In the UK a fractional COO is typically engaged on a monthly retainer, from around £3,000 to £15,000+ per month depending on firm size, scope and intensity. Optivo’s Monthly COO is a single flat retainer of £4,000 + VAT per month, with a three-month minimum and no setup fee — far below the cost of a full-time COO once salary and on-costs are included.
How fractional COOs are usually priced
Most fractional COOs charge a monthly retainer rather than an hourly or day rate, because the value is in ongoing operating leadership, not in units of time. Retainers vary widely with firm size and scope, but for a small-to-mid accountancy practice you’d broadly expect in the region of £3,000 to £15,000+ per month.
What drives the price
- Firm size and complexity — more offices, service lines and people means more to run
- Scope — a focused brief costs less than a full operating rebuild
- Intensity — how much contact time and hands-on delivery is included
- Seniority and track record of the operator
How it compares to a full-time COO
A full-time COO in the UK is broadly a £90k–£150k+ salary before employer’s NI, pension, benefits and recruitment costs — and a long notice period if it doesn’t work out. A fractional retainer gives you the same seniority for a fraction of that, with the flexibility to stop after a short minimum term. We break the options down in fractional COO vs full-time COO.
What Optivo charges
Optivo keeps it deliberately simple: £4,000 + VAT per month, one retainer, everything included — weekly COO session, monthly operating review, a live operating plan and improvement across workflow, team, client journey and pricing. Three-month minimum, then rolling monthly, no setup fee. See full pricing.
Common questions
Is a fractional COO charged hourly or as a retainer?
Usually a monthly retainer, because the value is ongoing operating leadership rather than billable hours. Optivo is a single flat monthly retainer.
Is there a setup or onboarding fee?
With Optivo, no. It’s £4,000 + VAT per month with a three-month minimum and no setup fee. Other providers vary.
What’s the minimum commitment?
Optivo has a three-month minimum, then it’s rolling monthly — enough time to make real change, without a long lock-in.
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