Paul Forrest is a London-based board adviser and advisory board member for founders, scale-ups and private equity portfolio companies. He works with chairs and chief executives on strategy, governance and funding, and increasingly on how the business adopts and governs artificial intelligence.
An adviser sits close enough to the board to understand its decisions and far enough from management to challenge them. The role suits companies that want senior, independent counsel without adding a statutory director.
Where a board adviser helps
- Testing strategy, plans and the investment case before they reach investors or lenders.
- Governance that keeps pace with growth, including decision rights, reporting and board composition.
- Preparation for funding rounds, due diligence and exit.
- Mentoring founders and the leadership team through rapid change.
- AI strategy and governance, drawing on Paul’s work as a fractional Chief AI Officer.
Further reading
Building a Startup Advisory Board and Compensating a Startup Advisor explain how founders set up and pay an advisory board. From Founder-Led to Financeable and The New Fundraising Discipline cover the work that makes a company ready for investment. The pages on board and business advisory and investment advisory describe the wider services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a board adviser do?
A board adviser gives the chair, chief executive and board independent counsel on strategy, governance, funding and risk. The adviser attends selected meetings, reviews plans and papers, and is available between meetings, without the legal duties of a director.
Are board advisers paid?
Yes. Established companies usually pay a fee or retainer. Early-stage companies often combine a modest fee with equity that vests over time, as explained in Compensating a Startup Advisor.
Is it adviser or advisor in UK English?
Both spellings are used in the UK. Adviser is the more common British form and appears in legislation and government usage, while advisor is common in company names and in the United States.
How is a board adviser different from a non-executive director?
A non-executive director is a statutory director with duties and a vote. A board adviser has neither, which makes the role quicker to set up and easier to end. Paul also takes non-executive director roles.
Book a conversation with Paul or read more about his background.
