Spectrum IT: With office location becoming less important, we have access to a larger talent pool

We spoke to the managing director of software and technology recruitment specialists Spectrum IT, Ian Cruickshank, on the company's sponsorship of the Southern Tech 150 event, picking the best of the best in the region, what it is one should look for in a winner, and what the general trends in the sector are.

The annual Southern Tech 150 is a listing of the leading privately-owned technology companies (by sales turnover) based in the South East, compiled and published by The Business Magazine.

The Southern Tech 150 programme will culminate with a private networking and awards event, in February 2022​.

What has been your main motivator to sponsor the Southern Tech 150?

Spectrum IT is always keen to engage with and support the local technology community across the south. It is important that technology talent is developed for the future and the leading private-owned technology companies not only provide opportunities for trainees and graduates to progress but also more senior staff to expand their skill sets.

Spectrum IT likes to maintain a visible presence in the technology community so it can help tech companies with their recruitment needs as they arise.

What kind of tech team does it take to win an award at this listings event?

• Able to demonstrate that it is developing and enhancing its team members
• Collaborative
• Innovative
• Sharing information and knowledge with peers and colleagues
• High staff retention
• Forward thinking, strategic

What were some of the challenges for your company during the pandemic and how did you overcome them?

At the start of the first lockdown, Spectrum IT saw many of its clients put their recruitment ‘on hold’ due to the uncertainty that the pandemic brought with it.

"Those who continued to recruit benefited from less competition for specialists with a larger talent pool of candidates."

However, this was a short-term situation as many companies recommenced their recruitment programmes in earnest in the middle of 2020, as it became apparent that technology was pivotal in adapting to new ways of operating.

What trends have you noticed in your sector in the South East region this year?

There has been a high demand for software developers and it has come necessary to offer improved remuneration packages. These types of candidates will make their employment decisions primarily based on the salary and other benefits being offered, the industry being worked in, the technology being worked on and flexibility on the working arrangements. The roles carried out by IT personnel can be well suited to homeworking and this has been proven when employers had to adapt their operating practices during the pandemic. As geographical location to an office base has become less critical this has provided employers with access to a larger talent pool of candidates which can significantly increase the available options when searching for specialist skill sets. Likewise, jobs have become more attractive to candidates as self-imposed boundaries on travel times and distances become less significant or even disappear.

What do you expect in the short and medium term?

In 2022, Spectrum IT expects to see the demand for software developers to remain strong as companies need specialist skills to continue to develop. Employers may have to show more flexibility than they are used to offering if they want to secure an ‘in demand’ specialist. They may also need to consider offering training to a sound candidate who lacks certain skills.

With its good local market knowledge, and a large network of candidates that it can access when sourcing candidates to meet specific client requirements, Spectrum IT is well placed to continue to support businesses through the recruitment process. 

Spectrum IT Recruitment (South) Limited is a long-established specialist software and technology recruitment company based at the University’s Science Park near Southampton, with experienced consultants who have an extensive knowledge of the IT sector across the South. Good networks have been established across the local IT community, including via sponsoring technology user groups and IT-focused events. Spectrum IT supports numerous businesses in finding suitable software developers and software engineers, for permanent employee roles and temporary resource for specific projects or other short-term requirements and provides a valuable service to candidates looking for IT roles in the region.