Fractional CIO & IT Strategy

For SOC 2 Type I, typically 8-12 weeks if you're starting from scratch. Type II requires 6-12 months of operating controls. We can accelerate this significantly if you already have some controls in place. Most of the timeline depends on implementing technical controls (identity, devices, monitoring) which we handle through our other services.

It depends on your customers. If you're selling to US companies, SOC 2 is usually expected. If you're selling to European enterprises or government, ISO 27001 carries more weight. The good news: the underlying controls overlap significantly. Once you've implemented proper identity, device management, and monitoring, you're covering both frameworks.

Before your first enterprise deal stalls in procurement. Ideally, at the Series A stage or when you start seeing security questionnaires. Starting early means you build with compliance in mind rather than retrofitting. We can do a gap analysis at any stage to tell you exactly where you stand.

A fractional CIO is a senior technology leader who works with your company part-time or on a project basis. You get executive-level strategic guidance without the cost of a full-time hire. We typically work with companies that are too big for ad-hoc IT decisions but not yet ready for a £150k+ CIO salary.

Consultants usually deliver a report and leave. We stay accountable. If we recommend a technology roadmap, we help you implement it. Same team, same accountability. We're invested in outcomes, not deliverables.

Yes. We build the roadmap and implement the technical controls through our Access Management, Device Management, and Managed IT services. We prepare you for audit with gap analysis, control implementation, and evidence collection. Certification decisions sit with your auditor, but we get you there.

SOC 2 Type I and Type II, ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials, and GDPR. The technical controls overlap significantly, so once you've implemented identity and device management properly, you're covering multiple frameworks at once.

It varies. Discovery workshops are typically 2-3 intensive days. Project engagements might be 2-4 days per month for 3-6 months. Advisory retainers are usually 1-2 days per month ongoing. We flex to what you actually need.

Yes, this is a common use case. We prepare technology assessments for fundraising, help you answer investor questions about your tech stack, and can represent your company's technology capabilities in due diligence processes.

Absolutely. We're not here to replace anyone. We augment your existing team with senior strategic capability. We work alongside your IT manager or team, providing the high-level direction they can then execute.

That's what the discovery workshop is for. We'll assess your current state, identify the gaps, and recommend whether you need a one-off project, ongoing advisory, or something else entirely. No commitment required.

Yes. When you're ready for a permanent technology leader, we help define the role, write the job spec, support the recruitment process, and ensure a smooth handover. We've placed IT Directors, Heads of IT, and IT Managers many times.