Team Feature: Alice Dewar-Mills & The Value of Fractional Expertise

If you’ve ever wondered how small businesses like Inkie manage to deliver big results without a massive in-house team, you’re about to meet a crucial part of the answer. I’m thrilled to introduce you to our Chief Operating Officer, Alice Dewar-Mills, someone who not only keeps Inkie running smoothly but also exemplifies the game-changing power of fractional expertise.

It’s easy to assume you need to hire full-time talent for every big leap your business takes. The reality? Flexible, part-time, high-level support can unlock the guidance, strategy, and momentum you desperately need, without turning your finances upside down. Alice, as the founder of Fractional On Demand, has helped rewrite the script for solo founders and micro-businesses just like us, and I want to show you how fractional expertise could be your superpower, too.

What Does ‘Fractional’ Mean (and Why Is Everyone Talking About It)?

In the business world, “fractional” is used to describe highly skilled leaders who work with several businesses, giving each one a “fraction” (part-time portion) of their expertise. Think of it like accessing an experienced COO, Finance Director, or Marketing Head, but without the commitment and cost of hiring them full-time. For many small businesses, this means you can finally get that senior-level perspective, without the stress or red tape.

Alice has built Fractional On Demand (fractionalondemand.com | @fractionalondemand) around this idea: making C-suite experience available to the businesses who need it most, but often get overlooked because of their size or resources. She also leads as Commercial Director at Looking Glass Solutions, so her experience runs deep (and wide).

Why Fractional Expertise Changes the Game for Small Businesses

Many founders feel isolated at the top. You’re expected to juggle strategy, finance, people, projects, and growth, all while actually serving your customers and trying to keep the lights on. That’s a lot to ask, and honestly, it’s too much for one person, no matter how brilliant you are.

When you bring in fractional support, you instantly:

• Gain access to top-level skills (without paying six-figure salaries)
• Gain an outside perspective, vital for breaking old habits and seeing fresh opportunities
• Stay agile: flex up or down as your needs change, no long-term contracts or stress
• Get real accountability and momentum from someone who’s been there and solved these challenges before

Alice’s approach isn’t just about giving advice from the sidelines, she becomes an integral part of your day-to-day, helping you plan, execute, and pivot with confidence. She’s there to spot blockers, connect the dots, challenge your thinking, and keep you firmly focused on your bigger vision.

Why I Chose Fractional (and Why Small Businesses Should, Too)

If you know my journey, you’ll know that affordable, flexible support is at the heart of why Simon and I built Inkie. When we needed the perspective of a seasoned operator but couldn’t commit to C-level salaries, fractional was a lifeline. Alice brings the wisdom of someone who has worked in complex, high-stakes environments, but she makes it practical and accessible, no jargon, no corporate posturing, just actual support where it matters most. This aligns perfectly with Inkie’s ethos of empowering founders who often feel left out of “big business” resources.

How Does It Work?

Think of Alice, and others like her at Fractional On Demand, as your strategic partner, not just a consultant. She steps inside your business, understands your goals, and takes on responsibility for achieving them alongside you. You get candid advice, hands-on action, and the gift of not having to solve every problem alone.

Most importantly, you don’t have to hire for roles you’re not yet ready for. You can get just the expertise you need, for as long as you need it, and expand or reduce support as your business grows or changes direction.

Is It Right For You? Signs You’re Ready for Fractional Talent

• You’re ambitious but stretching yourself too thin
• Projects keep stalling because you lack bandwidth or experience
• You need big-picture strategy and everyday actions to finally align
• You want to prepare for growth, investment, or major launches, without overcommitting financially

If any of these ring true, it’s a sign you could benefit from fractional support. And if you’re worried about trust, know that the best fractional experts care deeply about your mission, they want to integrate, not just dip in and out. Alice embodies this, bringing energy, focus, and true partnership to everything she does at Inkie (and beyond).

Get to Know Alice & Fractional On Demand

Alice Dewar-Mills isn’t just a powerhouse COO, she’s an active champion for small businesses finding their feet in complicated environments. Through Fractional On Demand (https://www.fractionalondemand.com/ | @fractionalondemand), she’s made it possible for businesses of any size to access world-class expertise, whether you need a few hours a month or more hands-on support. Her experience at Looking Glass Solutions further shows how “fractional” isn’t second best, it’s a different, smarter way to get ahead.

If you’re tired of feeling alone at the top, or know you need bigger thinking but want to protect what you’ve worked so hard to build, fractional expertise could be your next step. At Inkie, it’s helped me personally grow the business I always wanted, on my own terms.

Ready to learn more? Explore Fractional On Demand at https://www.fractionalondemand.com/ or connect with Alice on Instagram @fractionalondemand. There’s never a wrong time to build the business team you need, especially if you do it your way.

Inkie makes small business marketing simple, honest, and achievable for anyone. Try the Marketing Platform Monthly for £39/month (14-day free trial) and see how the right support can take your business further.