Leeds jobs fair is set to tackle the talent gap for digital bosses

Research carried out by Tech North and professional services firm EY shows that an average of nearly 240,000 digital and tech jobs in the North are being advertised each year.

That figure dwarfs the number of people in the region working in the sector, which last year was estimated to be around 170,000.

But the team behind this month’s Leeds Digital Job Fair believe they can help bridge the gap between supply and demand.

Organised by Amy De-Balsi, owner of online jobs board Herd, the event is running for the fourth time and will take place on Wednesday, February 28, at the First Direct Arena.

Ms De-Balsi said: “Alongside a parade of well-known employers including Sky Betting & Gaming, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, NHS Digital, cap hpi, DWP Digital, Equifax and Sky, we have scheduled a programme of high level talks from tech industry leaders.

“There will also be expert advice available from our partners Fruition IT on how to access the best jobs.

“The research from Tech North and EY found that 58 per cent of digital companies in the North say that finding ‘talent’ is a key business challenge.

“Leeds Digital Job Fair 4.0 will help them to address this.”

Other exhibitors will include Crisp, a Leeds-based company regarded as a global authority on social media risk.

Crisp’s founder and chief executive Adam Hildreth said: “We work with some of the largest companies and brands in the world and employ people who excel in their field – whether they’re AI specialists or client service experts.

“Our HQ in Leeds is now a global hub for AI excellence and we’re growing fast, so we’re looking forward to meeting more like-minded people at Leeds Digital Job Fair 4.0 who want to join us and make a difference.”

Also present will be IT consultancy BJSS, which operates offices and project centres across the UK and the US.

Mike Buck, BJSS head of delivery Leeds, said: “We’re thrilled to be once again supporting the Leeds Digital Job Fair.

“As Yorkshire’s biggest tech event, it provides us with an important opportunity to engage with the talented technologists and graduates that are helping Leeds to shape Britain’s digital future.”

The event will run from 3.30pm to 7.30pm and is being supported by Leeds Business Improvement District (LeedsBID), Leeds City Council, Leeds Beckett University and the First Direct Arena.

Job seekers, students, graduates and tech professionals wishing to attend can book a place free of charge by visiting www.herd.careers.