Non-executive search specialists
We are an agile, partner-led, boutique NED search specialist that is passionate about helping create better stories for both clients and candidates alike.
Highly experienced at helping ambitious entrepreneurial businesses and individuals fulfil their ambitions, nothing makes us smile more than helping you write the next ‘best chapter’ in either your organisation’s growth story or the narrative of your non-executive career.
We recognise that recommendations, relationships and reputation underpin nearly all the mandates we receive, and we work exceptionally hard to exceed expectations on each assignment.
Our ability and commitment to get to the very heart of what will make an outstanding NED appointment for you is foundational to all we do.
Good people are not usually short of offers or opportunities, and we recognise the importance of making sure that your opportunity stands out. We go the ‘extra mile’ to make sure your opportunity is communicated in a comprehensive, compelling and relevant way to its target audience. And likewise, as a NED, our rigorous approach to understanding your career journey and aspirations helps us to add value through expert input and identification of high calibre opportunities where there is a strong all round ‘fit’.
Informed by over 20 years in executive recruitment, we are clear that our ‘sweet spot’ and passion is working with ambitious, high growth entrepreneurially-led businesses. These range from privately-owned, founder-led or family-owned businesses, through to businesses that are private equity backed or AIM/Main Market listed.
Typical scenarios include transformational change, strategic review, external fundraising or preparation for some level of corporate transaction, often with high levels of confidentiality. Our appreciation of likely surrounding issues means we are expertly placed to help you identify and secure the leadership talent you need to help navigate the next stage of your growth journey.
Like most good business models, Equitas Partners’ has an attractive simplicity about it – we recruit non-executive directors and that’s it. We believe that this specialist approach enables us to offer you a level of expertise, insight and network connections that is second to none.
Because of our specialist focus, we can also offer you a more bespoke service. Frequently, an appointment requires a rigorous and comprehensive NED search. But sometimes it doesn’t. We take a pragmatic, business-led approach and will happily share what we think is the best way to tackle things. For example, if you are uncertain of whether you really want or need a NED, we can arrange an informal, introductory coffee with a relevant NED candidate, and just see what emerges from that discussion.
Alternatively, if the appointment of a NED is investment or transaction dependent (which may or may not happen), we are able to leverage our immediate networks rather than incurring the costs and commitment of a comprehensive search. Whatever the context, we will try and work with you to deliver the solution that best fits your needs.
Derrick Watson
Founder of Equitas Partners with over 20 years’ of experience identifying key leadership talent for high growth entrepreneurial SMEs across the UK. Previously co-founding Director of Axon Moore which he helped establish as a leading independent recruitment business, before launching Equitas Partners as an exclusively non-executive search provider. Originally from the North East, he qualified as a lawyer before moving into recruitment in 1995.
Natasha Callum
After graduating from the University of Bristol with a first-class degree in French and Spanish, Natasha joined Axon Moore in 2017. Natasha swiftly found her strength was in the research side of things, and began supporting Derrick and David in the Executive Practice in 2019 sourcing NEDs and CFOs for businesses across the UK. She now works in dual role, supporting both Equitas and Axon Moore as a dedicated Executive Researcher.
I was introduced to Derrick by a ‘plc Non Exec’ for a Board role and found his approach profoundly helpful. Derrick was both patient and insightful when responding to my many and varied questions, while also providing guidance to understand potential ‘fit’ with the Board culture. As a result, I was at the top of my game for the interview. I was sufficiently impressed by Derrick that I invited him to pitch to recruit a new Chair for Premier Education Group Ltd (Premier), the largest franchise provider of children’s activity in UK. Derrick was successful in winning the work and despite the challenges of a Covid backdrop and working with a Founder led business in a sector, which was very hard hit by the pandemic, delivered high calibre candidates that fit the brief. Quite simply, Derrick was indefatigable in delivering to the brief. The result was impressive such that Premier appointed not only a new Non Exec Chair but also a Deputy Chair from the candidates presented.
If you have the opportunity to work with Derrick, I recommend you take it. You won’t be disappointed