractional space from a number of experienced Finance Directors and CFOs who want the variety and flexibility that the fractional space provides while also allowing them to support high growth potential businesses at the beginning or at a key stage in their journey.
The Return of Day Rate Contracting
A notable trend in H1 has been the resurgence of day rate contracts. After several years where fixed term contracts dominated the interim market, businesses are once again opting for flexible, project-driven day rate engagements.
This shift reflects the need for agility, speed, and specialist expertise without long-term commitment, and it has opened up more attractive opportunities for seasoned contractors.
Interims Converting to Permanent Roles: A Continuing Trend
Continuing on from 2025, we have seen a significant number of interim professionals transition into permanent roles within the organisations they initially joined on a contract basis. This trend highlights an important truth about interim work: it can open doors that are not always accessible through the permanent market.
For many candidates, interim assignments have become a strategic route to securing senior permanent roles, often after demonstrating impact, cultural fit, and leadership during a critical period for the business.
A Record Breaking First Half – And a Strong Pipeline Ahead
H1 has been record breaking for Rutherford Cross Interim for both job flow and successful placements. The strength of our pipeline heading into H2 suggests this momentum will continue, with demand for talented interim finance professionals remaining high across all sectors.
We remain committed to connecting exceptional individuals with organisations that value their expertise, pace of delivery, and impact.
How Rutherford Cross Can Help
Whether you are an organisation seeking experienced interim finance support, or a finance professional exploring your next contract, fractional, or permanent opportunity, the Rutherford Cross Interim team is here to help.
To discuss the market, gain insight into current hiring trends, or explore how interim talent can support your business objectives, get in touch with Euan Bodie and the Rutherford Cross Interim team today. We would be delighted to support your next move or strategic hire.
Visit our Interim Hub for more information on our services.
Rutherford Cross Interim Reflections: H1 Market Update & Insights
Reflecting on the trends, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped the first half of the year, Interim specialist at Rutherford Cross, Euan Bodie, shares his insights on what we have seen across the market and what these developments could mean for organisations and interim professionals heading into H2.
A Slow Start, Followed by Month on Month Acceleration
The first half of the year has been a standout period for the Rutherford Cross Interim team, marked by shifting market dynamics, rising demand, and a record breaking flow of opportunities for high calibre interim finance talent.
While January began more cautiously than usual, momentum built quickly. Each month saw a steady increase in new interim mandates, culminating in June where job flow peaked. This upward trajectory reflects both renewed confidence across sectors and the growing recognition of the value interim professionals bring during periods of change, growth, and pressure.
Public & Not for Profit: A Buoyant, High Demand Sector
The public and not for profit sectors have been exceptionally active. Organisations continue to face complex financial, regulatory, and operational challenges, driving demand for experienced interim finance leaders who can stabilise teams, improve processes, and deliver critical projects.
The requirement for strong, immediately effective candidates has never been higher.
Private Equity: Growth, Transformation & Interim Support
We had a number of interim opportunities within private equity-backed businesses, even though the deals space has been slower this year.
Private equity deals have slowed somewhat due to rising funding costs, greater valuation scrutiny, and ongoing economic uncertainty, making investors more selective in pursuing new transactions. These environments often require rapid mobilisation of specialist finance talent; whether to support integrations, drive performance, or strengthen financial control.
Interim professionals have played a key role in helping private equity-backed organisations maintain pace and deliver on strategic objectives.
Continuing Growth of the Fractional CFO
Almost a quarter of our most senior roles up to the half year have been Fractional CFO opportunities in Scotland, a marked uplift from last year.
There continues to be a huge appetite to move into the fractional space from a number of experienced Finance Directors and CFOs who want the variety and flexibility that the fractional space provides while also allowing them to support high growth potential businesses at the beginning or at a key stage in their journey.
The Return of Day Rate Contracting
A notable trend in H1 has been the resurgence of day rate contracts. After several years where fixed term contracts dominated the interim market, businesses are once again opting for flexible, project-driven day rate engagements.
This shift reflects the need for agility, speed, and specialist expertise without long-term commitment, and it has opened up more attractive opportunities for seasoned contractors.
Interims Converting to Permanent Roles: A Continuing Trend
Continuing on from 2025, we have seen a significant number of interim professionals transition into permanent roles within the organisations they initially joined on a contract basis. This trend highlights an important truth about interim work: it can open doors that are not always accessible through the permanent market.
For many candidates, interim assignments have become a strategic route to securing senior permanent roles, often after demonstrating impact, cultural fit, and leadership during a critical period for the business.
A Record Breaking First Half – And a Strong Pipeline Ahead
H1 has been record breaking for Rutherford Cross Interim for both job flow and successful placements. The strength of our pipeline heading into H2 suggests this momentum will continue, with demand for talented interim finance professionals remaining high across all sectors.
We remain committed to connecting exceptional individuals with organisations that value their expertise, pace of delivery, and impact.
How Rutherford Cross Can Help
Whether you are an organisation seeking experienced interim finance support, or a finance professional exploring your next contract, fractional, or permanent opportunity, the Rutherford Cross Interim team is here to help.
To discuss the market, gain insight into current hiring trends, or explore how interim talent can support your business objectives, get in touch with Euan Bodie and the Rutherford Cross Interim team today. We would be delighted to support your next move or strategic hire.
Visit our Interim Hub for more information on our services.
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