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<p>This article was originally published on <a href="https://www.cio.com/article/4139885/how-cios-can-use-ai-to-overcome-ma-integration-headaches.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CIO.com</a> and includes insights from Ankur Anand, Chief Information Officer at Nash Squared.</p>
<hr>
<p class="content-subheadline">Many digital leaders believe gen AI can transform M&amp;A processes. Some pioneers already use emerging technology to integrate systems and data, but wider adoption means overcoming significant obstacles.</p>
<p class="content-subheadline">One of the hardest parts of M&amp;A activity is integrating systems and data, and inheriting a company&rsquo;s IT architecture means absorbing a complex array of platforms and processes. However, research suggests growth-focused companies can use targeted AI to overcome M&amp;A challenges.</p>
<p class="content-subheadline"><a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/m-and-a/our-insights/gen-ai-in-m-and-a-from-theory-to-practice-to-high-performance" rel="nofollow">McKinsey reported last year</a> that 42% of business leaders believe gen AI has the potential to transform the deal-making process. Survey respondents using gen AI in their M&amp;A activities reported average cost reductions of roughly 20%, and 40% said gen AI enabled up to 50% faster deal cycles.</p>
<p class="content-subheadline">McKinsey further suggests the next era of M&amp;A will be defined by teams that ride gen AI rather than wait on the sidelines. Brett Wilson, partner at the firm, says two paths are emerging. First, some firms use AI as an alternative to traditional system integration.</p>
<p class="content-subheadline">&ldquo;They bridge the gaps so they can answer key business questions without forcing everything onto a single platform,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;This approach takes the place of expensive multi-year system consolidation programs, and brings value-driving insights to the forefront much earlier at typically a much lower cost.&rdquo;</p>
<p data-start="1611" data-end="1932">The second path, where full-scale integration is the goal, uses AI to accelerate work by mapping data across systems, building interfaces, generating system tests, and reducing manual effort. AI is also used to create an initial integration plan or project roadmap much faster than teams could do previously on their own.</p>
<p data-start="1934" data-end="2198">&ldquo;When paired together, these incremental improvements are starting to add up to real-time savings in the process,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;In practice, the potential impact across both paths isn&rsquo;t just defining the integrated systems landscape, but also a faster path to value.&rdquo;</p>
<p data-start="2200" data-end="2459">CIOs are also considering how AI can help overcome M&amp;A challenges, with pioneering digital leaders using emerging technology to integrate systems and data. However, there are obstacles along the way, and CIOs should take heed of crucial best-practice lessons.</p>
<h1 data-start="2200" data-end="2459">Finding a better way to integrate data</h1>
<p data-start="2504" data-end="2841">Mark Davis, VP at business transformation consultancy Egremont Group, recognises the scale of the M&amp;A situation. Post-acquisition, CIOs are expected to integrate systems and data at pace, often while the organisation forms a view on strategy, governance, and operations. AI can add value by supporting decision-making during integration.</p>
<p data-start="2843" data-end="3233">&ldquo;Rather than simply mapping systems, organisations are using AI to synthesise large volumes of fragmented information from operating models, and process documentation into performance data,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;This approach is helping leadership teams, including CIOs, build clearer pictures of how work gets done across both organisations, and where the real points of friction and dependency sit.&rdquo;</p>
<p data-start="3235" data-end="3641">Richard Corbridge, CIO at property specialist Segro, recognises the potential for AI to assist with the M&amp;A process. The direction of travel for transformation at his firm is threefold: joining up point solutions, making the most of enterprise data assets, and implementing new technology alongside trusted partners. While Corbridge hasn&rsquo;t explored AI for managing M&amp;A activities, he can see the potential.</p>
<p data-start="3643" data-end="4005">&ldquo;I think this idea that you have to go away and fix all your data before you can plug AI in isn&rsquo;t true,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;I think you can work out which bits you need. AI is a good tool for bringing organisations together, and we look at how we can use it to bring our disparate geographical data sets together, so it feels logical that the same could be said for M&amp;A.&rdquo;</p>
<p data-start="4007" data-end="4362">Nick Pearson, CIO at Ricoh Europe, has gained M&amp;A experience in his current role and earlier positions at major blue-chip companies such as PepsiCo and Vodafone. He says a lift-and-shift approach is the traditional model for post-merger system integration. Now, instead of standardising ERP data across a six-month schedule, companies have an alternative.</p>
<p data-start="4364" data-end="4687">&ldquo;AI is the magic dust on top,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;I think we&rsquo;re starting to see a change, and it&rsquo;s not an IT change but a change in the mindset. Instead of waiting six or 12 months, people are recognising they can potentially use AI to access data more quickly. So it&rsquo;s a shift in the integration team logic as well as an AI shift.&rdquo;</p>
<p data-start="4689" data-end="5041">Barry Panayi, group chief data officer at insurance firm Howden, is another digital leader who believes AI can be a crucial ally in the M&amp;A process. The firm employs about 23,000 people, up from about 10,000 five years ago, and data and technology sit at the heart of the company&rsquo;s growth agenda, including integrating systems with emerging technology.</p>
<p data-start="5043" data-end="5450">&ldquo;Buying companies and growing should be a competitive advantage, not a liability, because we&rsquo;ve now got all this data to ingest, and it&rsquo;s all very hard,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;AI should be seen as a brilliant opportunity, because every new bit of data we get can be triangulated, and that means using knowledge graphs and thinking about generating insight, as opposed to how to smash data together in a data warehouse.&rdquo;</p>
<h1 data-start="5043" data-end="5450">Using AI in the M&amp;A process</h1>
<p data-start="5594" data-end="5923">Ankur Anand, CIO at technology and talent solutions provider Nash Squared, has helped his company integrate data and systems post-integration. In 2022, the company acquired Het Flexhuis, a managed service provider of talent and recruitment services. A year later, Nash Squared purchased cloud and data solutions provider Knoldus.</p>
<p data-start="5925" data-end="6279">One of the major issues was bringing together disparate finance and CRM systems. Each firm had its own operating model, with associated platforms, taxonomies, and security policies. These models fostered an internal culture that wasn&rsquo;t necessarily commensurate with the host business. Anand had to integrate systems and processes to benefit Nash Squared.</p>
<p data-start="6281" data-end="6511">Using BlueGecko, an AI-enabled data management platform from technology specialist Nextgenlytics, Anand&rsquo;s team automated time-consuming data-mapping processes. The system helped reduce the effort and created more accurate results.</p>
<p data-start="6513" data-end="6799">&ldquo;The technology understands the systems with some AI inputs,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;And through that approach, BlueGecko completes about 80% of our data mapping. My team then reviews the output, agrees with it, and that process reduces the traditional effort on the data-mapping side by about 30%.&rdquo;</p>
<p data-start="6801" data-end="7228">Joel Hron, CTO at business information services specialist Thomson Reuters, is another digital leader who helps his growth-focused firm integrate systems and data. He says it&rsquo;s important to be aggressive about security and compliance gaps, and addressing those concerns in the early days of the acquisition is crucial because it&rsquo;s harder to tackle gaps later, especially when joined-up firms start to roll out new capabilities.</p>
<p data-start="7230" data-end="7545">To help smooth post-merger processes, Hron says Thomson Reuters&rsquo; corporate development teams are developing an AI system to assist with due diligence. The tool, which will work with the firm&rsquo;s HighQ productivity platform, will drive consistency in how employees evaluate deals, uncover risks, and mitigate concerns.</p>
<p data-start="7547" data-end="7843">&ldquo;As you might expect, in various parts of the business, there can be different ways of evaluating M&amp;A across the teams managing the process,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;If you can drive more consistency and better assessment and mitigation of risk, you do better deals, so we&rsquo;re excited about what they&rsquo;re doing.&rdquo;</p>
<h1 data-section-id="q2v8bz" data-start="7845" data-end="7885">Best-practice lessons for applying AI</h1>
<p data-start="7887" data-end="8253">As McKinsey&rsquo;s Wilson suggests, there isn&rsquo;t yet a single AI-enabled solution for end-to-end integration. Instead, companies report gradual improvements using existing tools, often in specific parts of the process. While the improvements are real, they don&rsquo;t translate into clear headline outcomes, such as closing a deal faster or being ready to operate from day one.</p>
<p data-start="8255" data-end="8674">&ldquo;As a result, many organisations aren&rsquo;t yet making wholesale improvements to how they integrate, or how work gets done,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;Instead, they&rsquo;re capturing incremental efficiency gains within existing processes, rather than redesigning those processes around AI&rsquo;s full potential. This limits impact to small gains from existing technology, rather than enabling a true step change in integration planning performance.&rdquo;</p>
<p data-start="8676" data-end="8958">McKinsey&rsquo;s research suggests just 30% of respondents engage with gen AI at moderate to high levels. Wilson says successful adoption of AI for M&amp;A activities requires pausing to rethink workflows, align teams on new ways of working, and build confidence before running at full speed.</p>
<p data-start="8960" data-end="9607">As an executive who&rsquo;s delivered results in these high-pressure situations, Nash Squared&rsquo;s Anand offers crucial advice to other digital leaders aiming to apply AI to M&amp;A processes. First, define the operating model. Technology consolidation will only succeed when governance, security policies, and KPI definitions are fully aligned. Second, invest in data standardisation and harmonisation. Taxonomies must be clear and consistent across organisations. Third, focus on data cleansing. Important stumbling blocks, such as duplicate client details, can be missed if you don&rsquo;t use a team of cross-business experts to ensure AI tools remove anomalies.</p>
<p data-start="9609" data-end="9958">He also says employees of an acquired company can struggle to understand weighty documentation detailing internal policies and processes, but AI can be an assistant here. Nash Squared uses Microsoft Copilot to summarise rules and regulations. In short, suggests Anand, inserting AI into an M&amp;A requires a focus on progression, processes, and people.</p>
<p data-start="9960" data-end="10260">&ldquo;Try to avoid a Big Bang integration,&rdquo; he says. &ldquo;Define a sequence based on standards, where you appreciate the complexity and the security, and through that, you migrate the technology. That approach is important because you need to carry the people along with you, not just integrate the business.&rdquo;</p>

How is AI helping CIOs tackle M&A challenges?

<h1><span data-slate-fragment="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">Your Technology Conference Survival Guide</span></h1>
<p><span data-slate-fragment="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">Today David is joined by longtime friend and contributor to Tech Talks, Cathy White. As CEO and Founder of CEW Communications, she advises entrepreneurs and their businesses where to talk, and about what! But a conference or large event is so much more than just that. How do you prep, what is the best way to get in front of people, and does it really pay to be on stage? As a conference season gets into full swing we break down some of the key questions you might have before packing your bags.</span></p>
<p><span data-slate-fragment="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"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2B6QLxniRKEh2kKl0VjkrF/video?utm_source=generator" width="496" height="279" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></span></p>

Tech Talks: Cathy White, CEO, CEW 

<h1 class="e-10270-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-lbUZCN exNNCa" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">zally: How You Hold Your Phone into the Ultimate Password</span></span></span></h1>
<p class="e-10270-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-lbUZCN exNNCa" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">zally&rsquo;s Elliott Fullerton is turning how you hold your phone into the ultimate password.&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-10270-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-fragment="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"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-lbUZCN exNNCa" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">We explore how continuous authentication uses behaviour, not biometrics, to quietly tell imposters "no" in the background. But the real story is where this data goes next: predicting dementia and heart disease. We also discuss why clearing out the noise and learning to say "no" to AI hype is the true secret to building lasting value.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-10270-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-fragment="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">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="e-10270-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-fragment="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"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-lbUZCN exNNCa" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0e1zR6Bg8AoVRjk9V7ohlo/video?utm_source=generator" width="496" height="279" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></span></span></span></p>

Tech Talks: Elliott Fullerton, Director of Innovation, zally

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>London, UK &ndash; 15th April, 2026</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Harvey Nash, a global leader in specialist technology recruitment and talent solutions, is delighted to announce the appointment of <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/matt-holmes">Matt Holmes</a> as Managing Director of Harvey Nash UK and Ireland, <span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">and member of the Global Executive Committee. The appointment marks a significant step in Harvey Nash&rsquo;s renewed focus on growth, innovation, and deeper specialisation across the technology talent landscape.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Holmes joins with a distinguished track record spanning more than 20 years in specialist technology recruitment. He has held senior leadership roles across both major PLCs and high growth private organisations, including Experis (ManpowerGroup), Impellam, and&nbsp;Oscar. Throughout his career, he has&nbsp;transformed and&nbsp;scaled technology&nbsp;businesses&nbsp;across Contract, Permanent, Managed Services, and Statement of Work &ndash; consistently building high performing teams and delivering strong commercial results.</span>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This breadth of experience positions him perfectly to help lead and accelerate the delivery of the company&rsquo;s strategy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; line-height: 107%;"><strong><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Yu Gothic'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Simon Crichton, CEO of Harvey Nash, said:</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; line-height: 107%;"><em><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Yu Gothic'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">&ldquo;Matt brings exceptional experience across every part of the specialist technology recruitment market that matters to Harvey Nash. Just as importantly, he&rsquo;s known for building high trust, high performance cultures where people thrive. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for our UK business, and I&rsquo;m excited about the momentum we can create together as we continue to strengthen and grow.&rdquo;</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Yu Gothic'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">&nbsp;</span></em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; line-height: 107%;"><strong><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Yu Gothic'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Matt Holmes, Managing Director of Harvey Nash UK added:</span></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; line-height: 107%;"><em><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Yu Gothic'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">&ldquo;</span></em><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: 'Yu Gothic'; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><em>I&rsquo;ve long admired Harvey Nash&rsquo;s heritage, influence, and credibility in the technology community &ndash; from its 35‑year legacy and impressive client portfolio to the Digital Leadership Report, Tech Talks and Tech Flix, and its deep network of technology leaders. To join at a moment of transformation and renewed ambition is incredibly exciting. I&rsquo;m looking forward to building on the strong foundations already in place, scaling our capabilities, and creating an environment where our people, our clients, and our contractors can truly thrive.</em>&rdquo;</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify; line-height: 107%;">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>About Harvey Nash</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Harvey Nash is a specialist global technology recruitment firm that connects the world's most innovative companies with the technology talent they need to succeed. Over the past 35 years, Harvey Nash has been a pioneer and leading voice in the global technology space, having long term strategic partnerships with blue chip customers. With offices across multiple continents, including North America, the UK and Germany, Harvey Nash specialises in contract recruitment for specialised technology talent requirements including Cyber, AI and Data.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk">www.harveynash.co.uk</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Media &amp; Investor Contact:</strong>&nbsp;Rachel Watts, Global Marketing Director, Email:&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rachel.watts@harveynash.com">rachel.watts@harveynash.com</a></p>

Harvey Nash appoints Matt Holmes as Managing Director, UK

<h1>The Payment Decision Saving Small Businesses</h1>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-PnTGv bFefvd" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">When we hear "unbanked," we usually think of individuals. But what about unbanked businesses? </span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-fragment="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"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-PnTGv bFefvd" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">Meryem Habibi, CRO at Bitpace, reveals how small companies in emerging markets use stablecoins not for speculation, but for sheer survival. We discuss the hidden costs of traditional cross-border payments, the evolution of mobile money, and why adopting crypto in regions like Africa and Latin America is driven entirely by necessity.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5r4wrfUl9PsmIMrFb6EZKs?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></p>

Tech Talks: Meryem Habibi, CRO, Bitpace

<h1>From European Sun to Texas Steel: The Pragmatic Math Behind E-Fuels</h1>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-PnTGv bFefvd" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">Anthony Wang (Co-Founder of ETFuels) initially thought Spain&rsquo;s sunshine made it the perfect home for his startup. </span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-PnTGv bFefvd" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">He was wrong. </span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-PnTGv bFefvd" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">The CTO reveals why his startup abandoned European plans for the wind-swept oil fields of West Texas. We discuss the surprisingly simple science of e-fuels, why unit economics always beat political agendas, and why the tech sector must stop obsessing over software and start building physical infrastructure again.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-PnTGv bFefvd" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">Also on today's show David and Sam discuss </span></span></span><a class="e-10100-text-link e-10100-overflow-wrap-anywhere encore-internal-color-text-announcement e-10100-text-link--use-focus sc-exZoUi bkUweg" href="https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/25/the-ai-skills-gap-is-here-says-ai-company-and-power-users-are-pulling-ahead/" data-encore-id="textLink" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-inline="true"><span contenteditable="false">⁠</span><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-PnTGv bFefvd" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">the latest thinking</span></span></span><span contenteditable="false">⁠</span></a><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-PnTGv bFefvd" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true"> on AI skills to emerge from Anthropic.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-fragment="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"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-PnTGv bFefvd" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">WhatsApp us your comments and questions on +447392087344</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-fragment="JTVCJTdCJTIydHlwZSUyMiUzQSUyMnBhcmFncmFwaCUyMiUyQyUyMmNoaWxkcmVuJTIyJTNBJTVCJTdCJTIydGV4dCUyMiUzQSUyMkFudGhvbnklMjBXYW5nJTIwKENvLUZvdW5kZXIlMjBvZiUyMEVURnVlbHMpJTIwaW5pdGlhbGx5JTIwdGhvdWdodCUyMFNwYWluJUUyJTgwJTk5cyUyMHN1bnNoaW5lJTIwbWFkZSUyMGl0JTIwdGhlJTIwcGVyZmVjdCUyMGhvbWUlMjBmb3IlMjBoaXMlMjBzdGFydHVwLiUyMCUyMiU3RCU1RCU3RCUyQyU3QiUyMnR5cGUlMjIlM0ElMjJwYXJhZ3JhcGglMjIlMkMlMjJjaGlsZHJlbiUyMiUzQSU1QiU3QiUyMnRleHQlMjIlM0ElMjJIZSUyMHdhcyUyMHdyb25nLiUyMCUyMiU3RCU1RCU3RCUyQyU3QiUyMnR5cGUlMjIlM0ElMjJwYXJhZ3JhcGglMjIlMkMlMjJjaGlsZHJlbiUyMiUzQSU1QiU3QiUyMnRleHQlMjIlM0ElMjJUaGUlMjBDVE8lMjByZXZlYWxzJTIwd2h5JTIwaGlzJTIwc3RhcnR1cCUyMGFiYW5kb25lZCUyMEV1cm9wZWFuJTIwcGxhbnMlMjBmb3IlMjB0aGUlMjB3aW5kLXN3ZXB0JTIwb2lsJTIwZmllbGRzJTIwb2YlMjBXZXN0JTIwVGV4YXMuJTIwV2UlMjBkaXNjdXNzJTIwdGhlJTIwc3VycHJpc2luZ2x5JTIwc2ltcGxlJTIwc2NpZW5jZSUyMG9mJTIwZS1mdWVscyUyQyUyMHdoeSUyMHVuaXQlMjBlY29ub21pY3MlMjBhbHdheXMlMjBiZWF0JTIwcG9saXRpY2FsJTIwYWdlbmRhcyUyQyUyMGFuZCUyMHdoeSUyMHRoZSUyMHRlY2glMjBzZWN0b3IlMjBtdXN0JTIwc3RvcCUyMG9ic2Vzc2luZyUyMG92ZXIlMjBzb2Z0d2FyZSUyMGFuZCUyMHN0YXJ0JTIwYnVpbGRpbmclMjBwaHlzaWNhbCUyMGluZnJhc3RydWN0dXJlJTIwYWdhaW4uJTIyJTdEJTVEJTdEJTJDJTdCJTIydHlwZSUyMiUzQSUyMnBhcmFncmFwaCUyMiUyQyUyMmNoaWxkcmVuJTIyJTNBJTVCJTdCJTIydGV4dCUyMiUzQSUyMkFsc28lMjBvbiUyMHRvZGF5J3MlMjBzaG93JTIwRGF2aWQlMjBhbmQlMjBTYW0lMjBkaXNjdXNzJTIwJTIyJTdEJTJDJTdCJTIydHlwZSUyMiUzQSUyMmxpbmslMjIlMkMlMjJ1cmwlMjIlM0ElMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnRlY2hjcnVuY2guY29tJTJGMjAyNiUyRjAzJTJGMjUlMkZ0aGUtYWktc2tpbGxzLWdhcC1pcy1oZXJlLXNheXMtYWktY29tcGFueS1hbmQtcG93ZXItdXNlcnMtYXJlLXB1bGxpbmctYWhlYWQlMkYlMjIlMkMlMjJ0YXJnZXQlMjIlM0ElMjJfYmxhbmslMjIlMkMlMjJyZWwlMjIlM0ElMjJ1Z2MlMjBub29wZW5lciUyMG5vcmVmZXJyZXIlMjIlMkMlMjJjaGlsZHJlbiUyMiUzQSU1QiU3QiUyMnRleHQlMjIlM0ElMjJ0aGUlMjBsYXRlc3QlMjB0aGlua2luZyUyMiU3RCU1RCU3RCUyQyU3QiUyMnRleHQlMjIlM0ElMjIlMjBvbiUyMEFJJTIwc2tpbGxzJTIwdG8lMjBlbWVyZ2UlMjBmcm9tJTIwQW50aHJvcGljLiUyMiU3RCU1RCU3RCUyQyU3QiUyMnR5cGUlMjIlM0ElMjJwYXJhZ3JhcGglMjIlMkMlMjJjaGlsZHJlbiUyMiUzQSU1QiU3QiUyMnRleHQlMjIlM0ElMjJXaGF0c0FwcCUyMHVzJTIweW91ciUyMGNvbW1lbnRzJTIwYW5kJTIwcXVlc3Rpb25zJTIwb24lMjAlMkI0NDczOTIwODczNDQlMjIlN0QlNUQlN0QlNUQ=">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-fragment="JTVCJTdCJTIydHlwZSUyMiUzQSUyMnBhcmFncmFwaCUyMiUyQyUyMmNoaWxkcmVuJTIyJTNBJTVCJTdCJTIydGV4dCUyMiUzQSUyMkFudGhvbnklMjBXYW5nJTIwKENvLUZvdW5kZXIlMjBvZiUyMEVURnVlbHMpJTIwaW5pdGlhbGx5JTIwdGhvdWdodCUyMFNwYWluJUUyJTgwJTk5cyUyMHN1bnNoaW5lJTIwbWFkZSUyMGl0JTIwdGhlJTIwcGVyZmVjdCUyMGhvbWUlMjBmb3IlMjBoaXMlMjBzdGFydHVwLiUyMCUyMiU3RCU1RCU3RCUyQyU3QiUyMnR5cGUlMjIlM0ElMjJwYXJhZ3JhcGglMjIlMkMlMjJjaGlsZHJlbiUyMiUzQSU1QiU3QiUyMnRleHQlMjIlM0ElMjJIZSUyMHdhcyUyMHdyb25nLiUyMCUyMiU3RCU1RCU3RCUyQyU3QiUyMnR5cGUlMjIlM0ElMjJwYXJhZ3JhcGglMjIlMkMlMjJjaGlsZHJlbiUyMiUzQSU1QiU3QiUyMnRleHQlMjIlM0ElMjJUaGUlMjBDVE8lMjByZXZlYWxzJTIwd2h5JTIwaGlzJTIwc3RhcnR1cCUyMGFiYW5kb25lZCUyMEV1cm9wZWFuJTIwcGxhbnMlMjBmb3IlMjB0aGUlMjB3aW5kLXN3ZXB0JTIwb2lsJTIwZmllbGRzJTIwb2YlMjBXZXN0JTIwVGV4YXMuJTIwV2UlMjBkaXNjdXNzJTIwdGhlJTIwc3VycHJpc2luZ2x5JTIwc2ltcGxlJTIwc2NpZW5jZSUyMG9mJTIwZS1mdWVscyUyQyUyMHdoeSUyMHVuaXQlMjBlY29ub21pY3MlMjBhbHdheXMlMjBiZWF0JTIwcG9saXRpY2FsJTIwYWdlbmRhcyUyQyUyMGFuZCUyMHdoeSUyMHRoZSUyMHRlY2glMjBzZWN0b3IlMjBtdXN0JTIwc3RvcCUyMG9ic2Vzc2luZyUyMG92ZXIlMjBzb2Z0d2FyZSUyMGFuZCUyMHN0YXJ0JTIwYnVpbGRpbmclMjBwaHlzaWNhbCUyMGluZnJhc3RydWN0dXJlJTIwYWdhaW4uJTIyJTdEJTVEJTdEJTJDJTdCJTIydHlwZSUyMiUzQSUyMnBhcmFncmFwaCUyMiUyQyUyMmNoaWxkcmVuJTIyJTNBJTVCJTdCJTIydGV4dCUyMiUzQSUyMkFsc28lMjBvbiUyMHRvZGF5J3MlMjBzaG93JTIwRGF2aWQlMjBhbmQlMjBTYW0lMjBkaXNjdXNzJTIwJTIyJTdEJTJDJTdCJTIydHlwZSUyMiUzQSUyMmxpbmslMjIlMkMlMjJ1cmwlMjIlM0ElMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnRlY2hjcnVuY2guY29tJTJGMjAyNiUyRjAzJTJGMjUlMkZ0aGUtYWktc2tpbGxzLWdhcC1pcy1oZXJlLXNheXMtYWktY29tcGFueS1hbmQtcG93ZXItdXNlcnMtYXJlLXB1bGxpbmctYWhlYWQlMkYlMjIlMkMlMjJ0YXJnZXQlMjIlM0ElMjJfYmxhbmslMjIlMkMlMjJyZWwlMjIlM0ElMjJ1Z2MlMjBub29wZW5lciUyMG5vcmVmZXJyZXIlMjIlMkMlMjJjaGlsZHJlbiUyMiUzQSU1QiU3QiUyMnRleHQlMjIlM0ElMjJ0aGUlMjBsYXRlc3QlMjB0aGlua2luZyUyMiU3RCU1RCU3RCUyQyU3QiUyMnRleHQlMjIlM0ElMjIlMjBvbiUyMEFJJTIwc2tpbGxzJTIwdG8lMjBlbWVyZ2UlMjBmcm9tJTIwQW50aHJvcGljLiUyMiU3RCU1RCU3RCUyQyU3QiUyMnR5cGUlMjIlM0ElMjJwYXJhZ3JhcGglMjIlMkMlMjJjaGlsZHJlbiUyMiUzQSU1QiU3QiUyMnRleHQlMjIlM0ElMjJXaGF0c0FwcCUyMHVzJTIweW91ciUyMGNvbW1lbnRzJTIwYW5kJTIwcXVlc3Rpb25zJTIwb24lMjAlMkI0NDczOTIwODczNDQlMjIlN0QlNUQlN0QlNUQ="><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-PnTGv bFefvd" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6nJWzZXKP9wUyqb0tpcE3p?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></span></span></span></p>

Tech Talks: Anthony Wang, Co-Founder, ETFuels

<h1>The Truth About Siloed Healthcare</h1>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-PnTGv bFefvd" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">What happens when doctors only look at a fraction of your symptoms? And how much trust should you place in technology to give you sound advice?</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-PnTGv bFefvd" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">David Savage sits down with patient and coach Kelsey Brett to explore the frustrating reality of siloed medical care. Then, Dr. Jonathan Andrews, Medical Director at TEDS Health, unpacks how tech-enabled healthcare is democratising diagnosis and combating the rising tide of AI-generated medical misinformation. </span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-fragment="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"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-PnTGv bFefvd" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">Join us as we bring the human voice back to health tech, and present two sides of a problem that often only features the voice of doctors and innovators.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-fragment="JTVCJTdCJTIydHlwZSUyMiUzQSUyMnBhcmFncmFwaCUyMiUyQyUyMmNoaWxkcmVuJTIyJTNBJTVCJTdCJTIydGV4dCUyMiUzQSUyMldoYXQlMjBoYXBwZW5zJTIwd2hlbiUyMGRvY3RvcnMlMjBvbmx5JTIwbG9vayUyMGF0JTIwYSUyMGZyYWN0aW9uJTIwb2YlMjB5b3VyJTIwc3ltcHRvbXMlM0YlMjBBbmQlMjBob3clMjBtdWNoJTIwdHJ1c3QlMjBzaG91bGQlMjB5b3UlMjBwbGFjZSUyMGluJTIwdGVjaG5vbG9neSUyMHRvJTIwZ2l2ZSUyMHlvdSUyMHNvdW5kJTIwYWR2aWNlJTNGJTIyJTdEJTVEJTdEJTJDJTdCJTIydHlwZSUyMiUzQSUyMnBhcmFncmFwaCUyMiUyQyUyMmNoaWxkcmVuJTIyJTNBJTVCJTdCJTIydGV4dCUyMiUzQSUyMkRhdmlkJTIwU2F2YWdlJTIwc2l0cyUyMGRvd24lMjB3aXRoJTIwcGF0aWVudCUyMGFuZCUyMGNvYWNoJTIwS2Vsc2V5JTIwQnJldHQlMjB0byUyMGV4cGxvcmUlMjB0aGUlMjBmcnVzdHJhdGluZyUyMHJlYWxpdHklMjBvZiUyMHNpbG9lZCUyMG1lZGljYWwlMjBjYXJlLiUyMFRoZW4lMkMlMjBEci4lMjBKb25hdGhhbiUyMEFuZHJld3MlMkMlMjBNZWRpY2FsJTIwRGlyZWN0b3IlMjBhdCUyMFRFRFMlMjBIZWFsdGglMkMlMjB1bnBhY2tzJTIwaG93JTIwdGVjaC1lbmFibGVkJTIwaGVhbHRoY2FyZSUyMGlzJTIwZGVtb2NyYXRpc2luZyUyMGRpYWdub3NpcyUyMGFuZCUyMGNvbWJhdGluZyUyMHRoZSUyMHJpc2luZyUyMHRpZGUlMjBvZiUyMEFJLWdlbmVyYXRlZCUyMG1lZGljYWwlMjBtaXNpbmZvcm1hdGlvbi4lMjAlMjIlN0QlNUQlN0QlMkMlN0IlMjJ0eXBlJTIyJTNBJTIycGFyYWdyYXBoJTIyJTJDJTIyY2hpbGRyZW4lMjIlM0ElNUIlN0IlMjJ0ZXh0JTIyJTNBJTIySm9pbiUyMHVzJTIwYXMlMjB3ZSUyMGJyaW5nJTIwdGhlJTIwaHVtYW4lMjB2b2ljZSUyMGJhY2slMjB0byUyMGhlYWx0aCUyMHRlY2glMkMlMjBhbmQlMjBwcmVzZW50JTIwdHdvJTIwc2lkZXMlMjBvZiUyMGElMjBwcm9ibGVtJTIwdGhhdCUyMG9mdGVuJTIwb25seSUyMGZlYXR1cmVzJTIwdGhlJTIwdm9pY2UlMjBvZiUyMGRvY3RvcnMlMjBhbmQlMjBpbm5vdmF0b3JzLiUyMiU3RCU1RCU3RCU1RA==">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-fragment="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"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-PnTGv bFefvd" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1fS17VMuqb0rJYf4gh3zTi?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></span></span></span></p>

Tech Talks: Kelsey Brett and Dr. Jonathan Andrews

<h1><span data-teams="true">The Real Threat to Early Careers is Lack of Cash...</span></h1>
<p>Venture capital has a diversity problem, but talking about it won't fix it. In this episode, David sits down with Anu Adebajo, the new CEO of Newton Venture Program, to explore the real barriers to entry in VC.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Together they discuss why AI isn't the biggest threat to junior roles, the hidden bias of private school education, and why fixing the pipeline requires unlocking new LP capital, not just more panels.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4OQC347NNJ9hc6iQkcfoR4?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></p>

Tech Talks: Anu Adebajo, CEO, Newton Venture Program

<h1><span data-teams="true"><strong>The 'Agent Boss' Trap: The end of the human handbrake?</strong></span></h1>
<p><span data-teams="true">&nbsp;</span><span data-teams="true">We might soon be &lsquo;agent bosses&rsquo;. But if we only skim-read AI&rsquo;s work, then the human handbrake might already be broken. As we trade deep expertise for surface-level summaries across a broader range of tasks, we might make mistakes that lead to massive reputational failure. On today&rsquo;s show David is in conversation with Oaka Studio co-founder Lucy Bourne, over a pre-conference coffee in Westminster. The key lesson: real depth and considered human validation are your ultimate safeguards.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-teams="true"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2baY52MqgECZtONzRZf78C?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></span></p>

Tech Talks: Lucy Bourne, Co-Founder, Oaka Studio

<h1><span data-teams="true">We Meet the Entrepreneur Who is Making You Look Up</span></h1>
<p>Digital experiences today are often isolating, but what if technology could bring us together in the physical world?</p>
<p>In this episode, David speaks to Janet Beck (CEO of Glasseye) about the creation of Outernet, London's massive 23,000-square-foot immersive public space. They explore the convergence of physical and virtual worlds, why her team abandoned traditional 2D video for Unreal Engine during the pandemic, and the deep human need for communal digital experiences.</p>
<p><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5NdVqzne5HhavlIyiYjo8G?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></p>

Tech Talks: Janet Beck, CEO, Glasseye

<h1>From Influencer to Founder: Rebuilding the Creator Economy with Purpose</h1>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-dCLGXw jWAwAN" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">After fleeing the war in Ukraine, Vita Shafinska had to rebuild her 200,000-strong digital community from scratch. Now, with over 620,000 UK followers, she&rsquo;s transitioning from creator to tech founder. </span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-dCLGXw jWAwAN" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">Vita joins David to unpack the realities of the creator economy, the power of AI avatars, and why only 2% of VC funding goes to female founders. A raw look at resilience, networking, and the human side of tech.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-10100-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-dCLGXw jWAwAN" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">WhatsApp us your comments and questions on +447392087344</span></span></span></p>

Tech Talks: Vita Shafinska, Founder, GCreators

<h1><span data-teams="true">If You Forget the "Three Ps", You're Making a Cyber Criminals Job Easy</span></h1>
<p>AI and deepfakes are dominating the security conversation, but what is actually causing breaches?</p>
<p>David recently talked to Ed Williams, VP of EMEA Consulting at LevelBlue (a 20-year Pentesting veteran who has hacked everything from submarines to rockets) on the back of a new industry report.</p>
<p>They chat about the need to explore vulnerabilities hidden in complex supply chains, how AI is a double-edged sword, and why the unglamorous "three P's" of security matter more than the latest technology.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6IBaTahKWT15KOJIKW8rEA?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></p>

Tech Talks: Ed Williams, VP of EMEA Consulting, LevelBlue

<p>In today&rsquo;s AI-driven business environment, data is more than just a by-product of operations; it&rsquo;s the fuel that makes decision-making easier and drives competitive advantage.</p>
<p>But as organisations look to harness AI, simply collecting data isn&rsquo;t enough. To turn raw information into actionable insights, digital leaders must build a data team with the right mix of technical expertise and soft skills.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/jack-capel">Jack Capel, UK South Director</a> at Harvey Nash, was quoted in a recent <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/opinion/How-to-build-a-data-dream-team" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Computer Weekly article</a>, emphasising that getting this mix right is critical. From engineers who structure and manage data flows, to analysts who uncover insights, to translators who bridge the gap between tech and business, the capabilities of your team determine whether AI initiatives succeed or fall short.</p>
<p>This article outlines the top technical and soft skills in demand that every digital leader should prioritise when assembling a modern, AI-ready data team.</p>
<h1>Making data AI-ready</h1>
<p>Before organisations can realise the full potential of AI, they must ensure their data is structured, accurate, and accessible. This begins with assembling a team with the right technical capabilities:</p>
<p><strong>SQL and data engineering:</strong> Data engineers are the architects of the organisation&rsquo;s information infrastructure. By establishing processes to collect, store, and manage data, they lay the foundations for reliable, AI-ready datasets. Proficiency in SQL and strong data governance practices are essential to ensure that data is accurate, secure, and fit for advanced analytics.</p>
<p><strong>Python and advanced analytics:</strong> Data scientists and analysts transform raw data into actionable insights. Expertise in Python enables teams to build predictive models, apply machine learning techniques, and automate analysis, helping the business make smarter, data-driven decisions.</p>
<p><strong>Cloud infrastructure:</strong> Modern data teams must be fluent in cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP. Cloud expertise ensures data flows are scalable, resilient, and aligned with evolving business needs, providing a flexible foundation for AI initiatives.</p>
<p><strong>Data architecture and scalability:</strong> Data architects ensure that connections between systems align with business objectives and can be scaled as the organisation grows. This role ensures that the technical framework can support both current analytics requirements and future AI ambitions.</p>
<h1>Translating insights into action</h1>
<p>While technical expertise is essential, Jack Capel, UK South Director, emphasises that data alone does not generate value. Organisations increasingly recognise the importance of roles that bridge the gap between technical teams and the business:</p>
<p><strong>Storytelling and communication:</strong> The ability to translate complex datasets into clear, actionable insights is vital. Data translators, sometimes referred to as data solutions engineers, combine technical knowledge with communication skills to ensure insights are understood and applied effectively across the organisation.</p>
<p><strong>Business acumen and collaboration:</strong> Successful data teams understand the organisation&rsquo;s strategic goals and work closely with stakeholders to deliver real-world value. Cultural fit, collaborative working, and the ability to connect analytics to business outcomes are just as critical as technical prowess.</p>
<p>Capel also highlights that building a high-performing data team is not a one-off exercise. Recruitment challenges, particularly in areas such as data analytics and engineering, mean that team development is an organic process, often taking 12 - 18 months to mature.</p>
<h1>Leadership and universal data literacy</h1>
<p>Leadership support is key to embedding a data-driven culture. Capel suggests that organisations should consider placing their Head of Data or Chief Data Officer on a par with heads of technology and product, ideally with a seat in the boardroom. This ensures data priorities are recognised strategically and resourced appropriately.</p>
<p>Equally important is fostering data literacy across the business. Everyone in the organisation is a data user, and providing training and resources empowers employees to make informed decisions, increasing the return on investment in data infrastructure and AI initiatives.</p>
<h1>Prioritising skills for sustainable success</h1>
<p>Building a modern data team is a strategic investment, not just a hiring exercise. Organisations that prioritise both technical skills and soft skills are best placed to unlock the full potential of their data.</p>
<p>Given the competitive market for data professionals, securing the right talent can be challenging, but it is essential for AI readiness and long-term business success. Capel&rsquo;s insights make it clear that a successful data team is about more than just technology; it&rsquo;s about people, process, and culture working together to transform data into actionable intelligence.</p>
<p>If your looking to strengthen your data capabilities, Harvey Nash can support in sourcing and recruiting the professionals needed to build high-performing, AI-ready teams.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/submit-vacancy/" target="_new">Submit a vacancy today</a> or contact us directly and take the first step toward assembling the data team that will drive your business forward.</p>

What skills do modern data teams need to be AI-ready?

<h1>What Is Shadow L&amp;D?&nbsp;</h1>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-ipAaKu hazOil" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">AI is scaling rapidly, but human skills are struggling to keep up. As a result, frustrated employees are taking learning into their own hands, giving rise to "Shadow L&amp;D". </span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-fragment="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"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-ipAaKu hazOil" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">In this episode, Bharat Siyani, VP People and Culture at ELMO Software, sits down with David to discuss the risks and rewards of covert innovation. Learn why AI skills expire in months and how to turn your team into orchestrating "diamonds".</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5Jfov6DhGr589G6PWaQ3Dt/video?utm_source=generator" width="496" height="279" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe>&nbsp;</p>

Tech Talks: Bharat Siyani, VP People and Culture, ELMO Software

<p>David Savage explores how AI is transforming work, education and regional economies, and asks a critical question: are we preparing people for the future, or leaving them behind?&nbsp;Filmed across Leeds and London,&nbsp;<em>The AI Skills Paradox</em> delves into conversations with industry leaders, educators, policymakers and young people, to uncover a striking contradiction, demand for AI skills has surged by more than eighty per cent, yet over half of organisations invest little or nothing in training their people.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Please discover the full Tech Flix landing page <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-flix-the-ai-paradox">here.</a></p>

Tech Flix: The AI Skills Paradox 

<h1>How to protect skills pipelines in the age of AI</h1>
<p>In our sixth <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-flix" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tech Flix</a> documentary <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-flix-the-ai-paradox?utm_source=Article&amp;utm_medium=Building+the+digital+team+of+the+future&amp;utm_campaign=TechFlix">&lsquo;The AI Paradox: AI is Scaling, Skills are Not&rsquo;</a>, we explored the growing tension inside organisations as AI adoption accelerates and raises important questions about what happens to the future of tech teams that digital transformation depends on.</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s a question moving quickly up the agenda for digital leaders. Because while AI is scaling productivity across engineering, data and platform teams, it&rsquo;s also reshaping how technologists learn, develop and progress.</p>
<p>To bring a frontline leadership lens to this shift, we spoke with Nash Squared&rsquo;s CIO, Ankur Anand. His perspective reflects both the opportunity, and the structural workforce questions leaders must now address.</p>
<h1>Are junior roles really at risk?</h1>
<p>Much of the AI debate centres on entry-level disruption. In sectors where repeatable processes are being automated, from customer service to back-office functions, headlines suggest junior roles are first in line for impact.</p>
<p>In our latest Tech Flix film, Josh Nesbitt, CTO at Genio, recognises that concern. As AI becomes embedded into workflows, organisations inevitably question how many early-career roles they need.</p>
<p>But in technology teams, he sees a more nuanced picture. At Genio, junior hiring has not slowed. He argues that reducing entry pathways would weaken the long-term skills pipeline, creating future capability gaps rather than solving short-term efficiency pressures.</p>
<p>The disruption narrative may hold true in some sectors where AI replaces high-volume, repeatable tasks. But in technology teams specifically, the picture is more complex, and Ankur&rsquo;s perspective on this suggests something different is happening.</p>
<h1>The productivity surge reshaping tech delivery</h1>
<p>AI is already reshaping how technology teams operate, from the way products are conceptualised to how they are built and deployed. Development copilots, automation tools and enhanced access to internal data are compressing delivery timelines and enabling smaller teams to achieve faster outcomes.</p>
<p>Ankur points to recent initiatives delivered by technologists with less than a year of experience, including platforms launched in just a few months. These projects were AI-enabled from day one and were never meant to follow a traditional learning curve.</p>
<p>As Ankur explains, AI is dramatically boosting early-career productivity. &ldquo;The impact of AI on fresh talent is very high. Their productivity is now almost as good as people with three to five years of experience.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Access to internal data, coding support and automation tools allows junior engineers to interpret tasks, build solutions and contribute meaningful outputs far earlier than before.</p>
<p>In effect, AI is compressing the gap between entry-level and mid-level capability and redefining what early-career talent can achieve.</p>
<h1>The real pressure point: mid-level roles</h1>
<p>While much of the external narrative focuses on AI threatening junior roles, Ankur sees the structural shift falling heaviest on the mid-experience layer.</p>
<p>As junior engineers accelerate upward and senior leaders augment decision-making with AI insight, work traditionally <a>handled by those in the 2&ndash;5 year experience</a>&nbsp;bracket is being redistributed. Smaller, AI-enabled teams can now deliver the same throughput that once required larger delivery layers.</p>
<p>As Ankur explains, &ldquo;It&rsquo;s creating more risk for the people with mid-level experience as compared to the more experienced people versus the juniors.&rdquo;</p>
<p>This doesn&rsquo;t signal a reduction in technology careers, but it does signal role evolution.</p>
<p>Mid-career technologists must increasingly upskill into higher-value domains such as architecture, security, enterprise platforms and AI governance. In practice, this is creating two distinct skill trajectories across technology teams.</p>
<h1>Two future capability pathways</h1>
<p>AI is not simply accelerating productivity. It is also reshaping the kinds of capability technology teams depend on.</p>
<p>Two distinct skill trajectories are emerging.</p>
<h3>1. AI-enabled engineering environments</h3>
<p>These are high-automation development settings where engineers work alongside AI to accelerate delivery.</p>
<p>Developers increasingly rely on AI for:</p>
<ul>
<li>Code generation</li>
<li>Documentation</li>
<li>Test creation</li>
<li>Rapid prototyping</li>
</ul>
<p>In these environments, output scales quickly and early-career engineers can contribute far sooner than traditional development models allowed.</p>
<h3>2. Experience-led, high-judgement environments</h3>
<p>Other domains continue to depend heavily on deep human expertise and accountability, particularly where risk, architecture and long-term system integrity are involved.</p>
<p>These include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Systems architecture</li>
<li>Platform engineering</li>
<li>Security and threat modelling</li>
<li>Data governance and lineage</li>
<li>Resilience and reliability engineering</li>
</ul>
<p>Here, AI can accelerate analysis and assist decision-making, but it cannot replace professional judgement or operational responsibility.</p>
<h1>AI-native talent vs experience-led delivery</h1>
<p>Another dynamic emerging inside tech teams is generational adoption. Younger technologists, having trained in AI-enabled environments, are often more fluent and experimental in their usage.</p>
<p>More experienced engineers, by contrast, may rely more heavily on established delivery approaches. Ankur sees this gap narrowing quickly, not because experience loses value, but because AI becomes native across the workforce.</p>
<p>As AI adoption deepens, experienced technologists will be required to integrate it into decision-making, design and oversight.</p>
<h1>How technical skills development is evolving</h1>
<p>AI&rsquo;s impact on skills development is not uniform across the technology estate. While some environments are now built with AI deeply embedded in development workflows, many organisations will continue operating complex legacy platforms for years to come.</p>
<p>As Ankur explains, this creates different patterns of AI adoption across teams.</p>
<p>In modern product and platform environments, AI is accelerating coding, testing and documentation, allowing teams to deliver new capabilities faster.</p>
<p>In legacy environments, where systems are tightly integrated and risk-sensitive, AI is more commonly used to support testing, documentation and code analysis rather than core engineering.</p>
<p>For digital leaders, this means capability must develop across two technology realities, one in AI-enabled product delivery and the other in long-term stewardship of legacy platforms.</p>
<h1>Governance: the safeguard against capability risk</h1>
<p>As AI becomes embedded across technology delivery, governance is expanding beyond traditional code oversight into a broader enterprise risk discipline.</p>
<p>AI can accelerate development and unlock significant value, but it also introduces new operational, regulatory and reputational risks if adoption moves faster than oversight.</p>
<p>For technology leaders, governance now spans multiple areas of responsibility, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Model lifecycle oversight</li>
<li>Data lineage, privacy and consent frameworks</li>
<li>EU AI Act and UK regulatory compliance</li>
<li>Vendor and model provider risk management</li>
<li>Hallucination, Bias and Factual reliability controls</li>
</ul>
<p>In this environment, governance is no longer a supporting function. It is a core capability that ensures AI-enabled delivery remains secure, compliant and resilient.</p>
<p>AI may increase the speed and value of technology delivery, but without strong governance frameworks it can also increase systemic risk.</p>
<h1>Rethinking tech operating models</h1>
<p>As AI embeds further, technology workforce structures are set to evolve. In our recent <a>Tech Flix film</a>&nbsp;, some digital leaders reflected on the possibility of an &ldquo;inverted pyramid&rdquo; workforce shape emerging as AI adoption scales across organisations.</p>
<p>For technology teams specifically, Ankur <a>does not personally see this model </a>fully materialising. While AI is increasing the output and impact of early-career talent, factors such as tooling investment, governance demands and architectural complexity still require experienced oversight.</p>
<p>He expects organisations to move toward more blended operating models that bring together:</p>
<ul>
<li>AI-enabled early talent</li>
<li>Experienced engineers</li>
<li>Governance and risk capability</li>
<li>Data and platform expertise</li>
</ul>
<p>Rather than flattening teams entirely, Ankur predicts AI is more likely to redistribute where value is created, shifting how different layers contribute rather than removing the need for structure and senior accountability.</p>
<h1>Protecting the future skills pipeline</h1>
<p>For digital leaders, the question is not whether AI changes how capability is built. It is how to ensure the skills pipeline keeps pace with the technology reshaping delivery.</p>
<p>Ankur doesn&rsquo;t see AI weakening long-term technology capability. He sees it changing how it develops.</p>
<p>AI is accelerating early-career contribution. Junior engineers can now deliver meaningful outputs far sooner, supported by AI agents, automation tooling and access to organisational knowledge. The distance between entry-level and mid-level productivity is compressing.</p>
<p>But capability is not formed through output alone.</p>
<p>Senior technologists remain essential for architectural design, governance, risk accountability and platform resilience. Their role is also evolving to guide how AI-enabled delivery happens in practice, ensuring speed does not compromise quality or scalability.</p>
<p>The responsibility of leaders is pipeline design. Faster junior productivity must still translate into deep expertise over time. That means creating environments where engineers move beyond AI-assisted execution into ownership, problem-solving and decision-making.</p>
<p>As Ankur emphasises, AI is already embedded in how technology teams operate. The priority now is shaping workforce models that protect long-term capability while unlocking the productivity gains AI enables today.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Protecting your skills pipeline in the age of AI starts with the right talent strategy. <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/specialisms/ai-and-machine-learning">Explore how we help organisations build AI and Machine Learning capability that lasts.</a></p>

Building the digital team of the future

<p>After soaring levels of investment, there is real pressure mounting on technology leaders to make AI work. However, as the <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report</a> and our latest Tech Flix documentary <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-flix-the-ai-paradox?utm_source=Article&amp;utm_medium=5+AI+conversations+every+digital+leader+needs+to+have&amp;utm_campaign=TechFlix" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;The AI Paradox: AI is Scaling, Skills are Not&rsquo;</a> explore, the vast majority of organisations are overlooking a vital success factor in not upskilling people in AI skills. So, as a digital leader, what are the conversations you should be having with your peers to better harness the huge potential in these tools?</p>
<p>2025 was meant to be the year organisations unlocked real return on investment, but data from our Digital Leadership Report pointed to just 33% of organisations reporting &ldquo;demonstrable ROI beyond initial piloting&rdquo;.</p>
<p>That lack of ROI isn&rsquo;t dampening enthusiasm. In fact, quite the reverse, as the demand for AI skills jumped by 82% year-on-year, the biggest jump in any skills scarcity we&rsquo;ve ever seen.</p>
<p>But what do we mean by AI skills?&nbsp;</p>
<p>We know vibe coding is a growing phenomenon that is widening technology&rsquo;s already broad church, blurring the lines of what skills we&rsquo;d consider part of the DNA of an engineer. Frankly, who doesn&rsquo;t use AI in their day-to-day work in some capacity?</p>
<p>Pressure to deliver and soaring expectations have led to technology and digital leaders finding themselves crippled by indecision. The landscape is more complex, more nuanced, and changing quicker than ever.</p>
<p>So in this climate, what do digital leaders need to talk about?&nbsp;</p>
<h1>1. The conversation when managing-up</h1>
<h2>"Slow down and get specific.&rdquo;</h2>
<p>Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) is placing immense pressure on digital leaders, and simply telling them the strategy should be to &ldquo;do AI&rdquo; isn&rsquo;t helping. As basic as that sounds, it&rsquo;s the lived experience of many. The challenge for the leader is to push back against vague adoption and demand that there is a focus on specific business pinch-points.</p>
<p>In our Tech Flix documentary, Phil White, MD of Audacia, argues that organisations should actually slow down rather than speed up. He warns that FOMO will leave too many getting &ldquo;on this AI bandwagon without actually realising what it is, what it can achieve, what it can do&rdquo;.</p>
<p>Josh Nesbitt, CTO at Genio, lends weight to this rationale by adding that AI is too broad a term to actually be useful in conversation. Instead of talking about AI generally, leaders need to start talking about it in relation to specific problem-solving.</p>
<p>Laura Gilbert, the Senior Director of AI at the Tony Blair Institute, expands on the challenge with a vital additional consideration. Because there is so much pressure to move now, and because we are terrible at predicting the future, leaders run the risk of building inflexible systems based on current hype.</p>
<p>Laura argues the conversation should centre on flexible systems rather than betting on a specific outcome, giving you much more room to adapt as an organisation.&nbsp;</p>
<h1>2. The conversation with fellow executives</h1>
<h2>&ldquo;Have you tried AI for yourself?&rdquo;</h2>
<p>When AI succeeds or fails, it&rsquo;s the digital leader who is held accountable. But what&rsquo;s been clear for some time now is that they are far from being the only accountable figure when it comes to the implementation of new tools. That&rsquo;s problematic because non-technical executive colleagues lack the proper understanding of what&rsquo;s technically realistic, leading to poor decision-making.</p>
<p>There is also the practicality of understanding what you&rsquo;re being sold. Every vendor will have baked AI into their pitch, and with FOMO so dominant, it&rsquo;s important to understand if you&rsquo;re being sold something useful, or as Laura Gilbert puts it in our latest Tech Flix documentary, &ldquo;entirely wrong at a terrible price&rdquo;.</p>
<p>Laura argues that things go wrong when leadership doesn&rsquo;t use the tech themselves. Her advice is to ambush colleagues and &ldquo;shove a phone in their hand&rdquo;, telling them that you&rsquo;ve made them an account and to give it a go themselves.</p>
<p>For Josh Nesbitt, it&rsquo;s not just a technical issue, but a cultural one. Similarly to Laura, he feels leadership must be hands-on, and &ldquo;model usage&rdquo;, so that the wider organisation also feel there is permission to experiment and fail.</p>
<h1>3. The conversation with your L&amp;D Manager</h1>
<h2>&ldquo;Most people know how to start the engine, but do you know where to apply the brakes?&rdquo;</h2>
<p>As our recent documentary explores, there is real confusion over what we actually mean by AI skills and what upskilling involves. An engineering function might have one perspective on AI and its function, but AI means anybody can now build tools and products regardless of their ability to code. Professionals across an organisation (sitting outside the technology) can learn prompt skills that unlock opportunity, but with little awareness of the potential risks.</p>
<p>Nicky Danino, Leeds Trinity University&rsquo;s Head of School of Computing and Creative Industries, uses a Formula One analogy. Whilst the vast majority of us can be AI &lsquo;drivers&rsquo;, you will still need a small team of engineers who can &ldquo;get under the hood&rdquo;. Our conversation with Philip White, Managing Director at Audacia, helps to further advance what a driver really does. It&rsquo;s about understanding the application of AI. Drivers need to understand what AI is good at (forecasting and analysing data, etc.), and more importantly, what it&rsquo;s bad at. That&rsquo;s far more valuable to an organisation than theoretical knowledge.</p>
<p>I&rsquo;ve also been told that the government hopes to give foundational knowledge to millions across the United Kingdom with courses lasting two and a half hours. Will Abbey, Chief Commercial Officer at Arm, challenges that idea. To unlock true productivity, you can&rsquo;t gloss over basics like data manipulation, even if you&rsquo;re not actually writing code yourself.</p>
<p>What we&rsquo;re saying is that making the car go (like driving) is only half the challenge. A good driver also needs good road awareness, and that experience cannot be faked. Without it, accidents are highly likely.</p>
<h1>4. The Conversation with HR</h1>
<h2>&ldquo;We might be efficient today, but we&rsquo;re building a capability crisis for tomorrow.&rdquo;</h2>
<p>The drive to find efficiency has pushed organisations to automate a range of traditionally entry-level tasks such as coding, copywriting, and admin. It&rsquo;s widely reported that in sectors like professional and financial services and legal, the number of junior roles is reducing. In the short term, organisations only feel economic upside, but the medium to long-term might look very different as they intentionally break their own talent pipeline.</p>
<p>Using technology as an example, Nicky Danino stresses the fact that if AI does take over entry-level programming, &ldquo;there is nobody to then check that AI is doing it properly&rdquo;. A human in the loop is the handbrake we widely talk about as being critical in the implementation and adoption of AI. But as fewer people hold the necessary skills to query AI&rsquo;s work, that will naturally get harder.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Phil White also points to the structure of an organisation shifting, moving from a triangle to a diamond-shaped organisation, where there are increasingly disproportionate numbers of staff in leadership roles, and a lack of mid-to-senior talent being developed.</p>
<p>Over a Genio, Josh Nesbitt is using these trends to their advantage. He&rsquo;s not cutting back on the number of junior hires, but instead focusing on using AI to augment them to do more. In his opinion, the conversation has to be about output, not reducing headcount.</p>
<p>Whilst the temptation might be to scale back, the long-term competitive advantage will probably be gained by leaders brave enough to move in the opposite direction.</p>
<h1>5. The Conversation with your people</h1>
<h2>&ldquo;We want to remove friction, not meaning and purpose.&rdquo;</h2>
<p>Finally, no surprises, we have to address the fear among staff that AI is there to take jobs, which in turn makes them suspicious and hinders adoption. The common refrain is AI won&rsquo;t take your job; the person sitting next to you who uses AI will take your job. But even that isn&rsquo;t helpful if we&rsquo;re looking to build positive sentiment towards these tools. We want to foster collaboration, not competition.</p>
<p>Will Abbey told us that at Arm, AI is being used to review documentation and do debugging tasks, the sort of routine work that can take up to 30 or 40% of an engineer&rsquo;s time. That time can be given back to design and working on new ideas and solutions, essential to an engineer&rsquo;s overall job satisfaction, given it&rsquo;s inherently creative. In their sales teams, AI can be used to generate quotes for customers. That means Arm&rsquo;s staff spend more quality time actually engaging with their customers, and are again more likely to come up with ideas that can benefit Arm and the customer.</p>
<p>One note of caution. It&rsquo;s often assumed that AI simply removes monotony, but that isn&rsquo;t always the case. If part of someone&rsquo;s role is creating a document, and they find that process engaging and creatively satisfying, replacing it with editing AI-generated drafts may not feel like an upgrade.</p>
<p>Technology leaders need to take a more nuanced view of what actually motivates their people. Not every manual task is meaningless, and not every automated task increases job satisfaction. The impact of AI on engagement will depend on how thoughtfully it&rsquo;s implemented, not just how efficiently it performs.</p>
<h1>What does success look like after you&rsquo;ve positioned AI with your colleagues and stakeholders?</h1>
<p>The underlying themes of our Tech Flix documentary point to a few key principles. Rather than being a transactional leader buying tools, you are instrumental in helping shape the culture of your organisation, far beyond the boundaries of a traditional CIO or CTO.&nbsp;</p>
<p>I started this article talking about crippling indecision. What I hope is that through our conversations, we&rsquo;re able to point to examples of clear thinking that can help leaders move debate to action.&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you stop vague discussions about &lsquo;AI skills&rsquo; taking place, start talking about problem solving, if you can get your peers to actually engage with the tools themselves, and protect your talent pipeline, then, rather than being caught in a spin by the complex environment we&rsquo;re all operating in, you can remain a competitive and innovative organisation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you&rsquo;re serious about moving from AI ambition to AI outcomes, it starts with talent. <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/specialisms/ai-and-machine-learning">Explore how we help find the best AI talent and support your organisation in building high-performing AI and ML teams.</a></p>

5 AI conversations every digital leader needs to have

<h1>Why the &lsquo;Strava for Women&rsquo; Pivoted to Basic Safety First</h1>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-ipAaKu hazOil" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">Former four-time British Champion pistol shooter Anna Rehfisch realised early in her athletic career that sports programming, nutrition, and coaching were entirely built on male defaults. When she set out to build Joyna (envisioned as the "Strava for women") her initial passion and primary goal was to integrate menstrual cycle analytics into training, helping women optimise their performance and understand periods of high injury risk.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-ipAaKu hazOil" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">However, through customer feedback, Anna discovered a much more urgent demand. A need for basic safety. Too many women avoid exercising outdoors for fear of harassment or worse.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-ipAaKu hazOil" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">Recognising that existing fitness apps base their routing on male-skewed user activity, where a route might be deemed "safe" simply because a group of men ran it, she made the decision to pivot the product roadmap. Joyna delayed the cycle analytics to prioritise building a first-of-its-kind algorithm that generates well-lit, low-crime, and low-isolation routes from scratch, empowering women to exercise outside with confidence.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-ipAaKu hazOil" data-slate-leaf="true"><strong><span data-slate-string="true">Watch &lsquo;The AI Skills Paradox: AI is scaling, skills are not&rsquo; and join the conversation and add your voice:&nbsp;</span></strong></span></span><a class="e-91090-text-link e-91090-baseline e-91090-overflow-wrap-anywhere encore-internal-color-text-announcement e-91090-text-link--use-focus sc-fHzqBS gWeYXc" href="https://lnkd.in/eCNUDh-2" data-encore-id="textLink" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-inline="true"><span contenteditable="false">⁠</span><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-ipAaKu hazOil" data-slate-leaf="true"><strong><span data-slate-string="true">https://lnkd.in/eCNUDh-2</span></strong></span></span><span contenteditable="false">⁠</span></a><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-ipAaKu hazOil" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">WhatsApp us your comments and questions on +447392087344</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-ipAaKu hazOil" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/07TKsVxvtAn9MFdVYutwEt?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></span></span></span></p>

Tech Talks: Anna Rehfisch, Founder, Joyna

Unlocking Better Learning with AI: Insights from Genio’s Josh Nesbitt

How ARM Is Preparing People for the Future of Work: Insights from Will Abbey

AI, Leadership and Ethical Change: Insights from Laura Gilbert at the Tony Blair Institute

Preparing People for an AI Future: Insights from Nicky Danino from Leeds Trinity University

Understanding AI Beyond the Hype: Insights from Audacia’s Philip White

<h1>A Hiring Shift: Why Critical Thinking is beating Experience</h1>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-cyPKZf cXfjgj" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">As AI reshapes the workplace, how do you prepare non-technical teams for the future?&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-cyPKZf cXfjgj" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">David Savage sits down with Malgorzata Perfeniuk, Chief People Officer at Impress, to explore the real impact on people of AI integration. They discuss why critical thinking is now more valuable than traditional experience, how to overcome internal resistance to new tech, and the shift from fearing job replacement to enabling human potential.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-cyPKZf cXfjgj" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">One Monday we launch our latest &lsquo;Tech Flix&rsquo; documentary, &ldquo;The AI Skills Paradox&rdquo;. Head over to </span></span></span><a class="e-91090-text-link e-91090-baseline e-91090-overflow-wrap-anywhere encore-internal-color-text-announcement e-91090-text-link--use-focus sc-hbiNSf cHmxLg" href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-flix-the-ai-paradox" data-encore-id="textLink" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-inline="true"><span contenteditable="false">⁠</span><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-cyPKZf cXfjgj" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">the film website</span></span></span><span contenteditable="false">⁠</span></a><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-cyPKZf cXfjgj" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true"> to watch the film when it&rsquo;s available.</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-cyPKZf cXfjgj" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">WhatsApp us your comments and questions on +447392087344</span></span></span></p>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-cyPKZf cXfjgj" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">Tech Talks is powered by Nash Squared, the leading global provider of technology and talent solutions. Click </span></span></span><a class="e-91090-text-link e-91090-baseline e-91090-overflow-wrap-anywhere encore-internal-color-text-announcement e-91090-text-link--use-focus sc-hbiNSf cHmxLg" href="http://www.nashsquared.com/" data-encore-id="textLink" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-inline="true"><span contenteditable="false">⁠</span><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-cyPKZf cXfjgj" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true">here</span></span></span><span contenteditable="false">⁠</span></a><span data-slate-node="text"><span class="sc-cyPKZf cXfjgj" data-slate-leaf="true"><span data-slate-string="true"> to learn more about our services.</span></span></span></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

Tech Talks: Malgorzata Perfeniuk, CPO, Impress

<h1><span data-teams="true">Is AI Breaking Recruitment and Harming the Talent Pool?</span></h1>
<p><span data-teams="true">AI is changing how we work, but what is it doing to how we hire? Josh Nesbitt, CTO at Genio, reveals the human cost of the AI-native developer boom. As we gear up for the launch of our documentary looking at the impact the boom in clamour for 'AI skills' is having; we discuss the reality of entry-level tech roles, why 500 CV application pools are breaking recruitment, and his urgent concern for diversity in the AI era. Discover why human interpersonal skills are the ultimate differentiator for tomorrow&rsquo;s engineers.</span></p>
<p><span data-teams="true"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/45pA4wgmGjLRysuXhhFN2W/video?utm_source=generator" width="496" height="279" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></span></p>

Tech Talks: Josh Nesbitt, CTO, Genio

<h1><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Why the human touch matters more than</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"> ever</span></h1>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">I have worked in recruitment for over a decade, from consultant to director level, and in that time, I have seen hiring transform dramatically. But nothing</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"> has shifted the CV screening process quite like AI.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"><img src="e741ad1b-b500-4051-b1c1-892cced1a2dd" alt=""></span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Today, your CV is likely being reviewed by AI before a human ever sees it. It is embedded across the hiring process, from screening and shortlisting to interview scheduling and skills assessment. That creates both opportunity and risk for candidates.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">AI can help level the playing field. But it also introduces a new layer of competition. Employers are using it to filter applications at scale, while candidates are increasingly using AI tools to write and polish their CVs.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">So how do you stand out when both sides are AI-enabled?</span></p>
<h1><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">How is AI changing CV screening?</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></h1>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">AI is now playing&nbsp;a central role&nbsp;in how CVs are reviewed and shortlisted. In many cases, it sits between&nbsp;submitting&nbsp;an application and it ever reaching a human recruiter or hiring manager.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">However, there is still a wide spectrum in&nbsp;how AI is being used&nbsp;across&nbsp;recruitment. Some organisations continue to rely on simple keyword searches, while others are using more advanced screening models to assess role depth and outcomes.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">For candidates, that lack of consistency&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">presents&nbsp;a real challenge</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">. Your CV needs to perform effectively in both environments.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Based on what I am seeing firsthand, here are five ways candidates can stand out.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">1. Focus on the &ldquo;how&rdquo;, not just the &ldquo;what&rdquo;</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Listing responsibilities&nbsp;alone&nbsp;is no longer enough.&nbsp;The strongest CVs I</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;see</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;explain how work gets done,&nbsp;go beyond&nbsp;surface-level&nbsp;duties and describe thinking, process</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">,</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">collaboration</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;and the impact.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">For example, do not just say you built a product or platform. Explain:</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<li role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">How it was built</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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</ul>
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<li role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">What technologies were used</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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</ul>
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<li role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">What challenges were solved</span></p>
</li>
<li role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Who you worked with</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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</ul>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Context matters</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">, and balancing technical keywords with delivery detail is what makes a CV effective in an AI screening process.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">You still need the&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">core skills and technology terms that show your area of expertis</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">e</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">,&nbsp;but depth is what differentiates you.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<h2><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">2. Make your CV&nbsp;AI-readable</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Formatting&nbsp;is one of the most overlooked issues I&nbsp;encounter, and it&nbsp;can make or break&nbsp;whether your CV is read properly or not.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Many candidates&nbsp;submit&nbsp;CVs as flattened PDFs or image files to prevent editing</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">. However, this creates a potential problem as&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">many screening tools cannot read text embedded in images</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;or&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">flattened&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">PDF files</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">, and&nbsp;I have seen CVs come through screening systems completely blank as a result.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Other risky formats include:</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<ul role="list">
<li role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Two-column&nbsp;layouts</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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</ul>
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<ul role="list">
<li role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Overly designed templates</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</li>
</ul>
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<ul role="list">
<li role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Text placed inside graphics</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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</ul>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Some AI tools read&nbsp;the&nbsp;left column top to bottom, then&nbsp;the&nbsp;right column top to bottom, which scrambles context entirely.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">The safest format&nbsp;to use to ensure your CV gets in the hands of a human&nbsp;is to keep the format simple and accessible.&nbsp;Use a standard Word document or&nbsp;PDF, stick to a single-column layout, and opt for clean, minimal formatting.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Clarity always beats creativity when AI is involved.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<h2><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">3. Show business impact, not just technical skill</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Technical excellence alone will not make you stand out.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Employers are increasingly looking for commercial awareness and measurable outcomes alongside technical capability.&nbsp;It&rsquo;s&nbsp;one thing to build something impressive;&nbsp;it&rsquo;s&nbsp;another to understand how it scales, saves cost, drives&nbsp;revenue&nbsp;or improves efficiency.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Strong CVs connect delivery to business value, so your CV needs to include key metrics&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">such as&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">revenue generated, costs reduced, time saved, adoption growth, and operational efficiencies</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;to prove this</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Detailing both what&nbsp;you&rsquo;ve&nbsp;built and the value it created makes your experience more compelling to both AI screening tools and hiring managers.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<h2><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">4. Use AI to enhance, not replace, your voice</span></h2>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">AI CV tools can be incredibly useful when used correctly.&nbsp;I see real value in them, particularly for candidates who may struggle with articulation or written communication,&nbsp;as&nbsp;they can help structure experience and clarify language.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">But it is also&nbsp;very obvious&nbsp;when a CV has been entirely&nbsp;AI-generated.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Some common giveaways include:</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<ul role="list">
<li role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">American spelling in UK CVs</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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</ul>
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<ul role="list">
<li role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Mixed&nbsp;first and third person&nbsp;language</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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</ul>
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<ul role="list">
<li role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Repetitive role summaries</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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</ul>
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<ul role="list">
<li role="listitem" aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="5" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Identical formatting across every job</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</li>
</ul>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Often, each role reads the same, with no individuality in achievements or challenges solved.</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">My advice is to use AI to support you by proofreading, refining wording and improving structure,&nbsp;not necessarily to write the whole thing for you.</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">You also need to&nbsp;ensure every role reflects your personal accomplishments, and remember, the person on the CV should be the same person who shows up&nbsp;to&nbsp;the interview.</span></p>
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<h2><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">5. Bring the human connection back in</span></h2>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">With AI standardising so much of the hiring process, individuality matters more than ever.</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Remember that your CV is only the starting point, and one of the simplest but most effective tactics I recommend is proactive outreach.</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">If you apply for a role, connect with the recruiter or hiring manager on LinkedIn with a short, personalised note.&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">It shows&nbsp;you&rsquo;ve&nbsp;taken the time to do your research,&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">that&nbsp;you&rsquo;re&nbsp;motivated, intentional in your applications, and serious about the opportunity</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">,</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;not just applying at volume.</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">When roles attract hundreds of applications,&nbsp;technology can help us manage that volume, but&nbsp;those small human touches&nbsp;show initiative and&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">wi</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">ll</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">increase your&nbsp;visibility.</span></p>
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<h1><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Standing out in an AI-enabled job market</span></h1>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">AI is transforming recruitment,&nbsp;but&nbsp;human connection will always sit at the heart of recruitment. It&nbsp;hasn&rsquo;t&nbsp;removed the need for authenticity,&nbsp;clarity&nbsp;and individuality, and if anything, it has amplified them.</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Technology may shape the shortlist. But hiring decisions remain human, and the CVs that resonate most are the ones that feel genuine.</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Ready to put these tips into practice? </span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">If you are actively exploring your next move, now is the time to apply these principles in practice.&nbsp;Explore&nbsp;<a href="https://harvey-nash-uk.sites.sourceflow.co.uk/jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">our&nbsp;latest&nbsp;tech vacancies</a>&nbsp;and discover roles where your skills and experience can truly stand out.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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5 ways to make your CV stand out in an age of AI

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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">On the&nbsp;26</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto"><span data-fontsize="12">t</span><span data-fontsize="12">h</span><span data-fontsize="12">&nbsp;</span></span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">February,&nbsp;legal firm&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mills-reeve.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mills &amp; Reeve</a>&nbsp;welcomed the Harvey Nash Leeds team to their offices as we screened our latest &lsquo;Tech Flix&rsquo; documentary, &lsquo;The AI Skills Paradox: AI is Scaling, Skills are Not&rsquo;&nbsp;for the first time.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">The sixth&nbsp;edition of&nbsp;our documentary series explores&nbsp;a paradox at the heart of the tech sector,&nbsp;where,&nbsp;despite surging demand,&nbsp;we&rsquo;re&nbsp;seeing&nbsp;relatively little&nbsp;evidence of organisations upskilling their own staff.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">According to the latest edition of the Harvey Nash&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Digital Leadership Report</a>,&nbsp;there has been an 83% year-on-year&nbsp;rise&nbsp;in the level of demand&nbsp;for&nbsp;professionals with AI skills. This is the single biggest rise in any skill set&nbsp;we&rsquo;ve&nbsp;ever reported.&nbsp;At its core, the documentary examines what those skills&nbsp;actually are&nbsp;and the impact this pressure is having on the decisions made by organisations and their leaders.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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<h2><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">From documentary to debate</span></h2>
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<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">The documentary has a run-time of 30-minutes,&nbsp;and&nbsp;whilst it gathers insights from the likes of Arm,&nbsp;Genio,&nbsp;Audacia, and the Tony Blair Institute, there is still a huge amount of room left for debate.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">After screening the film,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/david-savage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Savage</a> (Harvey Nash Technology Evangelist) was joined by Iain Murdoch (Mills &amp; Reeve), Hannah Bruce (Lloyds Banking Group), and Jennifer Anderson (National Wealth Fund) to explore what strategies and actions are key to ensuring people harness AI and use it to a positive effect.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">The debate was lively with regular questions and perspectives</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">from the audience. Leadership was brought&nbsp;into&nbsp;sharp focus, primarily the role of leaders in being seen to embrace and use new AI tools themselves. Top-down sponsorship is not a new concept, but it does seem to carry significant importance where the successful adoption of AI tooling is concerned.&nbsp;The panel stressed the importance of creating real permission to experiment, making it clear where AI can be used, setting guardrails, and reassuring teams&nbsp;they&rsquo;re&nbsp;supported to test and learn without fear of getting it wrong.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335551550&quot;:0,&quot;335551620&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">In a week where reports have&nbsp;emerged&nbsp;that Accenture is tying promotion to the use of AI, it was put to the panel that they might also consider a move to ensure AI is used across their&nbsp;organisation. Whilst Lloyds do have mandatory AI training for all employees, all three leaders stopped short of making AI&nbsp;part&nbsp;of the promotion process,&nbsp;calling the approach absolutist.&nbsp;Encouraging AI adoption is&nbsp;critical, but&nbsp;mandating it too rigidly was seen as potentially creating the wrong behaviours.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
<div>
<h2><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Risk, responsibility and cautious optimism</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
</div>
<div>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Whilst questions on the failure rates of AI and its inherent sexism also came from the floor, the panel&nbsp;sought&nbsp;to create a positive narrative.&nbsp;Whilst acknowledging the issues, there was recognition of the pace of change and the need to build flexibility into policies and systems. The industry</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">&rsquo;s</span><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">&nbsp;response may not have been perfect, but leaders are adapting,&nbsp;and the opportunities are too significant to ignore.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Iain Murdoch cited the creation of new roles and the approach of Mills &amp; Reeve to experiment with AI for good within its own organisation as reasons to remain optimistic.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">With &lsquo;Big Tech&rsquo; and &lsquo;Tech Bros&rsquo; receiving criticism from the floor, Alex Newman (Partner at Mills &amp; Reeve) used his closing remarks to remind the room that &ldquo;the tool isn&rsquo;t the problem&rdquo; and that&nbsp;it&nbsp;was important to keep persevering with the implementation and use of AI.&nbsp;</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">There was also a note of caution for individuals, that&nbsp;if you&nbsp;don&rsquo;t&nbsp;keep learning&nbsp;and adapting,&nbsp;someone else will. Whilst organisations have a responsibility to their employees, self-determined continuous learning was seen as crucial.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Although this is a challenging and frantic period to navigate, the overall feeling in the room was one of cautious optimism, balanced with a healthy dose of accountability.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
<div>
<p><span lang="EN-GB" xml:lang="EN-GB" data-contrast="auto">Watch &lsquo;The AI Skills Paradox: AI is Scaling, Skills are not&rsquo; from March 9th <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-flix-the-ai-paradox">here.</a></span><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-flix-the-ai-paradox"><span data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></a></p>
</div>

Tech Flix: The AI Skills Paradox - Leeds Premiere

<h1><span data-teams="true">The Launch Decision That Sparked Cease-and-Desist Letters: Regulating a $95B Industry</span></h1>
<p>Medical aesthetics is a $95 billion industry, yet it remains shockingly under-regulated.</p>
<p>Shirin Krall, founder of MARBL, set out to change this by building an AI-enabled marketplace that identifies safe, high-quality clinics. But doing the right thing for consumers sparked unexpected backlash and cease-and-desist letters from the industry.</p>
<p>David Savage explores Shirin's pivot from Revolut, the human impact of opaque tech, and why founders should tackle hard, societal challenges instead of trendy problems.</p>
<p><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/79XYERZYmqEw5DbMWvhoTa?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></p>

Tech Talks: Shirin Krall, founder, MARBL

<h1><span data-teams="true">We Cloned Our Dad&rsquo;s Receptionist</span></h1>
<p><span data-teams="true">From Goldman Sachs traders to health-tech founders, sisters India and Portia O&rsquo;Connor are proving that in the age of AI, specificity is everything. They explain why generalist models fail in complex workflows and how (and why) they "cloned" a real receptionist to solve the dental industry's efficiency crisis. David Savage explores the unique pressure of sibling co-founders and why the hardest part of AI isn't the code, it&rsquo;s the integration.<br>Why We Cloned Our Dad&rsquo;s Receptionist: The Story of Linda AI<br>From Goldman Sachs traders to health-tech founders, sisters India and Portia O&rsquo;Connor are proving that in the age of AI, specificity is everything. They explain why generalist models fail in complex workflows and how (and why) they "cloned" a real receptionist to solve the dental industry's efficiency crisis. David Savage explores the unique pressure of sibling co-founders and why the hardest part of AI isn't the code, it&rsquo;s the integration.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-teams="true"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/01oBNG5RAW8iCRRipWmb1y?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></span></p>

Tech Talks: India and Portia O’Connor, Founders, Linda AI

<p class="MsoNormal">Artificial intelligence is reshaping how organisations operate, but the reality behind the AI conversation is more nuanced than the headlines suggest. Many businesses are racing to be seen as &ldquo;AI organisations&rdquo;, often before they have a fully formed AI strategy in place. What they do know, however, is that AI capability has become a differentiator and data professionals sit at the centre of making it work.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">According to the Nash Squared/Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report, 65% of digital leaders are increasingly prioritising AI capability over years of expe<a style="mso-comment-reference: RW_1; mso-comment-date: 20260202T1311;">rience when hiring.</a><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> In practice, this doesn&rsquo;t mean every data role is suddenly an AI role, but candidates who can demonstrate real experience working with AI<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span>, even alongside core data skills, are moving through hiring processes faster.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&ldquo;If you&rsquo;ve got AI skills on top of your data experience, you&rsquo;ll get interviews quicker. Time to hire is definitely shorter.&rdquo;<br><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/daniel-neaves" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Daniel Neaves, AI &amp; Data Recruitment Specialist</em></a></p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">The opportunity for data professionals</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">The <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nash Squared/Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report</a> found that demand for AI skills has created the sharpest technology skills shortage seen in 16 years, while demand for data skills remains consistently high. Big data, analytics, and data engineering sit just behind AI as the most in-demand capabilities across the technology sector.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In fact, the report also suggests that organisations most advanced in large-scale AI adoption are more likely to be increasing technology headcount, particularly across AI and data roles. AI is not replacing data talent. Instead, it&rsquo;s increasing its importance.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, market conditions are creating an unusual dynamic. While demand for data professionals remains strong, fewer people are moving roles. Economic uncertainty, salary stagnation and risk aversion are leading many data professionals to stay put.</p>
<p>This reluctance to move is quietly reducing competition. And with fewer candidates per role, faster recruitment processes and a greater willingness from employers to engage candidates who already show AI experience, there is a real opportunity for those willing to make a move, either into an AI-adjacent role, a hybrid position, or a role that expands their current responsibilities.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span>As Daniel Neaves, AI &amp; Data Recruitment Specialist, explains, &ldquo;I&rsquo;m seeing far fewer applications per role than last year. People are staying put, which actually gives strong candidates a real advantage.&rdquo;</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">What employers are really looking for</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">Employers are no longer impressed by theoretical knowledge of AI alone. What matters is applied capability, the ability to use and work with AI tools within real data environments to deliver outcomes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Crucially, expectations differ by role.</p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Data engineers</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">For data engineers, AI is not about building models. It is about enabling them.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Organisations are looking for engineers who can build robust, scalable data foundations, clean pipelines, reliable infrastructure and well-structured data environments. Without this, AI initiatives fail to get off the ground.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&ldquo;Every AI role is ultimately bound by the state of the data. If the data isn&rsquo;t mature, the AI won&rsquo;t work, no matter how good the model is.&rdquo;<br><em>Daniel Neaves, AI &amp; Data Recruitment Specialist</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">GenAI tools increasingly support engineers through automation, code assistance and documentation, but getting the data right remains the core enabler.</p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Data scientists</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">While data scientists have long worked with machine learning and automation, expectations are changing. The focus is shifting from technical model building alone to applying AI responsibly and translating results into measurable business impact.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This includes deeper profiling, more sophisticated modelling, and greater focus on how outputs influence revenue, efficiency or customer behaviour.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&ldquo;Companies aren&rsquo;t interested in data scientists who just enjoy building models anymore. They want outcomes, revenue impact, ROI and business change.&rdquo; <em>Daniel Neaves, AI &amp; Data Recruitment Specialist</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Governance, bias and explainability matter most in regulated or mature environments, but outcome-led thinking now cuts across every sector.</p>
<h3 class="MsoNormal">Data analysts</h3>
<p class="MsoNormal">AI expectations for analysts are more pragmatic. Most employers want strong core skills, SQL, Python, data preparation, combined with the ability to use AI-enabled tools to automate reporting, accelerate insight and prepare data for downstream use.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&ldquo;Analysts don&rsquo;t necessarily need deep machine learning skills. They need to organise, structure and prepare data so it&rsquo;s ready for the next step.&rdquo; <em>Daniel Neaves, AI &amp; Data Recruitment Specialist</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For many, analyst roles remain a stepping stone into more advanced data or AI-focused positions.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Why data quality matters</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">Across every data role, the success of an AI project ultimately depends on data quality. Whether enabling models, generating insight or driving business decisions, AI can only perform as well as the data it is built on.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Organisations that struggle to scale AI are rarely held back by a lack of tools or ambition. More often, the constraint is fragmented data, weak governance or poorly defined data foundations that limit how effectively AI can be applied in real-world environments.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Strong architecture and governance provide the framework, but it is the everyday work of data teams, designing pipelines, maintaining standards and ensuring consistency, that determines whether AI delivers meaningful outcomes</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&ldquo;If the information isn&rsquo;t captured properly, filtered properly or detailed enough, you simply can&rsquo;t generate value from it, AI or not.&rdquo; <em>Daniel Neaves, AI &amp; Data Recruitment Specialist</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This reinforces a clear message for data professionals. As AI becomes embedded across roles, foundational data skills are not being replaced. They are becoming even more important.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Why AI skills get you hired faster</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">AI skills do not automatically command a salary premium, but they do significantly improve employability.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Candidates with AI exposure:</p>
<ul>
<li>Move through hiring processes faster</li>
<li>Generate more recruiter and client interest</li>
<li>Secure interviews more consistently</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">If you&rsquo;re eyeing your next data role, AI experience can give you the edge that gets you noticed.</span></p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Salary expectations (UK, London-based)</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">While salaries have stabilised, demand remains strong across core data roles:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Data analysts:</strong> &pound;50k&ndash;&pound;65k</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Data engineers:</strong> &pound;75k&ndash;&pound;90k (lead/principal &pound;100k+)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Data scientists:</strong> &pound;75k&ndash;&pound;90k (lead/principal &pound;105k&ndash;&pound;120k)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Data architects:</strong> &pound;80k&ndash;&pound;100k</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Head of Data:</strong> &pound;120k&ndash;&pound;160k</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>* Salary ranges are based on London market rates.</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Despite increased skill requirements, many organisations are asking more from candidates without necessarily increasing pay. In fact, anyone looking to change roles should view AI skills and experience as a key to securing their short and long-term employability.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Where AI meets your next data role</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">The message from both the Digital Leadership Report and the market is clear. Data jobs remain in high demand, but the fastest-moving candidates are those who combine strong data foundations with applied AI experience.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With fewer professionals willing to change roles, those prepared to step up into hybrid roles that combine data and applied AI responsibilities, AI-adjacent projects or broader responsibilities face less competition and more opportunity.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">AI skills may not rewrite salary bands overnight. But they are already reshaping who gets hired, how quickly, and who gets the chance to progress next.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ready to accelerate your data career? <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/jobs/#/data-analytics">Explore our Data &amp; Analytics jobs</a>.</p>

Why your next data role demands AI skills

<h1><span data-teams="true">The Ozempic Gold Rush: Habitual Refused the &ldquo;Easy&rdquo; Revenue"</span></h1>
<p>GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro have changed the world, but they aren't a silver bullet.</p>
<p>Napala Pratini, co-founder of Habitual, joins David to discuss the &ldquo;hard stuff&rdquo; behind the hype: behavior change, side effects, and the ethics of digital health. She reveals why her company turned down the chance to just &ldquo;stack drugs high and sell them cheap&rdquo; and opens up about the isolation of the &ldquo;toxic founder cult.&rdquo;</p>
<p><span data-teams="true">&nbsp;<iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0NDojhoaMQzldGMOevqZp3?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></span></p>

Tech Talks: Napala Pritini, Founder, Habitual

<h1>Beth Paretta Shares The Next Step in Formula E's Silent Revolution</h1>
<p>The "silent" revolution is getting louder, and faster. Beth Paretta, VP of Sporting at Formula E, joins David Savage to reveal the Gen 4 car. A monster hitting 0-60 in 1.8 seconds. We explore why the "soulless EV" myth is dead, how software manages range anxiety at 200mph, and how the track is reshaping the road. Discover the visceral reality of electric racing&rsquo;s next step, and what it means for the car sitting on your driveway.</p>
<p><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/72kf5ZpkqNLiteCIzd0mtS?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></p>

Tech Talks: Beth Paretta, VP, Formula E

<h1><span data-teams="true">Subscription Fatigue Part of Your Fitness Journey?</span></h1>
<p>Matt Austin and Ryan Lovelock left the Bank of England to solve a modern problem: subscription fatigue.</p>
<p>In this episode, the SPORTL co-founders reveal why they are betting on a "no ties" pay-as-you-go model for London&rsquo;s fitness scene. We discuss the pivot from finance to tech, the impact of hybrid work on gym habits, and why they believe the future of fitness technology is commitment-free.</p>
<p><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7jUVDY2nX9hbeNMb1txEjA?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></p>

Tech Talks: Matt Austin and Ryan Lovelock, Founders, SPORTL

<h1>We Forgot the Basics of Cyber Hygiene: NordVPN's Human Firewall Warning</h1>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-string="true">NordVPN CTO Marijus Briedis argues that while the tech world sprints toward AI, we have forgotten the basics of cyber hygiene. </span></p>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-string="true">He reveals why the "human firewall" is his biggest headache. From users voluntarily pasting medical records into ChatGPT to the constant battle against phishing. </span></p>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-string="true">In the episode David and Marijus explore why he rejects "shiny" new coding languages like Zig in favor of boring reliability, and why corporate FOMO is driving dangerous security decisions.</span></p>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element"><span data-slate-string="true">WhatsApp us on +447392087344&nbsp;</span></p>
<p class="e-91090-text encore-text-body-medium" data-encore-id="text" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-fragment="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"><span data-slate-string="true">Want to read the latest from David, his Substack (diving into &lsquo;Tech Talks&rsquo; and more) is </span><a class="e-91090-text-link e-91090-baseline e-91090-overflow-wrap-anywhere encore-internal-color-text-announcement e-91090-text-link--use-focus sc-DdLBx EFsKe" href="https://substack.com/@davidajsavage" data-encore-id="textLink" data-slate-node="element" data-slate-inline="true"><span contenteditable="false">⁠</span><span data-slate-string="true">here</span><span contenteditable="false">⁠</span></a><span data-slate-string="true">.</span></p>
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Tech Talks: Marijus Briedis, CTO, NordVPN

<p>This article was originally published on <a href="https://www.computing.co.uk/opinion/2026/ai-s-challenge-for-entry-level-roles">Computing.com</a> and includes insights from Bev White, Executive Chair, and Andrew Neal, Chief People Officer, at Nash Squared.</p>
<div><hr></div>
<h1>&lsquo;AI is killing junior jobs&rsquo; misses important nuance &ndash; but you still need a strategy</h1>
<div>AI is challenging conventional models as organisations strive to integrate it for a range of operational and performance gains.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The impact of AI on human roles is an area of particularly live debate &ndash; especially at entry level. With AI&rsquo;s ability to handle many repeatable, admin-based tasks, will it lead to the removal of whole swathes of beginner roles that are the traditional entry point for young talent into a wide range of careers?</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>There is no doubt that AI is already having some impact. Big Tech firms have pointed to AI when strimming back areas of their workforce; professional services firms are reducing their entry level intakes in some instances; in technology, there have been reports of demand for junior coders softening due to AI as the job transitions more to an oversight role.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>However, the situation is actually nuanced as there are multiple factors at play in these changes, including economic cycles and market conditions: it is by no means only about AI.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>For instance, management consulting revenues (a large part of the professional services sector) contracted in the UK in 2024 and only experienced very modest growth in the past 12 months after a post-pandemic boom. Large professional services firms, such as the Big Four, are naturally going to react to these market conditions by offering fewer graduate/entry level roles.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Nevertheless, it is clear that as AI continues to rapidly develop and becomes integrated more widely into businesses&rsquo; systems and processes, the impact on human roles will increase &ndash; and this may be most pronounced at entry level, where much of what people do is ripe for automation.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>In this, we can include our own industry of recruitment. Consultants at the start of their career journeys traditionally spend a lot of their time on manual tasks such as sourcing roles that need to be filled, researching market information, compiling lists of potential candidates and sifting through/shortlisting applications. The requirement for people to do this will fall as AI solutions are developed.</div>
<h1>Shifting the focus to skills</h1>
<div>The crucial point is that AI will change what businesses look to people to do &ndash; not remove the need for them. We will still need entry level talent in recruitment, just as they will be needed in technology, professional services and other industries, even if there may be some +/- movement around the edges. But the emphasis will shift &ndash; from a focus on learning tasks and processes to developing the human skills and attributes that make great professionals and leaders: commerciality, critical thinking, ethical and moral considerations, stakeholder engagement, and communication.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>At the same time, individuals&rsquo; ability to understand and interpret what AI is telling them will be key. Businesses will start looking for talent that can accelerate faster into these human skills &ndash; the baseline will move up, given that most Gen Zers are already quite proficient in using AI platforms like ChatGPT and Copilot.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>From this, it follows that AI will open up opportunities for the best talent to move into more senior and remunerative roles faster. With AI tools supporting them, bright and capable professionals may be able to perform a role that currently typically requires three years of experience after only one year, for example.</div>
<h1>Filling the experience gap</h1>
<div>However, there is an &lsquo;elephant in the room&rsquo;. We all know &ndash; thinking back to our own personal experiences &ndash; that learning on the job in the early days, painstakingly building up the know-how, making mistakes and reflecting on them, seeking counsel and guidance from others, is a key part of how anyone becomes proficient in their field. It is the lived and learned experience that makes great professionals and leaders.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The question arises, therefore, of how young talent will develop that essential on-the-job knowledge if AI is helping them to leapfrog forward. This is something that has also become more complicated due to the rise of hybrid working, which has reduced the facetime with colleagues and line managers that is a critical part of the learning and teaching curve for young joiners.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>This is an issue that businesses need to be really alive to right now, thinking ahead to prevent a capability vacuum, including at a leadership level, in the years to come. One of the key ways to tackle it is sure to lie in training and development. There will need to be a shift in training for young talent, moving the focus from tasks and processes to experiences and skills.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Technology itself can play a huge role here, with the potential to create situation-based simulated experiences for trainees that take them through a &lsquo;live&rsquo; scenario with AI playing the role of a client or other stakeholder, helping them develop that learned experience.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>A parallel here is rookie Formula One drivers, who spend a lot of time in a simulator &ndash; a safe space to learn, push themselves and crash if necessary.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>The notion of metaverse-style virtual reality training may seem extreme, but it&rsquo;s something that we can expect more and more organisations to start exploring. Companies won&rsquo;t have to go to those lengths, but it&rsquo;s a certainty that any organisation that wants to thrive in the future will need to devise training and development mechanisms that help entry level talent build up their skills-based muscle and baseline expertise - rather than simply teach them how to do process X or Y.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<h1>Taking ownership in the boardroom</h1>
<div>The implications of this are far-reaching, and it should be a priority issue for boards around the world. There needs to be discussion and clarity in the boardroom over what roles the business needs people to perform including at entry level; what skills and attributes are needed to execute them; how AI supports and facilitates in this; and then how the business is hiring, assessing and developing current and future talent. Once the strategy has been formed, it is critical that each part of the business executes it in relation to its own area.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>Every industrial revolution redesigns the workforce, and the AI revolution is no different. Put these issues on your executive agenda if they&rsquo;re not there already. Doing nothing is not an option. Change is all around us, and the most successful organisations will be those who take early action to anticipate and respond now.</div>

AI’s challenge for entry level roles: all change?

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">From Consultant to Builder: Sadia Dhorat's "Sink or Swim" Moment and the Lessons She's Learnt</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">Today we speak to Sadia Dhorat, an entrepreneur who swapped the safety-net of consulting career for the gritty reality of New York&rsquo;s health tech scene during the pandemic. Now she's in London helping others grow with the experience she's gained. In conversation with David, Sadia breaks down the stark differences between London and US risk appetites, reveals why the jump from Series A to Series B is where most startup cultures fracture, and explains why "no ego" leadership is the only way to truly serve customers in a tech-driven world.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4nCauhDSzClON5hziBKtR0?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></span></p>

Tech Talks: Sadia Dhorat, Founder, SquareOne Advisory

<h1>Discover How Dirt is Actually the World&rsquo;s Best Carbon Capture Technology</h1>
<p>We spend billions on climate tech, yet we know more about space than the soil beneath our feet. Robin Saluoks (CEO, eAgronom) reveals why dirt is actually the world's most advanced carbon capture technology, holding more CO2 than all living plants combined. He talks to David about the need to promote "climate pragmatism," why emissions should be treated as waste to be recycled rather than sin, and how data is turning farmers into the ultimate solution for a net-zero future.</p>
<p><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3kmIGllkHxshCaunPOtf8K?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></p>

Tech Talks: Robin Saluoks, CEO, eAgronom

<p>This article was originally published by <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/opinion/Tech-recruitment-outlook-High-demand-for-specialist-skills-will-drive-the-market-in-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ComputerWeekly.com</a>&nbsp;and features insights from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/simon-crichton" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Simon Crichton</a>, CEO, Harvey Nash.</p>
<hr>
<h2 class="main-article-subtitle">Rising IT spending in 2026 will create openings for data architects, data engineers and data scientists, cybersecurity specialists and platform engineers, while demand for generic IT skills remains flat.</h2>
<p>As we move into 2026, some clear trends will crystallise in the UK tech recruitment and talent market. The seeds of this were sown in 2025 - against a subdued economic backdrop and rising labour and other costs, businesses took a cautious approach to hiring &ndash; but there were demand hotspots for specialist tech skills and roles including AI, data, enterprise applications and cyber security.</p>
<p>Tech is fundamental to modern enterprise, which insulates it more than other sectors from economic highs and lows. Gartner&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2025-10-22-gartner-forecasts-worldwide-it-spending-to-grow-9-point-8-percent-in-2026-exceeding-6-trillion-dollars-for-the-first-time">predicts</a> that global IT spend will increase by nearly 10% in 2026 &ndash; far exceeding GDP growth in most major economies. This increased spend will fuel aspects of tech hiring, too.</p>
<h2 class="section-title">Data is key to the AI &lsquo;iceberg&rsquo;</h2>
<p>AI will be top of the agenda. However, the success of AI relies on a number of other contributing skills and specialisms, which will therefore be critical. A useful analogy here is an iceberg. AI is the visible tip &ndash; but there is essential work going on below the waterline.</p>
<p>Most crucial of all is data. It used to be said that we are all technology companies, but it&rsquo;s truer to say that we are all data companies now. You can&rsquo;t make AI work without good data &ndash; the focus has to be on how businesses acquire, organise, structure and secure data so that AI can turn it into meaningful insights. For that reason, we expect to see strong and growing demand for data roles (architects, engineers, scientists) as well as related areas, including cybersecurity (data security being critical) and platform engineering.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, the market for generalist tech skills and roles will most likely remain flat or see very modest growth, similar to 2025. The traditional staples of the IT workforce &ndash; testers, Java developers, routine coders &ndash; essentially perform repeatable tasks that are increasingly being outsourced or offshored, or indeed replaced by AI itself (checked and supervised by members of the human team).</p>
<p>However, on the positive side, there are some encouraging signs from the US, where there has been a pick-up in tech hiring volumes in the second half of 2025. With the UK and other economies generally following the US trend on around a six-month time lag, this could bode well for the market in 2026.</p>
<p>Against all of this, there remain some significant unknowns. There will come a tipping point around AI, a pivotal moment when, in one or more sectors, an organisation makes a significant breakthrough that enables them to truly supercharge their business. This will spark a domino effect among competitors scrambling to keep up, galvanising the tech recruitment market across the piece &ndash; somewhat akin to the e-commerce boom of the 1990s and 2000s, perhaps.</p>
<p>When this will happen is impossible to know - it could be during 2026, or it could be later. But at some stage, the market will shift and shift quickly.</p>
<h2 class="section-title">Upskilling and reskilling</h2>
<p>A key part of an organisation&rsquo;s AI journey is having the talent needed both to develop/deploy it and to actually use it effectively. The fundamental realisation here is that AI is not a whole skillset in itself &ndash; rather, it is an add-on to other existing skills, such as engineering, data, cloud, and so on.</p>
<p>Therefore, it isn&rsquo;t a question of mass-recruitment of "AI professionals" - who largely don&rsquo;t exist anyway - but rather a case of upskilling and reskilling all the good talent you already have. This can be done through encouraging staff to safely test and experiment themselves, making formal and informal AI-related training and learning resources available, and knowledge augmentation and skills transfer from contractors who come into the business.</p>
<p>This should be a case of pushing at an open door, with tech staff highly motivated to upskill themselves, given AI&rsquo;s key importance. I expect that many hiring processes will include testing for AI proficiency and certifications in the coming years.</p>
<p>However, this is an area where Harvey Nash&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">research shows businesses need to do more</a>. AI is the biggest area of skills shortage, but over half of the respondents of our 2025 leadership report admitted they have no or only limited AI upskilling programmes in place.</p>
<h2 class="section-title">Talent-sourcing models</h2>
<p>With such rapid shifts in the tech industry, companies&rsquo; talent and resourcing models are changing too. Traditional permanent and contractor hiring of technology talent is still the backbone, but more strategic and flexible solutions are also coming into play &ndash; recruiting firms must rise to this challenge. Instead of reactive hiring programmes, there is significant growth in "statement of work" agreements where recruiting firms take a real stake in processes, and "hire-train-deploy" programmes that deliver workplace-ready talent.</p>
<p>Organisations&rsquo; tech skill needs are evolving faster than we have ever seen before - the speed of change is only going to increase. The challenge for businesses is how they keep pace and ensure they have the right skills in the right place at the right time. It&rsquo;s going to be another fast-moving and exciting year.</p>

Tech recruitment outlook: high demand for specialist skills will drive the market in 2026

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">Tech Is Helping People Embrace The Cold: Brass Monkey Founder Dan Talks Us Through His Icy Journey</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto">Danyl Bosomworth didn&rsquo;t set out to be a tech founder; he just wanted a better ice bath. In this episode, the Brass Monkey founder reveals how a "scratch your own itch" project evolved into a sophisticated business. We explore why a physical wellness product required a custom tech stack to survive, the science of retraining your nervous system against corporate stress, and why building a "Purple Cow" matters more than market research. Want to read the latest from David, his Substack (diving into &lsquo;Tech Talks&rsquo; and more) is here (</span><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto"><a class="yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" tabindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2lpQmlZMEZCS3hKU1NobG9TdHJMWEVGMDNuZ3xBQ3Jtc0tub0hsMzlHMmcwdUZFNjB5NWRwejBCVEsxWXdmRGJSUGpPRmdKQzlQRFM4XzJiRm1SVHhMYWszSWt5Wnd6c3FSQlZIemtQWGRVZUNhbDBUanMzM015Vm9ORnRIdlp0VHVmdDlRMTdKUXR3bEVid1F2WQ&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2F%40davidajsavage&amp;v=ogsrUFIZwIk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://substack.com/@davidajsavage</a></span><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto">) .</span></span></p>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2275TucwMU2mrHeEzLXPQS?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></span></span></p>

Tech Talks: Danyl Bosomworth, Founder, Brass Monkey

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">What Do 70 Million Patents Tell Us About Technology and AI?</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto">We often measure AI innovation by press releases, but what does the hard data say? In today's show David sits down with Ed White (Clarivate) to analyze the "current patented knowledge of humanity." They discuss why Japan is quietly dominating the hardware layer, why AI deployment is outpacing technological maturity (creating a potential "risk bubble"), and why the era of the lone inventor is officially over. Where are you, collaborators of the world? It's your time! Dive into the Top 100 Innovators (</span><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto"><a class="yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" tabindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWlSaW8wbVFIZE1SMkRqeEZoNUw2NzFvcV9hUXxBQ3Jtc0trczRiYzdTRlhlMEFSSlBPenB5ZnlOMEZiTnlqTUZ6NFNtWlF4UjZ4ZXdTVTlJSUFacGpJZlVCMUZEVTVPQU95VEJhYTBtOWNid3dObGU4VGxEaWhlVTJaMFBGeEhMYllGWmd3dGZYRDI5a3hRYnVjSQ&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fclarivate.com%2Ftop-100-innovators%2F&amp;v=yYzOGcEg1OI" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://clarivate.com/top-100-innovat...</a></span><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto">) list and explore it for yourself! Want to read the latest from David, his Substack (diving into &lsquo;Tech Talks&rsquo; and more) is here (</span><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto"><a class="yt-core-attributed-string__link yt-core-attributed-string__link--call-to-action-color" tabindex="0" href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEU2Y2llOV9jcXo5WXpMM1RRdnBjQUthcnhtUXxBQ3Jtc0ttSUpfemVLM1E3NHhxTnZ1UEVvZGFRamZ0TFRDUHVUSURuLWJpLW1QbU9JSWhEOXRSRzNfdFd2N0R6Y1BsZnZrN0xVMzlXUTRuM3dPNWhhUk1aYWNGdUVGemN3LUpLX0ZFWUpkc185SVBPMzJIN2d1WQ&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack.com%2F%40davidajsavage&amp;v=yYzOGcEg1OI" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://substack.com/@davidajsavage</a></span><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto">) . </span></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><span class="yt-core-attributed-string--link-inherit-color" dir="auto"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3JOPWIrN3zV8CVhCTDFo3q?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></span></span></p>

Tech Talks: Ed White, VP, Clarivate

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">No A-Levels, No Degree: How Curiosity Built a Multi-Million Pound Startup</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">On today's edition of 'Tech Talks' David talks to Vincent Cook, the founder of Cyb3r Operations, to talk about a critical blind spot in cybersecurity: third-party risk. From leaving school at 16 to raising $5.4 million, Vincent shares how he is bridging the gap between perceived risk and real exposure. Discover why most organizations underestimate their external ecosystem by up to 30x and how a partnership-led culture is redefining trust in cyber operations. Not just a brilliant look at the evolving cyber market, this episode is a must listen for any aspiring entrepreneurs. Want to read the latest from David, his Substack (diving into &lsquo;Tech Talks&rsquo; and more) is here (<a href="https://substack.com/@davidajsavage)">https://substack.com/@davidajsavage)</a></span></p>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5EBgW6gecbooAhUQwKye8O?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></span></p>

Tech Talks: Vincent Cook, Founder, Cyb3r Operations

<p data-start="127" data-end="438">In a recent article for <a href="https://diginomica.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">diginomica</a>, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/peter-birch" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peter Birch</a>, Director of Technology &amp; Digital Executive Search at Harvey Nash,&nbsp;comments on the findings of diginomica&rsquo;s 2025 Digital Careers Report, focusing on how digital leaders are experiencing the current job market.</p>
<p data-start="544" data-end="849">Birch explains that while much of 2025 was marked by caution and longer hiring cycles, there are growing signs of momentum returning, particularly towards the end of 2025. For senior digital leaders, opportunities are re-emerging as organisations restart strategic hiring that had previously been paused.</p>
<p data-start="851" data-end="1096">He highlights that AI skills are playing a defining role in this shift. Digital leaders with strong AI understanding and the ability to link technology to commercial outcomes are seeing increased demand, even as overall hiring remains selective.</p>
<p data-start="1098" data-end="1377">Birch suggests this should reassure senior technology professionals in 2026 who may have found the market challenging in the earlier stages of 2025. While competition remains high, organisations are increasingly focused on securing leaders who can drive transformation, not just manage technology.</p>
<p data-start="1416" data-end="1499" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">For the full insight from Peter Birch, <a href="https://diginomica.com/diginomicas-2025-digital-careers-report-cautious-hiring-gives-way-year-end-momentum-ai-skills-drive" target="_blank" rel="noopener">read the article on diginomica</a>.</p>

Digital leaders begin to see renewed job opportunities

<p class="MsoNormal">The UK software engineering and development market can best be described as competitive. Towards the end of 2025, there has been an increase in job opportunities in some areas; however, the type of skills now being sought is not being matched by an increase in skilled candidates, and skills shortages continue to limit hiring.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The current market has become increasingly senior-driven, with fewer junior roles available and employers expecting even entry-level candidates to have all the skills to hit the ground running.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With more candidates available as a result of well-documented layoffs and reduced investment in early-career hiring, employers now have greater choice, allowing them to be more selective about the skills they require. For developers, this has created additional pressure to demonstrate not only depth in their core expertise, but also a broader, more adaptable skill set.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This article looks at how that shift happened, and what it means for the year ahead.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">A market that&rsquo;s flipped</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">A few years ago, software engineering was very much a candidate-driven market. Skills requirements were lighter, and developers could easily move roles. Now, the balance has shifted. Employers are looking for candidates with stronger, broader technical expertise and are less willing to compromise. While cloud knowledge remains a must-have, businesses are also increasingly seeking full-stack engineers who can handle both back-end and front-end work, reflecting a need for versatility across modern tech stacks.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">The AI effect on hiring</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">While demand for AI engineering roles is rising, they still make up only a small part of the wider tech market. Most organisations continue to prioritise traditional software engineers who can use AI tools to enhance coding efficiency, rather than hiring dedicated specialists to build AI models.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, AI-assisted development is changing how teams are structured. Senior developers who can work effectively with AI tools can often deliver the same output that previously required additional junior support.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This has led to fewer opportunities at the graduate and junior levels, creating concerns about the future talent pipeline. Junior developers are often less confident in core coding fundamentals, relying on AI tools instead of developing critical thinking and foundational skills.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Businesses now face a twofold challenge, with fewer juniors entering the market, and those who do require more training to meet core standards.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">What&rsquo;s driving demand</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">Much of today&rsquo;s demand for software engineering is being driven by AI-focused start-ups, which rely heavily on traditional software engineers to build the platforms, APIs, backend services, user interfaces, and cloud infrastructure that make their products function at scale. These engineers turn AI concepts into real, customer-ready applications and ensure products can be reliably scaled, all of which depend on strong, foundational software engineering skills.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As well as AI start-ups, many established industries such as finance, banking, retail, gambling and gaming continue to recruit steadily, driven by ongoing investment in core digital platforms. Their focus is on modernising legacy systems, maintaining secure and compliant technology environments, and supporting high-volume, customer-facing applications that are central to day-to-day operations. The scale and criticality of this work often translate into higher salaries for software engineers.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">What employers value most</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">Technical ability remains the top priority when it comes to hiring software developers. While soft skills become more important at the leadership level, hiring decisions for most developers are still driven by technical capability. Employers are looking for people who are hands-on and confident with modern tech stacks.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The most in-demand languages and frameworks include:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">.NET (particularly .NET Core)</li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Java</li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Python (especially within financial services)</li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">TypeScript and React for front-end development</li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l7 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Swift and Kotlin for native mobile development</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Cloud expertise is another must-have for software developers. Today, most businesses expect candidates to have hands-on experience with Azure, with AWS also in demand depending on the environment.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hiring a software professional who already knows the ins and outs of cloud platforms means teams don&rsquo;t have to spend time or resources on training, allowing new hires to contribute from day one, a crucial advantage in a market where budgets are tight, and every developer needs to hit the ground running</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Salary ranges and seniority</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">The biggest concentration of demand is at the senior level. While job titles vary, sometimes wildly, the hierarchy of junior, mid-level, and senior remains consistent across the industry.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Typical UK salary ranges are:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Junior: &pound;35,000&ndash;&pound;40,000</li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Mid-level: &pound;40,000&ndash;&pound;60,000</li>
</ul>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Senior: &pound;60,000&ndash;&pound;80,000+</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Salaries in London tend to be around 20% higher for software developers, and roles in industries such as gambling, gaming, and finance typically pay more than average.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Setting up for success</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">For employers looking to scale their software teams in the year ahead, preparation makes all the difference. Make sure your current team is settled, and your hiring process is clear before going to market. Long or unclear interview stages can put off top candidates who will likely be in demand elsewhere.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It&rsquo;s also worth speaking to a specialist recruiter who understands the market and can help shape a hiring process and advise on current talent pool availability and candidate expectations. Taking time to get that right upfront saves a lot of time and helps deliver the right talent quickly.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">How can Harvey Nash support?</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">At Harvey Nash, we focus on delivering quality over quantity. Each of our clients works with a specialist who knows their market inside out, ensuring every shortlisted candidate has been properly vetted and matched. We use advanced tools and shared national networks to connect clients with the best software and engineering talent across the UK.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We&rsquo;re also transparent in how we work, both with candidates and clients, helping build lasting trust and long-term partnerships.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you&rsquo;re looking to scale your software engineering or development team in 2026, our specialist consultants can help you shape an effective hiring strategy, attract the right candidates, and build a team that lasts.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">And if you&rsquo;re a software engineer or developer exploring your next move, we partner with some of the UK&rsquo;s most innovative organisations across multiple industries.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/jobs/#/software-engineering" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Browse our latest software engineering and development roles.</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/morgan-fox" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Morgan Fox - Software Engineering &amp; Development Specialist</strong></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>

Software trends in the year ahead: A UK hiring outlook 

<p data-start="235" data-end="531"><strong data-start="235" data-end="264">November 19, 2025</strong>&nbsp;- Harvey Nash is delighted to announce that we have been awarded the <a href="https://www.allegisglobalsolutions.com/en-gb" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Allegis Global Solutions</a> <em>Rising Star Award</em> for the EMEA region, recognising our strong performance, positive trajectory, and growing impact as a strategic talent partner.</p>
<p data-start="533" data-end="843">This year, Harvey Nash was recognised for the strength of our delivery across Allegis programmes and the consistency of our partnership approach.</p>
<p data-start="845" data-end="1153">The achievement follows similar recognition for our US business earlier in the year, highlighting the global scale and alignment of our efforts across regions. Together, these milestones reflect the dedication of our teams, whose commitment to excellence continues to strengthen our partnership with Allegis.</p>
<p data-start="845" data-end="1153"><strong data-start="783" data-end="885"><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/rhodri-hughes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rhodri Hughes, Director - Enterprise Clients, Workforce Solutions &amp; Financial Services</a>, commented:</strong><br data-start="885" data-end="888"><em data-start="888" data-end="1251">&ldquo;We are delighted to be recognised by Allegis Group with the Rising Star Award for 2025. This reflects the excellent delivery and partnership our teams have demonstrated across multiple enterprise clients over the past year. We&rsquo;re proud to be a strategic partner to Allegis and look forward to strengthening our collaboration even further as we move into 2026.&rdquo;</em></p>
<p data-start="1155" data-end="1423">We are honoured to receive this award and proud of our colleagues whose hard work made it possible. Harvey Nash looks forward to building on this success as we continue to deliver high-quality talent solutions and deepening collaboration with Allegis Global Solutions.</p>

Harvey Nash awarded Allegis Rising Star Award for the EMEA region

<p data-start="209" data-end="519">In a recent opinion piece for <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Computer Weekly</a>, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/jack-capel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jack Capel</a>, UK South Director, expresses that organisations must get their data foundation right before diving into AI.</p>
<p data-start="521" data-end="755">They emphasise that for AI to deliver reliable insights, data needs to be &ldquo;AI‑ready&rdquo;, properly tagged, governed, curated and managed. Without this, even the most advanced AI systems can struggle to interpret information accurately.</p>
<p data-start="757" data-end="1211">Capel explains that assembling the right team is just as critical as managing the data itself. A high-performing data team combines technical experts such as data engineers, architects, scientists and analysts with emerging roles like &ldquo;data translators&rdquo; who bridge the gap between business and technology. Success depends not only on skills but also on cultural fit, collaboration, and the ability to turn data into actionable business value.</p>
<p data-start="1213" data-end="1482">He also notes the importance of leadership and that a Head of Data or Chief Data Officer should have board-level visibility to ensure data strategy aligns with organisational priorities, and data literacy should extend across the company to unlock its full potential.</p>
<p data-start="1484" data-end="1657"><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/opinion/How-to-build-a-data-dream-team" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read the full piece on Computer Weekly.</a></p>

Building a data‑dream team

<p class="MsoNormal">On 19 November, our Scotland team, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/graeme-mcnaull" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Graeme McNaull</a>, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/craig-ross" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Craig Ross</a>, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/lewis-wright" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lewis Wright</a>, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/alan-o-mahony" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alan <span data-teams="true">O'Mahony</span></a> and <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/fiona-macleod" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fiona Macleod</a>, attended <a href="https://futurescot.com/futurescot-conferences/digitalscotland-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DigitalScotland 2025</a>, an event that marked a significant milestone for the country&rsquo;s digital future.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre, the conference coincided with the launch of Scotland&rsquo;s refreshed national digital strategy, setting the tone for a year focused on real delivery and meaningful progress.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From the opening discussions, it was clear the message across government and public-sector leadership was consistent that the foundations laid in 2021 are strong, now it&rsquo;s about execution, and doing it at pace.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Turning strategy into action</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">Senior voices from across Scottish Government and Local Government took to the stage, including Minister Ivan McKee, Permanent Secretary Joe Griffin, Digital Director Geoff Huggins, and CDO for Local Government Martyn Wallace. Together, they set out what the next phase of Scotland&rsquo;s digital journey must look like.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Key themes throughout the day included:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Connected public services that are easier for the public to access and navigate</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Clear accountability across departments and delivery teams</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Strong data flows and the use of reusable digital components</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Modular, flexible procurement to accelerate innovation</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Shared talent pools and less internal competition</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Leadership mindset is the true differentiator</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Transparency, speed, and tangible delivery are what the public expects, and what Scotland now aims to deliver.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">A strategy shaped by collaboration</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">The event also highlighted Scotland&rsquo;s growing international influence in digital public services. Denmark&rsquo;s Ambassador to the UK, Kristina Miskowiak Beckvard, shared examples of ongoing collaboration and the strengthening digital partnership between the two countries.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We also heard from Theo Blackwell MBE, Chief Digital Officer for London&rsquo;s public services, who spoke about how Scotland&rsquo;s model, particularly the work led by Martyn Wallace and the Digital Office, has directly inspired approaches in London, Liverpool and even Tokyo.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was a reminder that Scotland is no longer just following global best practice, it&rsquo;s helping to set it.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">How we support Scotland&rsquo;s journey</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">For our team at Harvey Nash, DigitalScotland 2025 was a powerful reminder of just how critical the right talent is to delivering on the country&rsquo;s refreshed digital strategy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We work closely with public-sector organisations across Scotland to help them build the teams, skills and leadership needed to turn big ambitions into real outcomes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From digital transformation to data modernisation, Scotland&rsquo;s next phase of delivery will depend on attracting, developing and retaining exceptional tech talent. That&rsquo;s where we come in by supporting organisations to scale effectively while helping candidates find meaningful, impactful roles within the sector.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If you're interested in shaping Scotland&rsquo;s digital future, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/jobs/#/scotland" target="_blank" rel="noopener">explore our latest opportunities in Scotland</a>.</p>

Reflections from DigitalScotland 2025

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">The Tech That Went Sh*tty: Twitter's First Employee on the Right to Exit and Open Protocols</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">Today we have a real treat for you! Rabble Evan Henshaw-Plath, Twitter&rsquo;s first employee, reveals the chaotic, hackathon origins of the platform.<br>He details how user feedback built Twitter's core features (hashtags, retweets), and why the subsequent shift to advertising destroyed the original promise. We unpack the critical concept of &lsquo;inshitification&rsquo; and how new open-protocol platforms like Bluesky are designed to combat centralization by giving users the fundamental right to exit and maintain platform accountability.</span></p>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1MtdeW35bMTlTQ8f0Rek9c?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></span></p>

Tech Talks: Rabble Evan Henshaw-Plath. Founder, diVine

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">The $300 Trillion Question: Can You Buy a Home Without a Bank?</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">Buying a house is really, really hard. It took our host David 15 years of renting until he was in a position to get on the career ladder. It's a huge milestone, but it comes with debt, and interest. But does it have to?<br>Former career banker Chris Smith chats to David about his mission to expose how the traditional financial system has failed home ownership, turning the market into a "game of monopoly". He reveals Bloxx, a new financial architecture built on equity and Web3 infrastructure.<br>By connecting institutional capital directly to buyers, Bloxx enables home access with a 1% deposit and monthly payments up to 30% cheaper than a traditional mortgage, making renting a "dead cost" of the past. This is the generational shift required to get 1.2 billion renters into homes. Too good to be true? Surely the banks won't allow it? Listen in to today's interview to find out more!</span></p>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/07SAcuvrgbVhVSnLnz6sQx?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></span></p>

Tech Talks: Chris Smith, Founder, BLOXX

Computer Weekly/Harvey Nash Diversity in Tech Conference 2025: Highlights

<p data-start="109" data-end="1214">In a recent piece for <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Computer Weekly</a>, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/simon-crichton" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Simon Crichton</a>, Harvey Nash CEO, argues that the U.S. decision to hike visa fees for skilled workers may mark an inflection point in the global competition for AI talent.</p>
<p data-start="109" data-end="1214">He points out that while the U.S. has long drawn top data and AI professionals, this policy shift could create openings for other markets, including the UK and Europe, to strengthen their talent ecosystems. Crichton emphasises that attracting global talent is only one part of the answer; building domestic pipelines through up-skilling and reskilling is equally vital.</p>
<p data-start="109" data-end="1214">He suggests organisations should treat this moment as a wake-up call: if access to skilled professionals is going to separate winners and losers in the AI race, then the ability to source, develop and retain that talent becomes a strategic priority.</p>
<p data-start="109" data-end="1214">Finally, he urges business leaders and policymakers alike to act, not just to monitor talent flows, but to proactively shape them, so their organisations aren&rsquo;t left behind.</p>
<p data-start="109" data-end="1214">For the full insight from Simon Crichton, you can read the article on Computer Weekly <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/opinion/US-tariff-on-skilled-workers-could-create-an-inflection-point-in-the-war-for-AI-talent" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-start="1335" data-end="1468">here</a>.</p>

A turning point in the AI talent race

<p>Nash Squared, the global leader in technology and talent solutions, today announced the integration of the Spinks brand into Harvey Nash, its specialist technology recruitment firm. This strategic move is designed to simplify engagement and unlock even greater opportunities for clients and candidates across the UK and globally.</p>
<p>For over 30 years, Harvey Nash and Spinks have supported thousands of organisations and technology professionals, driving innovation and growth at every stage of the business lifecycle. As part of Nash Squared for more than a decade, the two teams have developed a close partnership rooted in shared values of innovation, service excellence, and long-term collaboration. This integration marks the next natural step in their journey together, enabling the combined business to deliver even greater value to clients and candidates.</p>
<p>By bringing together Spinks&rsquo; deep expertise and entrepreneurial spirit with the scale, resources, and legacy of Harvey Nash, the company is able to offer an even stronger proposition to the market. Clients will find it easier to engage and will benefit from access to a broader, more diverse pool of technology talent. Candidates will enjoy greater opportunities, leveraging Harvey Nash&rsquo;s market-leading position and global reach.</p>
<p>Harvey Nash has a strong legacy of supporting start-up and scale-up companies in the UK and internationally. By combining forces with Spinks, the business is strengthening its ability to deliver tailored solutions for organisations at every stage of their growth journey.</p>

Nash Squared Announces Integration of Spinks Brand into Harvey Nash

<p class="MsoNormal">Harvey Nash proudly represented the intersection of talent, technology, and sustainability at <a href="https://websummit.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Web Summit Lisbon 2025</a>. Nash Squared&rsquo;s Group Technology Evangelist, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/david-savage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Savage</a>, hosted two pivotal sessions on 11<sup>th</sup> November, bringing critical discussions on the environmental footprint of AI and the essential perspectives of young innovators to the forefront.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">David Savage, who is also a filmmaker, podcaster, and host of <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-talks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tech Talks</a>, delivered a keynote on the crisis of computational power and moderated a vital panel that explored how established organisations can better engage with and support the next generation of tech leaders.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Hidden data, visible cost</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">David Savage&rsquo;s keynote, titled &ldquo;Hidden data, visible cost: The alternative approach to tackling technology&rsquo;s green blind spot&rdquo;, was held on Stage 7 as part of the New Energy Summit, where he showcased the latest <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-flix" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tech Flix</a> film, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/videos/tech-flix-data-untold-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener">'Data's Untold Story'</a>.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">The crisis of power and scalability</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The keynote focused on the urgent challenge that AI&rsquo;s accelerating opportunity is colliding head-on with a physical force: power. David emphasised that every prompt typed, every token generated, and every model trained consumes real, finite power. This is not merely a climate discussion but fundamentally a scalability issue. If the power problem remains unsolved, the significant opportunities AI presents across healthcare, education, and society will not be realised.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Key data points highlighted the severity of the infrastructure stress:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">The global data sphere is projected to hit 175 zettabytes by 2025.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">AI data centres demand vastly more power, requiring 150+ kilowatts per rack, compared with traditional cloud data centres, which typically need only 10&ndash;20 kW per rack.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">To meet the peak load of just 90 new AI data centres being built in Ohio, the estimated power requirements equate to that of 21 million households.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">The digital landfill and unseen emissions</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">David argued that the problem is invisible, making it difficult for people to grasp the full scale of the impact. A central focus was the &ldquo;digital landfill&rdquo;: a staggering 68% of the data currently stored is single-use, never utilised again.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This unused data poses a major environmental risk, with the emissions it creates typically exceeding those produced by the entire airline industry combined. Despite this reality, research suggests an abdication of responsibility across the industry. Our <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nash Squared/Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report</a> found that only 44% of boards support net zero targets to a great or extreme extent, leaving half of leadership still disengaged. David noted that this overwhelming challenge persists because, unlike a smoking car or plane, the data is invisible, and we &ldquo;forget that it burns&rdquo;.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">The call for engineering and accountability</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">To move forward sustainably, David urged the audience to pivot the discussion away from just ethics and ideology, stressing the need to focus on engineering and business goals. The industry must shift its focus from maximising performance to prioritising the minimisation of resource consumption through innovation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Examples of meaningful action were presented, such as a project that detected and deleted 600 billion commercial and promotional emails in a year, which in turn reduced carbon emissions by 6,500 tonnes of CO₂. The concluding message stressed that the industry must implement energy efficiency in designs, demand accountability across policies, and embrace collaborative solutions. Only through these actions can the progress of AI be ensured as sustainable, inclusive, and scalable for everyone.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Young minds, big impact</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">Later that afternoon, David Savage moderated the &ldquo;Young minds, big impact&rdquo; panel on Stage 8 as part of the People Summit.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Introducing the next generation of innovators</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The session offered deep insights into how young people are approaching major global problems through technology, featuring three exceptional innovators:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hemanbekele/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Heman Bekele</a>, Founder &amp; Researcher, Skin Cancer Treating Soap: Developed an affordable bar of soap intended to treat the early stages of skin cancer. He also founded Care for All, a non-profit focused on providing platforms for young people to make an impact.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/raya-mardani-3b988b307/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Raya Mardani</a>, Founder, Lunniva: Creating a period pain belt using Brain&ndash;Computer Interface (BCI) technologies to send electrical signals to the brain to release endorphins, aiming to alleviate pain.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aarav-sharma-/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aarav Sharma</a>, Founder &amp; Researcher, Smart Bin AI &amp; Brain&ndash;Computer Interfaces: Focused on restoring independence for paralysed individuals by using BCI to control an exoskeleton arm through thought.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Redefining youth engagement and education</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">A major theme discussed was how established corporations engage with the next generation. The panellists felt that many companies often focus on &ldquo;selling to&rdquo; young people rather than treating them as active participants. Instead, companies should aim to integrate youth, providing them with a seat at the table and enabling the actual implementation of their ideas.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Regarding education, Raya highlighted that programmes like TKS (<a href="https://www.tks.world/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Knowledge Society</a>) are vital because they offer long-term, committed project work, which is often missing from traditional education. Aarav proposed decreasing traditional school hours and allocating that time for students to build projects and explore their passions, arguing that the future of work requires complex, applied skills that AI cannot yet master.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Mentorship and the power of indifference</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The panel addressed the frustration that arises when their ambitious projects are dismissed as mere &ldquo;school projects&rdquo; by older professionals. The consensus was that maturity is far more dependent on the individual than their age.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The panellists stressed that successful engagement requires mentorship. They also emphasised that for allies to be effective, they must be indifferent to age.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">David noted that this generation should be treated like any other professional pitching an idea, with critical feedback and advice, but without letting age shield the interaction. The message was clear that young people are the future, and investing in them is paramount for any company looking to be innovative and competitive.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">About David Savage, Group Technology Evangelist</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/david-savage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">David Savage</a> is <a href="https://www.careers.nashsquared.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nash Squared</a>&rsquo;s Group Technology Evangelist. He creates podcasts, hosts video debates, and regularly chairs keynote stages at major events. A passionate advocate for technology, he explores both its challenges and opportunities.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Since 2015, David has been the editor and host of <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-talks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tech Talks</a>, a leading global podcast on technology and leadership.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">He has spoken at top international events, including Web Summit, Collision, IFA Berlin, Web Summit Rio, Unleash World, Unleash Paris, Unbound, Big Data World, and VivaTech.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><em>Watch both sessions below to explore these discussions in full. From tackling AI&rsquo;s hidden environmental cost to empowering the next generation of innovators.</em></strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i7yBHe9YUuQ?si=cPiH8nwzm81VgcrI" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-R3zKNQOGUs?si=9ESg2_8IeMHKz7j6" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></strong></p>

Web Summit Lisbon 2025 Recap

<p data-start="59" data-end="451"><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/andy-heyes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Andy Heyes</a>, Managing Director UK&amp;I &amp; Central Europe, was recently featured in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.silicon.co.uk/amp/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Silicon</a> article <a href="https://www.silicon.co.uk/e-management/jobs/from-gap-to-growth-how-enterprises-are-rethinking-talent-in-the-age-of-ai-627338/amp" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-start="121" data-end="325"><em data-start="122" data-end="198">From Gap to Growth: How Enterprises Are Rethinking Talent in the Age of AI</em></a>, where he discussed how organisations can better engage global and virtual teams in today&rsquo;s rapidly changing world of work.</p>
<p data-start="453" data-end="838">In the piece, Andy highlights that while global sourcing helps businesses quickly address skills shortages, true success depends on how leaders engage and motivate their distributed teams. He notes that clear objectives, consistent communication and building trust are vital to fostering inclusion and ensuring that everyone feels part of the mission, no matter where they are based.</p>
<p data-start="840" data-end="1269">The wider article explores how enterprises are rethinking their approach to talent in the age of AI, shifting from traditional, qualification-based recruitment to skills-based hiring. It examines how AI is transforming how companies identify and develop talent, both externally and within their existing workforce, while emphasising the ongoing importance of human leadership, culture and inclusion in driving lasting success.</p>
<p data-start="1271" data-end="1448" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Read the full article on <a href="https://www.silicon.co.uk/e-management/jobs/from-gap-to-growth-how-enterprises-are-rethinking-talent-in-the-age-of-ai-627338/amp" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Silicon</a>.</p>

Leading global teams in the age of AI

<p data-start="191" data-end="733"><a href="https://futurescot.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FutureScot&rsquo;s</a> recent article, <em data-start="220" data-end="381"><a href="https://futurescot.com/ai-efficiency-and-the-next-wave-of-digital-leadership-in-scotland/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-start="221" data-end="380">AI, efficiency and the next wave of digital leadership in Scotland</a></em>, explores how Scotland&rsquo;s public sector is responding to the growing opportunities and challenges of digital transformation. Drawing on findings from the <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">2025 Nash Squared / Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report</a>, it highlights how technology leaders across Scotland are shifting their focus towards efficiency, resilience and measurable outcomes.</p>
<p data-start="735" data-end="1269">The piece notes that operational efficiency has become a key boardroom priority, with organisations looking to deliver more impactful, outcome-driven technology investments. However, many leaders continue to face obstacles in the form of persistent skills shortages, particularly across areas such as AI, data, cybersecurity and DevOps. Cyber resilience remains another critical theme, as a significant number of organisations have experienced cyberattacks in the past year, underscoring the urgency of stronger security strategies.</p>
<p data-start="1271" data-end="1659">At the same time, the article points to the growing importance of collaboration and partnerships, with many Scottish digital leaders planning to increase their use of specialist partners and external expertise to scale transformation. Together, these developments suggest a more mature phase of digital leadership in Scotland, one focused on execution, capability and long-term impact.</p>
<p data-start="1661" data-end="1927">As proud sponsors of <a href="https://futurescot.com/futurescot-conferences/digitalscotland-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Digital Scotland 2025</a>, Harvey Nash will be joining Scotland&rsquo;s digital community to discuss exactly these themes, exploring how technology, talent and leadership can work together to deliver meaningful change across the public sector.</p>
<p data-start="1929" data-end="2130">Read the full article on FutureScot:&nbsp;<a class="decorated-link" href="https://futurescot.com/ai-efficiency-and-the-next-wave-of-digital-leadership-in-scotland/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_new" rel="noopener" data-start="1969" data-end="2128">AI, efficiency and the next wave of digital leadership in Scotland</a></p>

Digital leadership in Scotland

<p data-start="54" data-end="303">Data roles are becoming increasingly critical as organisations look to harness AI effectively. The demand for professionals skilled in managing, structuring and interpreting data is rising, with experience in AI-specific roles particularly valued.</p>
<p data-start="305" data-end="829">In an article for<a href="https://www.computing.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Computing.com,</a> Senior Recruitment Consultant at Harvey Nash, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/daniel-neaves" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong data-start="388" data-end="405">Daniel Neaves</strong></a>, explores how data-focused roles underpin the development and deployment of AI. He highlights the importance of building a career that demonstrates both technical expertise and practical experience, specialising in areas where AI and data intersect. Daniel also stresses the value of maintaining up-to-date profiles, targeting applications thoughtfully, and building strong relationships with recruiters and hiring teams.</p>
<p data-start="831" data-end="998">He underlines that while AI can support recruitment processes, personal effort, preparation, and persistence remain key to career success in this competitive market.</p>
<p data-start="1000" data-end="1111">Read the full article on <a href="https://www.computing.co.uk/opinion/2025/data-roles-underpinning-ai" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-start="1025" data-end="1109">Computing.com</a></p>

Why data roles are at the heart of the AI boom

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">The Truth About Communications And FinTech: Trust is the Only Feature That Scales</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">In today's show I'm chatting to a founder, board member, mentor, and fellow podcaster! Kimberley Waldron, founder of Started (the FinTech brand and PR specialists), argues that poor communication, not technology failure, is the biggest threat to FinTech adoption.<br>Together we unpack why the industry must shift focus from internal jargon to tangible end-user benefits. Kimberley explains that in times of economic turbulence, building trust requires authentic, sympathetic human communication.</span></p>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6ezZ35pCAWaD4HLAG4FsjF?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></span></p>

Tech Talks: Kimberly Waldron, StartedPR

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">The Storytelling Trade-Off: AI, Human Decisions, and the Future of Film</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">Filmmaking is now democratized, with the barrier to entry lowered by cheap tech. Chris Elliott, co-founder of Sound &amp; Colour films, explores the high-stakes trade-off: how generative AI allows in-house teams to achieve more, but simultaneously threatens to cannibalize the professional creative industry. Ultimately, Chris argues that the enduring value lies not in the tools, but in the human fundamentals of connecting with people and telling a story.</span></p>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5EF8tUq2UWcF0Q2BUp8JPS?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></span></p>

Tech Talks: Chris Elliot, Sound&Colour films

<p class="MsoNormal">Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have moved rapidly from experimental projects to mainstream business priorities in the UK. Organisations across every sector are exploring how automation, predictive models and generative AI can unlock efficiency, innovation and competitive edge.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As adoption accelerates, demand for AI and ML professionals has risen sharply. What was once the domain of research labs and niche tech firms is now a boardroom conversation. Employers aren&rsquo;t just looking for technical experts; they need individuals who can help shape strategy, manage risks, and embed AI capabilities responsibly across the organisation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">2025 feels like a pivotal year. The opportunities are vast, but the competition for talent is intensifying. The challenge for businesses is to secure the right people, with the right skills, to deliver on their AI ambitions.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Why AI and Machine Learning talent are in high demand</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">Across the UK, companies are seeking to integrate AI into their operations, often starting with chatbots, automation, or customer-facing applications, but increasingly moving towards deeper transformation projects.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Three main drivers are shaping demand:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Business adoption at scale</strong> &ndash; AI is no longer confined to pilot projects. Retailers are using it for customer personalisation, banks for fraud detection, and healthcare providers for diagnostics.</li>
<li><strong>Generative AI hype and reality</strong> &ndash; the explosion of generative AI tools has prompted many organisations to invest in in-house capability, either to build proprietary models or to adapt existing ones.</li>
<li><strong>Competition and retention</strong> &ndash; talent is scarce and mobile. Many employers are hiring defensively, seeking to retain people before competitors can lure them away.</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">This combination is fuelling one of the most competitive hiring markets we&rsquo;ve seen in years.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Key AI and ML trends shaping the UK in 2025</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">To understand the AI and ML hiring landscape, it&rsquo;s important to look at what&rsquo;s driving the conversation today:</p>
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal"><strong>Generative AI takes centre stage<br></strong>The surge in generative AI adoption has created an increased demand for ML engineers, prompt engineers, and AI product specialists who can operationalise these technologies.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><strong>Ethics and governance</strong><br>As AI is embedded in business processes, risks around bias, transparency and regulation are rising. Employers are beginning to seek specialists in AI governance and compliance to develop ethical frameworks, ensure accountability in AI decision-making, and align their AI strategies with evolving legal standards.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><strong>Data foundations are critical</strong><br>Without high-quality, well-structured data, AI projects fail. Companies are therefore investing heavily in data engineering and analytics talent alongside AI hires.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><strong>Integration into digital transformation</strong><br>AI is no longer a separate initiative; it&rsquo;s becoming part of broader transformation strategies, impacting IT, operations, HR and customer experience.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><strong>Professional development and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>evolving skills</strong><br><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">Continuous learning and upskilling is essential for all employees, especially technologists and AI or machine learning experts who must evolve as fast as the technology does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span></span></li>
</ul>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">The most in-demand AI and ML roles for 2025</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">The hiring market is being shaped by organisations seeking resilience, innovation and agility. Some of the most in-demand roles include:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Machine Learning Engineer</strong> &ndash; building, training and deploying ML models.<br><em>Typical salary: &pound;70,000 &ndash; &pound;110,000*</em></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Data Scientist</strong> &ndash; analysing complex data sets to provide actionable insights.<br><em>Typical salary: &pound;60,000 &ndash; &pound;100,000*</em></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>MLOps Engineer</strong> &ndash; managing the deployment and lifecycle of AI models in production.<br><em>Typical salary: &pound;75,000 &ndash; &pound;115,000*</em></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>AI Product Manager</strong> &ndash; bridging the gap between business strategy and AI delivery.<br><em>Typical salary: &pound;65,000 &ndash; &pound;105,000*</em></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Prompt Engineer / Generative AI Specialist</strong> &ndash; optimising large language models for business use cases.<br><em>Typical salary: &pound;55,000 &ndash; &pound;90,000*</em></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>AI Governance Specialist</strong> &ndash; ensuring ethical, transparent and compliant use of AI.<br><em>Typical salary: &pound;70,000 &ndash; &pound;95,000*</em></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>* Salary ranges are based on London market rates.</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">We are also seeing hybrid roles emerge, for example, &ldquo;AI Risk Manager&rdquo; or &ldquo;Applied AI Strategist&rdquo;, reflecting the fact that AI is no longer just a technical discipline, but a strategic business capability.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">The skills employers are prioritising</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">Employers are searching for candidates who bring both technical depth and the ability to shape strategy.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Core technical skills include:</strong></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Natural Language Processing (NLP)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Generative AI and LLM fine-tuning</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">MLOps and cloud AI platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l4 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Data engineering and governance</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Certifications occasionally requested:</strong></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Cloud AI certifications (AWS, Azure, GCP)</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">AI/ML specialisations from leading universities</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l6 level1 lfo5; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Data science and advanced analytics credentials</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Soft skills are equally vital:</strong></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Strategic thinking and business alignment</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Communication with non-technical stakeholders</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Problem-solving in fast-moving environments</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l5 level1 lfo6; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Collaboration across functions</li>
</ul>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Challenges in hiring AI and ML talent</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">As demand for AI and ML talent grows, organisations face several key challenges:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Talent shortages &ndash; </strong>Our 2025 Nash Squared / Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report found that AI has surged to become the most scarce technology skill in the UK.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Competition</strong> &ndash; top candidates often receive multiple offers, driving up salaries and expectations.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Slow processes</strong> &ndash; delays in the hiring process can mean losing talent to faster-moving competitors.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo7; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Capability assessment</strong> &ndash; employers often struggle to test technical and applied skills effectively.</li>
</ul>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Building the future with AI and ML talent</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">AI and machine learning are no longer niche specialisms but central to business growth, innovation and competitiveness. For UK organisations, 2025 represents a critical moment to secure the talent that will define their future.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The organisations that succeed will be those that:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Invest early in the right people.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Provide clear strategic direction.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo8; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Offer development and retention opportunities.</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">As <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/daniel-neaves" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dan Neaves</a> highlights, success in AI hiring starts with the right foundations:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>&ldquo;Businesses need quality data, a clear AI strategy, and a future plan of what the capability looks like now, in three years, and in five years. Combined with a slick hiring process and professional development opportunities, that&rsquo;s how you attract the best talent in AI.&rdquo;</em><strong> </strong></p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">How Harvey Nash supports AI and ML recruitment</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">At Harvey Nash, we&rsquo;ve spent more than three decades helping businesses navigate technology change. As AI and ML continue to evolve, we&rsquo;re applying that experience to help organisations build the right teams for the future.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is a dynamic and fast-moving area of recruitment. Roles are constantly changing as new tools, frameworks and use cases emerge. That&rsquo;s why we take a consultative approach, understanding each organisation&rsquo;s goals, maturity and culture before connecting them with exceptional talent.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our consultants are deeply embedded in the UK technology community and speak to AI and ML professionals every day. We provide insight on salary benchmarks, in-demand skills and how to position roles to attract and retain the best people.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">If your organisation is expanding its AI capability in 2025, Harvey Nash can help you navigate the evolving market, connect with exceptional professionals, and build a team fit for the future.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/contact-us">Get in touch with our team to start the conversation.</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/daniel-neaves" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Daniel Neaves &ndash; AI &amp; Machine Learning Specialist</strong></a></p>

AI and Machine Learning Trends 2025: A UK Hiring Outlook

<p data-start="101" data-end="331"><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/mo-gaibee" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mo Gaibee, Associate Consultant</a> at Harvey Nash, was recently featured in a <a href="https://www.csoonline.com/uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CSO Online</a>&nbsp;article exploring how AI is reshaping entry-level cyber hiring and shifting the nature of the cybersecurity skills gap.</p>
<p data-start="333" data-end="666">In the piece, Mo highlights how hiring criteria are evolving; it&rsquo;s no longer just about technical certifications. Organisations are increasingly valuing soft skills such as communication, collaboration, adaptability, and strategic thinking, as cybersecurity now touches many areas of a business, including legal, HR, and marketing.</p>
<p data-start="668" data-end="872">He also notes that while AI is automating more of the repetitive monitoring tasks, it hasn&rsquo;t reduced the need for human talent, instead, it&rsquo;s changing the profile of the skills that are most in demand.</p>
<p data-start="874" data-end="1111" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><a href="https://www.csoonline.com/article/4058190/ai-is-altering-entry-level-cyber-hiring-and-the-nature-of-the-skills-gap.html?utm=hybrid_search" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read the full article on CSO Online.</a></p>

How is AI reshaping entry-level cybersecurity hiring?

<p class="MsoNormal">This year marked a special milestone for <a href="https://leedsdigitalfestival.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leeds Digital Festival</a>, its 10th anniversary. Over two weeks, the city came alive with events celebrating innovation, collaboration, and creativity across the region&rsquo;s thriving digital community.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As part of the celebrations, the Harvey Nash Leeds team was proud to host a screening of our latest Tech Flix film, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/videos/tech-flix-data-untold-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Data&rsquo;s Untold Story: The AI Energy Crisis</em></a>. The film explores the growing energy demands of AI and data, and the urgent balance between innovation and sustainability.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It set the tone for a festival full of big ideas, important questions, and inspiring conversations about where technology is heading next.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">The human element in an AI-driven world</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">A recurring theme throughout the festival was clear: while AI is rapidly transforming industries, people remain at the centre of progress.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">From cybersecurity discussions highlighting how &ldquo;when AI strikes, humans defend,&rdquo; to debates on where humans belong in an AI-driven future, the message was consistent that although technology may redefine roles, it can&rsquo;t replace the creativity, critical thinking, and ethical judgment that humans bring.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Many sessions explored how businesses can harness AI to augment human ability rather than replace it. The conversations touched on responsible innovation, the importance of embedding ethics and sustainability from the outset, and the growing need for frameworks to guide AI&rsquo;s impact across sectors.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Building, innovating, and transforming at speed</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">Leeds Digital Festival also showcased just how quickly ideas can move from concept to creation. Live demonstrations, including building a functional app in under 90 minutes, captured the energy and collaboration driving the city&rsquo;s tech scene.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For our team, it was a reminder that in fast-moving environments, having access to people with the right mix of skills and adaptability is just as critical as the tools they use. This reinforces the importance of understanding emerging roles, new skill sets, and the ways organisations are leveraging talent to bring ideas to life quickly.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Laying the foundations for responsible AI</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">Another standout theme was the strategic role of AI across industries, including the public sector. Sessions highlighted the need for ethics, governance, and trust, as well as the infrastructure, skills, and institutions required to scale AI responsibly.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Discussions explored how governments, public bodies, and major tech players can work together to ensure AI benefits everyone, from fostering innovation and investment to embedding transparency and accountability in deployment.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">These insights drove a key message that responsible AI isn&rsquo;t just a technical challenge; it&rsquo;s a collaborative, strategic one.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Data as a force for change</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">The festival also showcased the power of data to drive smarter, more human-centred decision-making. From retail to logistics, data leaders shared how they&rsquo;re turning insights into tangible outcomes, improving customer experiences, streamlining operations, and driving value across organisations.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Hearing from ASDA&rsquo;s Data Science team offered a glimpse into how large-scale analytics can be both technical and practical, balancing innovation with real-world business impact.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">The evolving landscape of digital innovation in Leeds</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">Across every discussion, Leeds&rsquo; digital community demonstrated why the city continues to lead in tech. From AI ethics and cybersecurity to logistics automation and app innovation, the festival spotlighted a region that&rsquo;s pushing boundaries while staying grounded in purpose.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For the Harvey Nash Leeds team, it was a chance to connect, learn, and reflect on the role people, partnerships, and responsible innovation play in shaping the future.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Looking ahead</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">As we wrap up this year&rsquo;s festival, one thing stands out: technology will continue to evolve at pace, but it&rsquo;s collaboration, creativity, and conscience that will define its true impact.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">A huge thank you to Leeds Digital Festival for an incredible 10th anniversary celebration, and to everyone who made it such an inspiring two weeks for the city&rsquo;s digital community.</p>

Leeds Digital Festival 2025: Round Up

<p data-start="234" data-end="480">On 25th September, we were delighted to host an event as part of <a href="https://leedsdigitalfestival.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leeds Digital Festival</a>&rsquo;s 10th anniversary celebrations,&nbsp;a two-week programme showcasing innovation, collaboration and creativity across the city&rsquo;s thriving digital community.</p>
<p data-start="482" data-end="624">As part of the festival, we screened the latest instalment in our Tech Flix documentary series: <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/videos/tech-flix-data-untold-story" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em data-start="578" data-end="621">Data&rsquo;s Untold Story: The AI Energy Crisis</em></a>.</p>
<p data-start="626" data-end="968">The film takes a closer look at one of technology&rsquo;s most urgent challenges, the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence and data. Both inspiring and sobering, it highlights the duality of AI: its enormous potential to transform the way we live and work, and the equally significant risks it poses to our planet if left unchecked.</p>
<h1 data-start="970" data-end="1009">A panel with diverse perspectives</h1>
<p data-start="1011" data-end="1111">Following the screening, we welcomed an expert panel to reflect on the film and debate its themes:</p>
<ul>
<li data-start="1115" data-end="1171">Vinny Leach, Portfolio Delivery Manager at Avanade</li>
<li data-start="1174" data-end="1252">Heather Dawe, Chief Data Scientist, UK and Head of Responsible AI at UST</li>
<li data-start="1255" data-end="1315">Arash Rabbani, Assistant Professor in Computer Science at the University of Leeds</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="1317" data-end="1411">Together, they brought perspectives spanning industry, academia and responsible AI practice.</p>
<h1 data-start="1413" data-end="1447">Sustainability versus profit</h1>
<p data-start="1449" data-end="1513">One of the central questions raised during the discussion was:</p>
<p data-start="1515" data-end="1668"><em data-start="1515" data-end="1666">Are we, as individuals and organisations, truly prioritising the environmental impact of AI, or are we too focused on the profit margins it promises?</em></p>
<p data-start="1670" data-end="1990">This prompted a rich debate. Some argued that the drive for commercial gain too often overshadows the urgent need to address sustainability, while others highlighted the potential for businesses to align profit with positive impact, provided they embed sustainability into their innovation strategies from the outset.</p>
<h1 data-start="1992" data-end="2036">The call for regulation and frameworks</h1>
<p data-start="2038" data-end="2453">Another recurring theme was the pressing need for regulation. As AI adoption accelerates across industries, the panel stressed that without a robust framework to govern its development and deployment, the environmental and ethical risks will only deepen. True progress, they argued, requires collaboration between industry, academia and government to establish clear guardrails and hold organisations accountable.</p>
<h1 data-start="2455" data-end="2483">A moment of reflection</h1>
<p data-start="2485" data-end="2700">As the credits rolled and the conversation continued, it was clear that the event had done more than just spark dialogue &mdash; it had left attendees with important questions to carry back into their own organisations.</p>
<p data-start="2702" data-end="2882">For many of us, one question lingered above all: <em data-start="2751" data-end="2880">are we doing enough, quickly enough, to ensure that AI is not only innovative and profitable, but also ethical and sustainable?</em></p>
<h1 data-start="2884" data-end="2899">Thank you</h1>
<p data-start="2901" data-end="3199">A huge thank you to <a href="https://leedsdigitalfestival.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leeds Digital Festival</a> for welcoming us as part of their milestone 10th anniversary edition, and to everyone who joined us for the session. Most of all, we&rsquo;d like to thank our brilliant panellists for sharing their insight and sparking such a thought-provoking discussion.</p>
<p data-start="3201" data-end="3426">You can now watch <a href="As%20the%20Tech%20Flix%20series%20continues%20its%20tour%20across%20the%20UK,%20you%20can%20now%20watch%20Data&rsquo;s%20Untold%20Story:%20The%20AI%20Energy%20Crisis%20online%20here%20.%20We%20hope%20it%20sparks%20conversation,%20reflection,%20and%20action%20towards%20a%20more%20responsible%20and%20sustainable%20digital%20future." target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em data-start="163" data-end="206">Data&rsquo;s Untold Story: The AI Energy Crisis</em> online</a>. We hope it sparks conversation, reflection, and action towards a more responsible and sustainable digital future.</p>

Exploring the AI energy crisis: Leeds Digital Festival 2025

<p data-start="154" data-end="579">The tech recruitment market has grown more competitive in recent years, with economic uncertainty, rising costs and offshore hiring affecting opportunities. Many professionals are staying longer in their current roles, which means fewer openings and tougher competition. Yet demand remains strong in areas such as software development, big data, cyber security and, in particular, roles requiring proven experience with AI.</p>
<p data-start="581" data-end="1389">In an article for <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Computer Weekly</a>, Managing Consultant at Harvey Nash,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/alex-reeder" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alex Reeder</a>, shares six key tips to help candidates succeed in this environment. He highlights the importance of specialising in both technologies and industry sectors, building a career history that demonstrates longevity, and keeping profiles up to date so employers and recruiters can easily identify relevant skills. He also warns against a scattergun approach to applications, underlining the value of targeting the right roles, and stresses that while AI can be a powerful support tool in the job search, it should never replace personal effort and authenticity. Finally, he emphasises that recruitment is still a people business and that building relationships with recruiters and hiring teams can make a real difference.</p>
<p data-start="1391" data-end="1595">Alex also points to the importance of preparation, realistic expectations and persistence, encouraging professionals to back themselves and approach their job search with confidence and commitment.</p>
<p data-start="1597" data-end="1650"><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/opinion/How-to-land-your-next-tech-role-six-top-tips" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-start="1600" data-end="1648">Read the full article on Computer Weekly</a></p>

6 top tips to land your next tech role

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Technology recruitment specialist strengthens leadership team with proven industry executive as company advances growth strategy</strong></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>LONDON, 30<sup>th</sup> September 2025 &ndash;</strong> Harvey Nash, a leading global specialist technology recruitment firm, today announced the appointment of <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/simon-crichton">Simon Crichton</a> as Chief Executive Officer. The appointment supports Nash Squared&rsquo;s strategic evolution following the successful divestiture of its NashTech business and positions Harvey Nash for accelerated growth in the technology talent market.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Crichton brings extensive experience in the recruitment and technology services sector, most recently serving as Managing Director of Experis UK, the specialist technology recruitment division of Manpower. Prior to that, he led Akkodis UK as CEO, where he successfully managed the complex merger of the Akka and Modis brands on behalf of Adecco Group.</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal">"Simon's appointment represents a natural evolution in our leadership structure as we enter an exciting new phase of growth," said <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/bev-white">Bev White</a> who will transition from CEO to Executive Chair of Nash Squared, overseeing both Harvey Nash and Crimson businesses. "His proven track record of driving operational excellence in our sector makes him the ideal leader to execute on our strategic growth ambitions."</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal">As CEO, Crichton will oversee day-to-day operations across Harvey Nash's global markets, leading the continued execution of the company's strategy, which emphasises specialisation, client growth, and operational excellence to address the critical technology talent needs of clients globally.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The leadership transition is supported by recent key appointments including Rudolph Botha as Chief Financial Officer and Jason Pyle as Chief Operating Officer.</p>
<blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal">"I'm excited to join Harvey Nash at this pivotal moment in the company's development," said Crichton. "Our strategy provides a clear roadmap for building a more focused and future-ready organisation, and I look forward to working with the talented team to deliver exceptional value to our clients and create new opportunities for our people."</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>About Harvey Nash</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Harvey Nash is a specialist global technology recruitment firm that connects the world's most innovative companies with the technology talent they need to succeed. Over the past 35 years, Harvey Nash has been a pioneer and leading voice in the global technology space, having long term strategic partnerships with blue chip customers. With offices across multiple continents, including North America, the UK and Germany, Harvey Nash specialises in contract recruitment for specialised technology talent requirements including Cyber, AI and Data.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.harveynash.com/">www.harveynash.com</a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>About Nash Squared</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Nash Squared is the holding company for the Harvey Nash and Crimson brands.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Media &amp; Investor Contact:</strong> Rachel Watts, Global Marketing Director, Email: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:rachel.watts@harveynash.com">rachel.watts@harveynash.com</a></p>

Harvey Nash Appoints Simon Crichton as CEO to Drive Next Phase of Growth

<h1>ARM's Will Abbey: From Ghana to Silicon Valley</h1>
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">What shapes a global tech leader?</p>
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">ARM's CCO Will Abbey shares his journey from Ghana to the UK and California. He discusses ARM's role in a fragmented world, the challenge of closing the AI skills gap, and how technology can deliver real impact in Africa.</p>
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2rUne9AcT1i4fthTOjMgMd?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></p>
<h1>&nbsp;</h1>
<h1>Tech Talks Podcast&nbsp;</h1>
<p>Tech Talks is a podcast that probes the minds of tech leaders, hosted by Technology Evangelist David Savage. Each week, the show releases three episodes with new guests, covering the latest tech news, exploring new products and cultural transformations that drive the tech industry.</p>
<p>Founded in 2015 Tech Talks has published over 650 episodes and attracts over 18,500 streams a month from a global audience. The podcast offers insights and ideas from leading technologists on culture, innovation, finance, growth, sustainability, and more, providing a platform for the c-suite, founders, and senior figures to hear from others facing similar challenges and tap into a wider community.</p>
<p>Find out more about Tech Talks&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-talks">here.</a></p>

Tech Talks: Will Abbey, COO, ARM

<h1>Why I keep coming back to entrepreneurship, even when it hurts</h1>
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">Veronica (founder of Valumia) is a seasoned entrepreneur who has returned to the startup world after a previous venture came to an end. In this candid conversation, she shares the untold story of her journey, from the emotional toll of being a founder to her new mission to expose sustainability risks like modern slavery, conflict, and biodiversity loss.</p>
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">This episode unpacks the hidden vulnerabilities that SMEs face with an average of 800 suppliers, why current software solutions are failing, and how Veronica&rsquo;s team is using a company&rsquo;s spending data to predict and prevent disruptions.</p>
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">It&rsquo;s an honest conversation about solving hard problems, finding motivation in community, and the courage it takes to believe in yourself against the odds.</p>
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4K3HEVwNvNXoIGQVFCJSZe?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></p>
<h1>&nbsp;</h1>
<h1>Tech Talks Podcast&nbsp;</h1>
<p>Tech Talks is a podcast that probes the minds of tech leaders, hosted by Technology Evangelist David Savage. Each week, the show releases three episodes with new guests, covering the latest tech news, exploring new products and cultural transformations that drive the tech industry.</p>
<p>Founded in 2015 Tech Talks has published over 650 episodes and attracts over 18,500 streams a month from a global audience. The podcast offers insights and ideas from leading technologists on culture, innovation, finance, growth, sustainability, and more, providing a platform for the c-suite, founders, and senior figures to hear from others facing similar challenges and tap into a wider community.</p>
<p>Find out more about Tech Talks&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-talks">here.</a></p>

Tech Talks: Veronica Celis Vergara, Founder, Valumia

<p class="MsoNormal">In the fast-moving world of technology, experience used to be the gold standard. Job titles, years in post, and familiarity with established systems once served as reliable markers of a candidate&rsquo;s value. But in 2025, that&rsquo;s changing. The rise of artificial intelligence (particularly GenAI) is transforming the skills landscape so rapidly that many of the old hiring playbooks <span style="background: yellow !msorm; mso-highlight: yellow !msorm;"><span style="mso-prop-change: 'Alex White' 20250923T1045;">are no longer fully fit for purpose.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">New findings from the <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">2025 Nash Squared/Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report</a> highlight just how much <span style="background: yellow !msorm; mso-highlight: yellow !msorm;"><span style="mso-prop-change: 'Alex White' 20250923T1045;">priorities are shifting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to our research, 65% of digital leaders indicate they would now prioritise hiring a developer with strong GenAI skills and just three years of experience over someone with five years of experience but no AI fluency. While this doesn&rsquo;t capture the full complexity of hiring decisions, it signals that AI skills are becoming a defining factor in today&rsquo;s hiring decisions, particularly when it comes to technology recruitment. </span></span></p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">AI skills are now business-critical&hellip;and scarce</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">This shift isn&rsquo;t happening in a vacuum. AI has rapidly moved to the centre of how organisations operate, from code generation and data analysis to recruitment, customer service, and internal operations. The demand for <span style="background: aqua !msorm; mso-highlight: aqua !msorm;"><span style="mso-prop-change: 'Alex White' 20250923T1045;">AI talent</span></span> has surged, with demand outstripping supply. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Our report shows that AI is now the number one skills shortage in tech. Demand for <span style="background: aqua !msorm; mso-highlight: aqua !msorm;"><span style="mso-prop-change: 'Alex White' 20250923T1045;">AI talent</span></span> has jumped from 28% in 2023 to 51% in 2025, an 82% increase, the steepest rise recorded since we began tracking skills scarcity.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Yet despite this, over half of organisations are not currently upskilling their staff in AI. <span style="background: yellow !msorm; mso-highlight: yellow !msorm;"><span style="mso-prop-change: 'Alex White' 20250923T1045;">The gap between AI&rsquo;s growing importance and the internal capability to support it is widening, and this has implications not only for hiring but also for retention, productivity, and long-term business performance. </span></span></p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">How AI is changing hiring processes</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The shift towards AI skills is not just about what&rsquo;s being hired for, but how organisations are hiring. We&rsquo;re seeing a fundamental rethink of recruitment processes:</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><strong>Job descriptions: </strong>Companies are rewriting job specs to specify proficiency in AI tools and platforms - such as Python, TensorFlow, and GenAI frameworks, rather than relying on generic &ldquo;AI skills&rdquo; as a buzzword.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><strong>Assessment methods: </strong>There&rsquo;s a growing use of AI-driven assessments and real-world coding challenges to test candidates&rsquo; ability to apply AI in practical contexts</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><strong>Skills over tenure: </strong>Where once tenure and job titles carried the most weight, today&rsquo;s tech hiring is increasingly centred on proven skills, adaptability, and the ability to work alongside intelligent systems.</span></li>
</ul>
<p style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However, many organisations are still catching up. Job specifications often reference &ldquo;AI skills&rdquo; without defining what this means in practice, and interviews may still lean too heavily on past roles or academic credentials. At the same time, candidates need to adjust, clearly showcasing where they&rsquo;ve applied AI tools in real contexts, whether that&rsquo;s automating analysis, streamlining development, or enhancing digital products.</span></p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Practical steps for organisations</span></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To address the growing need for AI talent, organisations should:</span></p>
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><strong>Develop a clear AI strategy:</strong> Ensure a defined roadmap is in place, or being worked on, to demonstrate commitment to AI adoption. Top AI talent is attracted to organisations with a vision for growth, where they know their skills will contribute to a structured and evolving AI environment.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><strong>Define AI skills clearly:</strong> Avoid vague requirements. Specify the tools, platforms, and types of AI experience needed for each role. </span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><strong>Update assessment methods:</strong> Use practical tasks, case studies, and AI-driven assessments to evaluate candidates&rsquo; real-world AI capabilities.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><strong>Upskill internally:</strong> Invest in learning and development to build AI literacy across the workforce, not just in specialist roles.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 115%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><strong>Foster a culture of continuous learning:</strong> Encourage ongoing development and provide access to AI training resources for all employees.</span></li>
</ul>
<h1 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;">Beyond recruitment: building a future-ready workforce</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">Shifting hiring practices is only part of the answer. For AI adoption to deliver real value, businesses also need to think beyond recruitment and invest in developing the skills of their existing tech workforce. Yet with more than half of organisations not currently providing AI training, a significant opportunity to build capability internally is being missed.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">Collaboration between HR, L&amp;D, and technology leaders is crucial. The organisations most likely to succeed will be those that not only rethink job specs and validate AI capability during hiring but also provide continuous learning opportunities to help their teams adapt. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 12.0pt 0cm 12.0pt 0cm;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Aptos; mso-fareast-font-family: Aptos; mso-hansi-font-family: Aptos; mso-bidi-font-family: Aptos;">A collaborative approach, where recruitment and development reinforce one another, will be key to building resilient, future-ready tech functions.</span></p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Shaping tomorrow&rsquo;s workforce today</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">For organisations undergoing digital transformation, this is a moment to reset. The ability to identify and hire people with the right AI and data skills <span style="background: yellow !msorm; mso-highlight: yellow !msorm;"><span style="mso-prop-change: 'Alex White' 20250923T1045;">could increasingly determine how quickly and effectively businesses adapt.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">At Harvey Nash, we&rsquo;re helping our clients respond to this shift. As experts in tech and <span style="background: aqua !msorm; mso-highlight: aqua !msorm;"><span style="mso-prop-change: 'Alex White' 20250923T1045;">AI recruitment</span></span>, including AI and data roles, we work with forward-thinking businesses to reshape their hiring strategies, assess practical capability, and build teams ready for the future of work.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">To explore more insights into how AI is shaping the tech workforce, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">download the 2025 Nash Squared / Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report</a>.</p>

How is AI reshaping hiring priorities in tech?

<p data-start="169" data-end="474">AI is transforming the workplace, but its impact on entry-level roles is more nuanced than often portrayed. In a recent article for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Will-AI-wipe-out-entry-level-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Computer Weekly</a>, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/andy-heyes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Andy Heyes</a>, Managing Director UK&amp;I &amp; Central Europe at Harvey Nash, explores how AI is influencing hiring, tasks, and workforce structures, particularly for junior positions.</p>
<p data-start="476" data-end="819">Andy highlights that while some entry-level, customer-facing roles such as helpdesk and tech support are seeing reductions, there is little evidence that these roles are being entirely eliminated. Instead, AI is reshaping responsibilities, automating repetitive tasks, and changing expectations rather than replacing human workers wholesale.</p>
<p data-start="821" data-end="1175">He also notes that economic factors, including changes in government policy, have affected the overall jobs market, contributing to what some perceive as a decline in entry-level opportunities. Despite these pressures, Andy emphasises that demand for new talent remains, with organisations needing skilled graduates to adapt to evolving business needs.</p>
<p data-start="1177" data-end="1422">The article explores the broader implications for employers and graduates alike, suggesting that AI should be seen as a tool to enhance roles rather than a replacement, with human expertise continuing to be critical in business operations.</p>
<p data-start="1424" data-end="1580">Read the full article on <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/feature/Will-AI-wipe-out-entry-level-jobs" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Computer Weekly</a>.</p>

Will AI wipe out entry-level jobs?

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">Beyond the Warehouse: Glovo&rsquo;s Sacha Michaud on Rewriting Retail for Europe</span></h1>
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">&ldquo;80% of what we buy is already in our city, we just don&rsquo;t have visibility.&rdquo;</p>
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">Sacha Michaud, Co-founder of Glovo.</p>
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">David Savage sits down with Sacha to explore how Glovo is building hyper-local, multi-category marketplaces across 23 countries, challenging warehouse-centric e-commerce. We dig into the human decisions behind European scale, operating speed, and culture.</p>
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">What we cover:</p>
<ul class="gO3asXTGXP9b6dV3B7_S">
<li class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued NkqV_wLPrQQM_fE3Lurr" data-encore-id="text">
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">Why local-first can beat warehouse-only models</p>
</li>
<li class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued NkqV_wLPrQQM_fE3Lurr" data-encore-id="text">
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">Building and operating multi-category marketplaces</p>
</li>
<li class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued NkqV_wLPrQQM_fE3Lurr" data-encore-id="text">
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">Speed over perfection: execution rhythms that win</p>
</li>
<li class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued NkqV_wLPrQQM_fE3Lurr" data-encore-id="text">
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">Scaling across diverse European markets (ops, regs, payments)</p>
</li>
<li class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued NkqV_wLPrQQM_fE3Lurr" data-encore-id="text">
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">Hiring for values and culture fit to sustain growth</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">Today's show is a candid look at how Glovo is reconnecting consumers with local inventory&mdash;and what it takes to build a European tech champion.</p>
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text">&nbsp;</p>
<p class="e-91000-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued uSZqU39qytkxgjskgv4n" data-encore-id="text"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/3qWGNtnraXDtKlNuatideq?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></p>
<h1>Tech Talks Podcast&nbsp;</h1>
<p>Tech Talks is a podcast that probes the minds of tech leaders, hosted by Technology Evangelist David Savage. Each week, the show releases three episodes with new guests, covering the latest tech news, exploring new products and cultural transformations that drive the tech industry.</p>
<p>Founded in 2015 Tech Talks has published over 650 episodes and attracts over 18,500 streams a month from a global audience. The podcast offers insights and ideas from leading technologists on culture, innovation, finance, growth, sustainability, and more, providing a platform for the c-suite, founders, and senior figures to hear from others facing similar challenges and tap into a wider community.</p>
<p>Find out more about Tech Talks&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-talks">here.</a></p>

Tech Talks: Sacha Michaud, Co-founder, Glovo.

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI Emoji';">On 11th September 2025, we welcomed digital and business leaders to the Dakota Hotel in Newcastle for our <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">Nash Squared / Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report</a> launch event. The breakfast event brought together a vibrant group of peers to explore the latest findings from our <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Nash Squared / Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report</a>, in a session moderated by David Savage, Tech Evangelist at Nash Squared and featuring a fireside chat with John Whitlow, CIO at Nixon Hire.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI Emoji';">The conversation was lively, candid, and deeply connected to the challenges shaping leadership today. Here are some of the key themes we explored together:</span></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI Emoji';">AI: Still in the foothills</span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI Emoji';">AI dominated discussion, with 82% of organisations now actively engaging with it. But while enthusiasm is high, many remain in the discovery stage, working to clarify use cases and overcome fragmented understanding across senior leadership. Unlike previous shifts such as SaaS and Cloud, AI is seen as a more profound, societal transformation that demands cohesion and vision.</span></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI Emoji';">The data imperative</span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI Emoji';">A recurring question was whether organisations have the right data foundations in place. Do they have a clear operating model? Are teams truly data literate? Is stewardship strong enough? Without this, AI risks becoming scattered experimentation rather than a strategic asset.</span></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI Emoji';">Innovation by stealth</span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI Emoji';">The rise of &ldquo;Shadow AI&rdquo; emerged as a fascinating theme. Across many businesses, individuals are experimenting with tools independently, creating grassroots momentum but also bypassing governance. While this shows appetite for innovation, it also highlights the need for structure to avoid fragmentation and missed opportunities.</span></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI Emoji';">Hybrid working: Still in flux</span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI Emoji';">Hybrid work continues to evolve, with no one-size-fits-all answer. The discussion highlighted the importance of workforce welfare and the need to balance flexibility with intentional design. For hybrid to truly succeed, empathy and adaptability remain essential.</span></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI Emoji';">The journey ahead</span></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI Emoji';">The morning underscored the complexity of leading through this moment of change. At the intersection of AI, data, and workforce transformation, digital leaders are being challenged to act with clarity, cohesion, and care.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: 'Segoe UI Emoji';">A big thank you to all our guests for joining us and contributing to such a thoughtful and engaging morning.</span></p>

Newcastle Digital Leadership Report launch event highlights

<div>
<div>
<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">When AI Drafts Your Contracts: Ryan Lisk on Trust, Risk &amp; the Future of Law</span></h1>
<p>Hybrid Legal&rsquo;s Ryan Lisk reveals when AI-drafted contracts go dangerously wrong, why trust matters more than templates, and how data privacy + burnout collide in law. A candid look at balancing innovation with integrity.&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7bWTx4mMgZ49ZvLIURP4gK?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy" data-testid="embed-iframe"></iframe></p>
<h1>&nbsp;Tech Talks Podcast&nbsp;</h1>
<p>Tech Talks is a podcast that probes the minds of tech leaders, hosted by Technology Evangelist David Savage. Each week, the show releases three episodes with new guests, covering the latest tech news, exploring new products and cultural transformations that drive the tech industry.</p>
<p>Founded in 2015 Tech Talks has published over 650 episodes and attracts over 18,500 streams a month from a global audience. The podcast offers insights and ideas from leading technologists on culture, innovation, finance, growth, sustainability, and more, providing a platform for the c-suite, founders, and senior figures to hear from others facing similar challenges and tap into a wider community.</p>
<p>Find out more about Tech Talks&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-talks">here.</a></p>
</div>
</div>

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