Market Insight
Fractional CIO vs Permanent: The Total Cost of Ownership Comparison
A permanent CIO costs £180k to £250k all-in. A fractional CIO delivers the same strategic value for £30k to £80k annually. Here’s the maths.
Discuss Your RequirementsWhat Drives the Cost
The factors that most significantly affect cost and value:
- Your CFO is asking for justification for any CIO hire.
- You need numbers, not assumptions.
Our Methodology
The CIO Cost-of-Ownership Model: salary, employer NI, pension, benefits, recruitment fee, onboarding cost vs fractional retainer.
What Starkhorn Brings
Wrap the existing CIO & CISO Cost Calculator. Nobody builds this model explicitly. Starkhorn owns it.
Starkhorn does not subcontract or use associate networks. You work directly with Daniel Jacobs from the first conversation through to delivery.
Who This Is For
This service is designed for:
- CFOs and CEOs building business cases for technology leadership investment
This is not the right fit for: Businesses already committed to a full-time hire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should we budget for this role?
The cost varies significantly by engagement model. Full-time appointments carry six-figure salaries plus on-costs and benefits. Fractional or interim arrangements through Starkhorn are structured as monthly retainers or day-rate contracts, giving you predictable, proportionate cost aligned to scope.
Is a fractional arrangement better value than a full-time hire?
For most SMEs and PE-backed businesses, yes. A fractional senior leader gives you board-level expertise at a fraction of the salary cost, without the recruitment risk, notice periods, or ongoing employment obligations. The right answer depends on your volume of work and budget.
What experience does Starkhorn bring?
Starkhorn is led by Daniel Jacobs, with 20+ years in technology and security, 15+ of them in leadership roles. He has served as Interim Group Technology Director at VetPartners (BC Partners-backed, GBP1.2bn), accountable for both technology and security, and as CIO and CISO at Jardine Motors Group (GBP2bn turnover). He holds PRINCE2, ITIL Foundation, and is a Full Member of the Institute of Interim Management.
Does Starkhorn work with businesses outside London?
Yes. We work with clients nationally and, for some engagements, internationally. Much of our advisory work is delivered remotely, with on-site presence when needed. Location has not been a barrier for any of our clients.
What is the first step to working with Starkhorn?
Book a no-obligation conversation using the link on this page. In 30 minutes we will understand your situation, tell you honestly whether we are the right fit, and outline what a first engagement would look like. There is no sales process and no pressure.
Next step
Get a Clear Picture of Your Options
Every engagement is scoped around your specific situation, not a generic rate card. Book a conversation to understand what Starkhorn can deliver and what it will cost.
Book a Conversation