The appointment of the right Chair or Non-Executive Director (NED) is the single most important factor in Board effectiveness. In today’s complex economy, selecting the best candidate—not just a good one—is vital to an organisation’s success.

At First Flight, we provide the expertise, independence, and the strategic capital required to strengthen your board and accelerate growth.

The UK’s Only Specialist Search Firm Dedicated Solely to Non-Executive Board Appointments

We are the only UK search firm that focuses exclusively on the placement of Chairs, Non-Executives, Advisors, and Trustees. With nearly 20 years of experience, we understand that every board has unique requirements—whether you need independent oversight or a partner with "skin in the game."

Our Investing NED Practice

We have expanded our core mission to meet the evolving needs of early-stage companies. In addition to traditional NED placements, we specialise in identifying Investing Non-Executive Directors.

An Investing NED does more than provide counsel; they make a direct financial investment into your company. This creates a unique alignment of interests, combining high-level mentorship and corporate governance with the vital capital needed to reach the next milestone.

Who We Serve

Our deep talent pool and rigorous selection process serve a diverse range of sectors:

• PLC & AIM: Robust independent Chairs and NEDs for FTSE Small Cap and AIM-listed companies.

• Private & Growth: Strategic Investing NEDs for early-stage companies seeking both funding and expertise.

• Governance & Impact: Expert Trustees and Chairs for Investment Trusts, Not-for-Profits, and Charities.

Why Choose Us?

• 20 Years of Specialism: We don’t do "general" recruitment. We only do Board-level placements.

• Skin in the Game: Our Investing NED network provides a "smart money" solution for companies needing a capital injection alongside seasoned leadership.

• Unrivalled Network: Whether you require a traditional paid NED or a strategic investor-director, we provide candidates who bring the right experience, skills, and independence to ensure long-term success.