Key Takeaways
- Many UK tech companies need strong tech leadership for technical projects. But hiring a full-time CTO feels too expensive. That’s where fractional CTOs play their role.
- The skills shortage is everywhere. Around 93% of UK employers say they have had trouble finding people with the right tech skills in the last year.
- More firms are turning to contractors! In 2025, 58% of employers said digital transformation is driving demand for tech contractors.
- When companies struggle to find permanent tech staff, they also have trouble delivering on projects and keeping things running smoothly.
- Skills gaps are lowering productivity, hurting morale, and delaying work.
- Fractional CTOs and vetted freelance engineers give businesses a smart shortcut, including leadership, strategic direction, and specific technical skills without long-term commitments or high fixed costs.
- Fortray helps simplify this whole process. We tap into a quality-checked network of tech talent who fit your culture and budget.
Introduction
The need for fractional CTOs is growing fast in the UK, and what do you think is the main reason behind it? The main reason is simple! Companies need tech experts to guide them through digital change. But at times they don’t need, and at times they cannot afford a full-time technology leader.
According to Hays UK, about 9 out of 10 employers say they are facing a shortage of skilled tech professionals, especially in technical areas like AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Another study by UK Tech News found that the demand for AI skills has more than doubled in the past year. It makes it the biggest tech skills gap in over a decade. At the same time, 89% of UK companies are now working on or investing in AI projects, but nearly 70% of them say they’re not seeing real results yet. That’s because they need someone experienced to plan and manage these projects, which is exactly what fractional CTOs do.
This blog will break down why more UK companies are turning to fractional CTOs and freelance developers, what you need to think about before hiring, how to bring them on board smoothly, and what you should expect to pay. This way, you will have a clear picture of how to build the proper tech support for your business.
What is a Fractional CTO?
If you’ve been exploring tech leadership options for your business, you must be aware of the term fractional CTO. These experts are like having a tech specialist who brings all the experience of a full-time Chief Technology Officer. But these experts only work with your company when you need them.
What many companies do is that instead of hiring a permanent CTO, which can be expensive, they bring in a fractional CTO to guide their tech strategy, manage software projects, lead development teams, and make sure all technology decisions support the company’s goals. This option is suitable for startups that are in the growth phase. They need expert advice but don’t have enough budget to afford a full-time executive. For example, if a startup is building an app or upgrading its systems, a fractional CTO can choose the right tech stack, hire skilled freelance developers, and make sure everything runs smoothly.
In a nutshell, these experts give businesses the brains of a top tech leader with the flexibility and cost savings of a part-time consultant. It’s the smart and modern way to get expert technology guidance within your budget.
Why Fractional CTOs Gained Popularity in UK Tech Industry
The rise of fractional CTOs in the UK tech industry is not just a passing trend. In fact, it’s a response to some of the biggest challenges facing modern businesses. As companies rush to adopt AI, strengthen cybersecurity, and modernise legacy systems, many find themselves stuck between needing top-level tech leadership and not being able to afford or justify a full-time CTO. That’s where fractional CTOs play their role. They provide high-level expertise and strategic direction on a flexible, part-time basis. This gives companies access to leadership when they need it most, without long-term costs. This drastic shift is due to a mix of talent shortages, rising costs, and fast-paced digital change across the UK.
Stats Behind the Trend:
- 52% of UK tech leaders say their companies are facing an AI skills shortage, up from just 20% a year earlier—a 114% increase.
- 89% of businesses are now piloting or investing in AI projects, but 69% haven’t seen measurable ROI yet due to a lack of skilled leadership.
- The digital skills shortage is expected to cost the UK economy £4.4 billion annually and could rise to £27.6 billion by 2030 if left unaddressed.
- Around 49% of UK firms report basic cybersecurity skill gaps, while 30% admit to shortages in advanced technical expertise.
- The median daily rate for CTO contractors in the UK is around £800 per day, climbing to £1,100 per day in London, showing strong demand for short-term leadership.
Recommended Reading: Contract vs Permanent IT Roles: What UK Employers Are Offering in 2025
How Fortray Supports Fractional CTO and Freelance Hiring
Fortray plays the role of a bridge between ambitious companies and the high-calibre tech leadership they need, when they need it. No matter if you are scaling a product, upgrading infrastructure, or leading an AI initiative, Fortray helps you tap into fractional CTOs who bring strategic insight and execution. They vet talent rigorously, maintain a large network of ready professionals, and understand both technical and business contexts. Fortray’s model ensures that you hire someone who fits your mission, culture, and timeline.
Here are a few stats that show why our clients trust Fortray to deliver quality tech leadership:
- Fortray has access to 22 million candidate CVs through its sourcing network.
- Fortray boasts a 95% placement rate, reflecting its effectiveness in matching candidates to roles that stick.
- As a tech employment agency with offices in multiple locations, Fortray connects companies with vetted IT talent across domains like cloud, security, and software development.
- On its recruitment arm, Fortray emphasises understanding clients’ business goals so they can match talent not just technically but strategically.
We make sure you get the right expertise, on the right terms, without the hassle. Connect with Fortray to access top-tier fractional CTOs and freelance developers in the UK and start building a more agile tech team.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
A Fractional CTO is a tech expert who works part-time or on contract instead of being hired full-time. UK tech companies get one when they need strong tech leadership (for strategy, growth, product work) but don’t want the cost or commitment of a full-time CTO.
It depends on where your business is and how much you can spend. If you’re a startup or growing fast, a Fractional CTO can give you high-level help without big costs. But if you need someone deeply involved every day, full-time may be better.
A Fractional CTO joins your existing team and handles the tech stuff. They check in regularly, communicate clearly, and work with the team even if they are only part-time or remote. It works smoothly with good planning.
It depends on experience, the industry, and how much of their time you need. Some charge daily rates, others by projects. If you need help, we can share examples and pricing that match your budget.
Freelancers are great because they’re flexible and can jump in quickly on short-term tasks. You can hire them only when needed, to fill skill gaps, or to support specific tech work .
Fortray helps you in figuring out what you need, matching you with strong CTOs and developers who are already vetted. It will help you decide how long they will work, what fair pricing is, and assisting with bringing them onboard.
