Recruitment remains the primary challenge for London’s burgeoning tech sector. A significant skills shortage has resulted in soaring salaries, with over a third of digital tech businesses reporting that candidates are demanding more remuneration than they can afford.
An event titled ‘The Tech Recruitment Timebomb’ recently addressed the pressing issue of recruitment in the tech industry. The forum aimed to explore viable solutions and featured insights from prominent figures in the sector.
Hannah Morris, commercial director of an events ticket marketplace, emphasised, “In a candidate-driven market with an increase in demand for high salaries, tech businesses have to think beyond a salary to attract and hire the right talent.” Morris highlighted that an inspiring culture and opportunities for employees to shape the company’s future could be more valuable than monetary compensation.
The event discussed several potential solutions, including encouraging more women to enter the tech industry, establishing training academies, and leveraging automation. Morris further underscored the importance of hiring for attitude rather than aptitude, stating, “I strongly believe in nurturing and developing junior talent and hiring for attitude rather than aptitude.”
The event was held on Wednesday, 10th October, from 5-7 pm at etc.venues in Hatton Garden, London. Other notable attendees included Eddie Lewis, co-founder; Chieu Cao, co-founder and CMO; Craig Brown, product marketing manager; Vinous Ali, head of policy; Amina Ahmad, freelance tech start-up consultant; Michele Trusolino, co-founder; Elaine Tyler, CEO; Simon Burckhardt, managing director; Tim Boughton, CTO and joint founder; Rija Javed, CTO; Sam Mikkelsen, client solutions director; and Benedetta Arese Lucini, co-founder.
The event underscored the urgency for tech companies to adopt innovative approaches beyond mere salary increases to attract and retain top talent in a competitive market.