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<p>With over three decades of experience in the tech sector, we continually adapt to the ever-changing needs of our clients. We&rsquo;ve worked with over two-thirds of the world&rsquo;s leading companies, placing thousands of tech experts, from software engineers and data scientists to CIOs and CDOs.</p>

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<p>We&rsquo;re Harvey Nash, and we build amazing technology and digital teams.&nbsp;There are very few recruitment companies that offer the in-depth knowledge, network and enviable track record that comes from being totally dedicated to working in technology for over three decades. Our relationships with individuals and organisations span years and it is this intimacy with the technology sector that enables us to be so effective.</p>

<p>If you're looking to secure your next role or make your next best hire, we'd love to help. Get in touch to speak with one of our consultants today.</p>

How do we balance its incredible potential of AI with its catastrophic possibilities?

<p>Download the report and whitepaper to gain in-depth insights and key takeaways from the event.</p>

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<p>Take a look at the IT jobs we’ve got to take your career to where you want it to go. Whether you're looking for permanent, contract or even interim jobs, we can help match you with a role and a company that fits you.</p>

<p>We are delighted to provide bespoke talent solutions across Central Government. Here&rsquo;s some examples of the Government departments and bodies we&rsquo;re currently working with:&nbsp;</p>

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<p><strong>We’re Harvey Nash, and we build amazing technology and digital teams.</strong></p><p>There are very few recruitment companies that offer the in-depth knowledge, network and enviable track record that comes from being totally dedicated to working in technology for over three decades. Our relationships with individuals and organisations span years and it is this intimacy with the technology sector that enables us to be so effective.</p>

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<p>If you’re a technologist looking to navigate your career in this dynamic sector or a digital or HR leader looking to benchmark your organisation, this report is for you.</p>

<p>We are delighted to provide bespoke talent solutions across Higher Education. Here&rsquo;s some examples of the academic institutions we&rsquo;re currently working with:&nbsp;</p>

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<p>From senior appointments through to recruitment and project solutions we are experts in&nbsp;<strong>technology talent.</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p>There are very few recruitment companies that offer the in-depth knowledge, network and enviable track record that comes from being totally dedicated to working in technology for over three decades. Our relationships with individuals and organisations span years and it is this <strong>connectivity</strong> with the technology sector that makes us so effective.</p>

We build <strong>amazing</strong> technology teams

<div>We're Harvey Nash, and we build amazing technology and digital teams.</div>

<div>We&rsquo;re Harvey Nash, and we build amazing technology and digital teams. There are very few recruitment companies that offer the in-depth knowledge, network and enviable track record that comes from being totally dedicated to working in technology for over three decades. Our relationships with individuals and organisations span years and it is this intimacy with the technology sector that enables us to be so effective.</div>

Why choose <strong>Harvey Nash</strong> as your independent Direct Sourcing Curation Partner?

<p>From global enterprises to SMEs, we work with amazing clients all over the world to find you the best IT jobs in the market today. Here’s an example of some of the companies we’re working with at the moment.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our website</a></p><p><a href="https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/edi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Equality, Diversity &amp; Inclusion</a></p><p><a href="https://features.lancaster-university.uk/lancaster-university-virtual-tour/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Campus tour</a></p>

Discover more about <strong>Lancaster University</strong>

"At Lancaster University you will join an IT team whose technical excellence and ability to deliver is unparalleled. Our community of people are determined to deliver outstanding customer experiences, rooted in the latest technology, as we transform our University through our ambitious digital strategy. This is a very exciting time to join us, as we deliver a new five-year Digital Strategy, with the core aim being, Digital at Lancaster to be recognised as a global leader in Higher Education. IT Services play a pivotal role in this transformation. Our digital strategy will allow us to use data as a strategic asset, make use of emerging AI technology, drive new levels of security and sustainability, transform global experiences, and deliver sector-leading personalised user experiences. We’re ready to build our team with innovative and ambitious people, who can join our fun, friendly and inclusive teams. If you are looking for a role that allows you to grow and develop your excellent technical skills to change the world through education, research and sustainable action, then come and join us."

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Discover <strong>Lancaster University</strong> Digital Strategy

<p>We are delighted to provide bespoke talent solutions across local government. Here&rsquo;s some examples of the local authorities we&rsquo;re currently working with:&nbsp;</p>

We’re Harvey Nash, and we build amazing technology and digital teams.

<p>We are proud to provide bespoke talent solutions across the NHS. Here&rsquo;s some examples of the NHS boards we&rsquo;re currently working with:&nbsp;</p>

If you're looking to secure your next role or make your next best hire, we'd love to help. Get in touch to speak with one of our consultants today

Discover more about <strong>Park Dean</strong>

"I’m excited to welcome new team members with a wide range of skills, experiences and backgrounds who will be able to lead, support and guide the next phase of our transformational development.With such a wide-ranging programme we have lots of opportunities available. We are a collaborative and engaging team, always learning new things that can improve the products and services that we deliver. You’ll bring capability and enthusiasm to support our ambitious vision, with a desire to make a real difference at all levels of skills and experience. We’re really excited to encourage people to join us to develop a sustainable and diverse team while supporting your professional and personal development.I look forward to receiving your application."

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<p>We are delighted to provide bespoke talent solutions across the breadth of public sector. From academic institutions to local authorities we understand the unique challenges and intricacies to deliver and retain exceptional technology talent. Here&rsquo;s some examples of the organisations we&rsquo;re providing our public sector recruitment to:</p>

<p>Thank you for downloading our Tech Talent &amp; Salary Report, we hope you find this resource helpful. If you would like more information or to speak to one of our team about the findings please feel free to contact us at +44 (0) 20 7333 0033 or visit our contact us page <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/contact-us">here.</a></p>

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<p>We appreciate you reaching out to us. Our team will review your requirements and respond shortly. In the meantime, please feel free to explore our website or contact us at +44 (0) 20 7333 0033 for immediate assistance.</p>

<div>We&rsquo;re Harvey Nash, and we build amazing technology and digital teams.&nbsp;There are very few recruitment companies that offer the in-depth knowledge, network and enviable track record that comes from being totally dedicated to working in technology for over three decades. Our relationships with individuals and organisations span years and it is this intimacy with the technology sector that enables us to be so effective.</div>

<p>We understand that people are the core of technology, not just 'services or solutions'. For over 30 years, we have been finding the best technology talent for our clients, using every possible method. Today, our expertise goes beyond recruitment, as we offer a wide range of solutions to help you solve any talent problem. Whether you need <strong>executive search, contracting, outsourcing, or innovative partnerships,</strong> our expert recruiters will advise and implement the best solution for your business.&nbsp;Have a vacancy you need support with - simply click on the button and get started or explore our recruitment solutions below.</p>

Whatever your recruitment challenge, we have the <strong>solution</strong> for you

<p>From global enterprises to SMEs, we work with amazing clients all over the world to find you the best IT jobs in the market today. Here&rsquo;s an example of some of the companies we&rsquo;re working with at the moment.</p>

<p>We are always on the lookout for talented individuals like yourself. Your CV has been sent to our team of consultants who will review and reach out if they identify a role that matches your skills and experience.</p>

<p>We encourage you to browse our current job openings and apply directly to any position that interests you.</p>

<p><a href="https://preview.shorthand.com/jtpQd67EjCUxw0Zo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our website</a></p><p><a href="https://virtualcampustour.leeds.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Campus tour</a></p><p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-leeds/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our Linkedin</a></p>

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"At the University of Leeds you will be joining an incredible community of people determined to make a difference, whether that be through providing inspiring student education, supporting University operations or contributing towards innovative research. It is a very exciting time to join us, our ambition is to become a global leader in the use of digital technologies, data and digital approaches to support student education, global lifelong learning, research and innovation.IT Services plays a critical part in that ambition and we’re delivering two significant and far-reaching programmes that will modernise our technology and improve our cyber security capability. In our annual review you can see just some of the significant progress we’ve already made – now we’re ready to grow our team further and we’re looking for talented individuals to join our fun, friendly and inclusive team."

<p>Hear from Megan Parsons- Digital Education Manager of Engagement &amp; Communications. In this video, Megan, describes how the University of Leeds offers flexible working patterns and work-life support, alongside the opportunity to collaborate with inspiring people. If you are looking for a challenging role that makes an impact on society, make your next career move the University of Leeds.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><code><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Edh6FUJc1tk?si=5JBeJealR7gXfXGV" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></code></p>

<p><a href="https://www.salford.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our website</a></p><p><a href="https://explore.salford.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Campus map</a></p><p><a href="https://www.salford.ac.uk/travel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Travelling to the University</a></p><p><a href="https://www.salford.ac.uk/equity-diversity-and-inclusion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Equality, Diversity &amp; Inclusion</a></p>

Discover more about <strong>University of Salford</strong>

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<p><a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/it-services/about/working-it-services" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Working in IT Services</a></p><p><a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/it-services/about/vision-and-strategy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vision and Strategy</a></p><p><a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/it-services/about/values" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Values</a></p><p><a href="https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/it-services/about/structure" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Structure</a></p>

"I’m excited to welcome new team members with a wide range of skills, experiences and backgrounds who will be able to lead, support and guide the next phase of our transformational development.With such a wide-ranging programme we have lots of opportunities available. We are a collaborative and engaging team, always learning new things that can improve the products and services that we deliver. You’ll bring capability and enthusiasm to support our ambitious vision, with a desire to make a real difference at all levels of skills and experience. We’re really excited to encourage people to join us to develop a sustainable and diverse team while supporting your professional and personal development. I look forward to receiving your application."

<p>Sheffield is England's fourth-largest city, with the wealth of facilities you would expect to find in a major city, yet it's compact, welcoming and accessible.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><code><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bLDqPtxcxbA?si=wUMIQqu8PpNXAiio" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></code></p>

<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

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

<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>

Tech Talks: Ryan Lisk, Founder, Hybrid Legal

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">The AI Reality Check: Digital Foundations Still Matter</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">In this candid Tech Talks conversation, fractional and now permanent CIO John Whitlow offers a pragmatic reality check on AI implementation in the business world. While external pressure drives many organizations to "do something AI", John reveals that a significant number, particularly SMEs, are still in the "foothills" of their digital transformation journey, wrestling with foundational issues like poor data quality, where 80% of data can be useless. He argues that AI follows past technology shifts, with many organizations not yet prepared for large-scale implementations, despite the rapid early adoption sparked by tools like ChatGPT.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><br>John also unpacks the paradox of a massive jump in demand for AI skills versus a lack of organizational training, emphasizing the need for a joined-up AI strategy across an entire organization, not just IT. He stresses the critical role of leadership in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&amp;I) for high-performing teams, drawing from his own recruitment practices. The discussion further touches on the ongoing "rebound" in hybrid working models and the commercial realities driving&mdash;or delaying&mdash;sustainability initiatives in businesses. Ultimately, John Whitlow's insights make sense of complex tech realities by revealing the human decisions, trade-offs, and fundamental challenges that truly shape the future of business IT.</span></p>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/7Hp3KA2OdTNUu2027ykh3c?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>
<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: John Whitlow, CIO, Nixon Hire

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">From 'Tuna Can Period' Scarcity to Hypergrowth: Bloq.It's Miha Jagodic on Building Green Logistics with Pragmatic Strategy</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">Today's guest Miha Jagodic, co-founder and CEO of Bloq.It, recounts the journey of transforming his startup from its challenging "tuna can period" (a time characterized by extremely limited resources and relentless early development efforts) into one of Europe's hottest and fastest-growing companies.<br>Bloq.It provides an end-to-end parcel locker solution, revolutionizing last-mile delivery by offering a convenient and cost-effective alternative to home delivery, which is particularly crucial for the booming e-commerce and second-hand marketplaces like Vinted and eBay. Miha emphasizes that this infrastructure significantly reduces CO2 emissions and courier miles, making the "green tech" aspect a vital and impactful part of their story.<br>Jagodic offers candid reflections on his personal evolution as a founder, moving from an initial "rookie" stage to a CEO leading a team of 350 people, a shift that has seen his role become more managerial yet strategically hands-on. He shares valuable advice for fellow entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of maintaining focus and consistency, directly addressing problems with his "pregnancy test" concept rather than letting them fester, and adopting a pragmatic approach to fundraising. This pragmatic approach means securing investment not out of dire need, but when it is convenient and practical to negotiate favorable terms. The discussion also explores the dynamics of the Portuguese tech ecosystem, the rising prominence and "superior" business practices of Eastern European tech hubs, and the evolving questions faced by hyper-growth startups from investors. So take a deep dive with us into the human decisions and real impact behind scaling a successful tech business, and "Make Tech Make Sense".</span></p>
<h1><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2rXP8S4TuCASc79vX3LDcR?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></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: Miha Jagodic, CEO, Bloq.It

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">Revolutionising Indie Film: Christopher Lombardi's Vision for Generative AI in "Princess Halle and the Jester"</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">In this episode, host David Savage chats with Christopher Lombardi, a filmmaker and practicing doctor, about his groundbreaking work on "Princess Halle and the Jester (director's cut)."<br>This film is described as the first fully generative AI-enhanced indie feature film. Lombardi explains how generative AI was leveraged not to create entire narratives from scratch, but to significantly enhance the film's environments, expand its scope, add digital crowds, and make the animation of digital creatures more fluid. This innovative hybrid approach allowed Lombardi to achieve a grander cinematic vision on an independent budget of around $150,000, for a film that would traditionally cost $40-50 million.<br>He discusses the opportunity this technology presents for indie filmmakers to tell bigger stories previously constrained by budget, while emphasising the continued importance of human-driven storytelling and creative input.<br>The director's cut of "Princess Halle and the Jester" is expected to stream on Amazon Prime around October 1st.</span></p>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/46xyYOiZooOj1uMNe23evQ?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>
<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: Christopher Lombardi, filmmaker

<p class="MsoNormal">On Wednesday, 3rd September, Peter Kyle MP, the Technology Secretary, called on industry to match the UK Government&rsquo;s ambition on AI in a speech at Mansion House. His message was clear, Britain is open for investment, and he wants AI companies to call the UK home.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Before his speech, Peter Kyle sat down with Nash Squared&rsquo;s Technology Evangelist, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/david-savage">David Savage</a>, for an interview now featured in our Tech Talks podcast. Their conversation focused on what AI investment really means and who stands to benefit.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Decentralised growth at the heart of AI investment</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">Since Labour took office, the UK has attracted a record &pound;44 billion in AI and technology investment. A key focus of this strategy is ensuring growth reaches all parts of the country, not just London. Major projects include multi-billion-pound investments in data centres and national supercomputers in Edinburgh and Exeter, with a goal to increase sovereign compute capacity 20-fold by 2030.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, our own <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">2025 Nash Squared/Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report (DLR)</a> shows that while AI investment is accelerating, larger organisations are more likely to see returns due to their scale and resources. Peter Kyle&rsquo;s focus on decentralising investment and doubling AI companies outside of London is designed to change that, ensuring talent and opportunity are spread more evenly across the UK, reducing the need for people to leave their regions for London or Silicon Valley.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">Democratising AI skills for a creative workforce</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">Peter Kyle noted that the skills barrier to using AI is changing. The future isn&rsquo;t about coding expertise, but about creativity and effective prompting. The DLR supports this shift, with 65% of digital leaders saying they&rsquo;d now choose an AI-enabled developer with two years&rsquo; experience over a five-year veteran without AI skills, a huge change in hiring priorities.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While technology has often been criticised for deepening social and economic divides, Kyle stressed that proficiency in prompt usage can be gained in as little as 2.5 hours of training, making it accessible to people from all backgrounds, including areas of deprivation. And with the DLR highlighting a lack of action on AI upskilling in many organisations, this ambition is an encouraging sign.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">A &ldquo;Goldilocks moment&rdquo; in AI governance and innovation</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">The UK is pursuing what Kyle described as a &ldquo;light touch, but assertive&rdquo; approach to AI regulation, encouraging innovation while keeping people safe, without overly prescriptive laws that risk slowing progress. The AI Security Institute, working alongside Frontier Labs, monitors risks before deployment, while sector regulators assess AI&rsquo;s impact in their industries.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This balanced approach has even been described by Jensen Huang, Founder and CEO of NVIDIA, as a &ldquo;Goldilocks moment&rdquo; for Britain. The DLR adds context, with 40% of digital leaders worried about the misuse of Generative AI, such as staff transferring sensitive documents into chatbots or acting on biased data. Kyle&rsquo;s strategy aims to build trust while maintaining a pro-innovation environment.</p>
<h1 class="MsoNormal">AI as a personal and societal equaliser</h1>
<p class="MsoNormal">Kyle shared his own experience of learning with Dyslexia, explaining how AI tools have supported his learning style and boosted his potential. He believes AI could &ldquo;level up&rdquo; opportunities, particularly for students in state schools and deprived areas, challenging the idea that privilege must be bought through expensive education.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The DLR strengthens AI&rsquo;s wide-reaching impact, describing it as an &ldquo;everywhere&rdquo; technology that&rsquo;s already driving productivity and reshaping how businesses operate.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While it doesn&rsquo;t directly address educational equity, our research shows AI&rsquo;s potential to upskill existing teams and free developers to take on more complex, creative challenges, which is closely aligned with Kyle&rsquo;s vision of AI empowering individuals and expanding opportunity.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PbEt7t64M1iFcJffeoFFg?si=pRHTXePnRsKsrRxd-npjYg">Listen to the full conversation now</a> on Tech Talks to hear Peter Kyle MP and David Savage explore the UK&rsquo;s AI ambitions in depth.</p>

Peter Kyle outlines the UK’s AI ambitions

<h1><span data-teams="true"><strong>Britain's &pound;44 Billion AI Future: Is Everyone Included?</strong></span></h1>
<p>Secretary of State Peter Kyle MP discusses Britain's record &pound;44 billion AI investment, detailing a strategic vision to ensure the technology revolution empowers <em>all</em> parts of the country through infrastructure, widespread skills training, and a balanced approach to regulation, aiming for an inclusive 'Goldilocks moment' where creativity is the only limit.</p>
<p>Cold-open quote: "I think people who think they can buy privilege in our society are in for a shock when AI is harnessed for the benefit of every young person equally right through the country.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h1><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4PbEt7t64M1iFcJffeoFFg?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe></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: Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State

<p data-start="64" data-end="437">AI is becoming central to organisations&rsquo; digital transformation, and cybersecurity is no exception. In this article for <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366629990/Growing-demand-for-AI-skilled-cyber-specialists">Computer Weekly</a>, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/peter-birch">Peter Birch</a>, director of technology and digital executive search at Harvey Nash, and <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/mo-gaibee">Mo Gaibee</a>, associate consultant, highlight how AI is transforming cyber teams and operations.</p>
<p data-start="439" data-end="749">According to the 2025 <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">Nash Squared/Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report</a>, 90% of businesses are now piloting or implementing AI, a significant jump from 59% in 2023, while 29% of technology leaders report their organisation has suffered a major cyber attack in the past two years, the highest level since 2019.</p>
<p data-start="751" data-end="1148">AI is increasingly embedded in security operations, helping SOC analysts, threat hunters, and penetration testers detect, prioritise, and respond to threats more efficiently. The article explores the resulting war for cyber talent, with AI skills becoming a key differentiator for recruitment, as well as retention challenges for organisations under pressure to protect against evolving threats.</p>
<p data-start="1150" data-end="1367">Peter and Mo also examine the hybrid future of cybersecurity, where AI tools enhance, but do not replace, the expertise of human teams, making AI proficiency a critical requirement for cyber leaders and professionals.</p>
<p data-start="1369" data-end="1458"><a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366629990/Growing-demand-for-AI-skilled-cyber-specialists">Read the full article on Computer Weekly.</a></p>

Growing demand for AI-skilled cyber specialists

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">The CapCut for Music: Overtune's Blueprint for Creative Control</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">Host David Savage sits down with Overtune founder Sigi Arnason and investor Nick Gatfield to explore the democratization of music creation. Discover how Overtune aims to be the "CapCut for Music," empowering aspiring artists and content creators to produce and release high-quality music in minutes, even without technical expertise. The discussion unpacks the platform's assistive AI features, emphasizing user control and creative involvement over full automation, much like adding an "egg" to a cake mix to ensure personal input. This episode delves into the "human decisions" behind making music accessible to the 90% of people who previously couldn't translate their ideas into sound, showcasing a new workflow that prioritizes genuine creative expression.</span></p>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1MYHuwndnXiH1n8w887t37?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe></span></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: Sigi Arnason, Nick Gatfield, Overtune

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">I Used to Change My Accent: Why Emotional Intelligence is Tech's New Power Skill</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">The tech industry often celebrates speed and disruption. But what happens when that pace overlooks the human element? Christina Lewis, a leader who navigated from higher education to scaling giants like Deliveroo and Bolt, shares a deeply personal truth: her initial instinct to change her Midlands accent to "fit in" to the London tech scene. This moment of personal adaptation forged her belief in the power of emotional intelligence (EQ). In this episode, we explore why EQ is now indispensable for everything from retaining female talent and building inclusive cultures to making critical decisions with real-world impact.<br>As AI reshapes our workplaces, Christina argues that our most human skills&mdash;empathy, active listening, and understanding nuance&mdash;are tech's next great advantage. Join us as we challenge assumptions about leadership and reveal how leaning into our full, authentic selves makes tech truly make sense.</span></p>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4TF7zXMlrJd91d24oZF58A?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe></span></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: Christina Lewis, Founder, Herizon

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">AI's Real Challenge: Why Friction Points Trump 'Transformation' Strategy</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">Organizations are under immense pressure to adopt AI, yet many are missing the mark. In this episode, Daemon's Chief Growth Officer Kyle Hauptfleisch cuts through the buzzwords, revealing why the relentless evolution of AI demands a shift from nebulous "AI strategies" to a laser focus on business friction points.<br>He explains how boards are underestimating the blistering pace of change, the critical shift for humans from "instrument players" to "conductors" in the AI loop, and the often-overlooked process constraints that truly derail value creation.This description opens with an organizational tension (pressure vs. missing the mark), immediately introducing the core challenge. It then unpacks the strategic stakes, emphasizing the human-centred and substantive insights from the conversation without rehashing generic points.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5dzY89oWNizGhyQiSTmMD1?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe></span></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: Kyle Hauptfleisch, Chief Growth Officer, Daemon

<p class="MsoNormal">For many organisations, the AI journey is well underway. Pilots have been launched, internal capabilities have been built, and use cases are being explored. But the next step is where the true business value lies, transitioning from experimentation to meaningful, embedded AI adoption that drives measurable returns.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The latest <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">Nash Squared/Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report 2025</a> reveals this shift is firmly in progress. The number of organisations running large-scale AI implementations has nearly doubled since our 2024 report, rising from 10% to 19%, a 90% increase. More importantly, 33% of digital leaders now report demonstrable ROI from their AI investments.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a style="mso-comment-reference: RW_1; mso-comment-date: 20250819T0738;">So, where are the early adopters seeing results, and what separates pilot projects from scalable success?</a><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Where AI is already delivering ROI</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The data from the <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025"><span style="mso-comment-reference: RW_2; mso-comment-date: 20250819T0739;">Nash Squared/Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report 2025</span></a><span style="mso-comment-continuation: 2;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span>shows that AI is no longer confined to isolated use cases or experimental environments. It&rsquo;s being deployed where it can make a tangible difference to operational efficiency and productivity. <a style="mso-comment-reference: AW_3; mso-comment-date: 20250819T1059;">Across the survey responses from digital leaders, several high-impact areas emerged:</a><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Software development</strong>: Leads the way in AI adoption, with the highest levels of implementation driving efficiency and accelerating code creation and testing. As one digital leader from the Digital Leadership Report explained, AI is already being used for <em>&ldquo;code documentation, refactoring and development&rdquo;</em>, delivering <em>&ldquo;around a 20% efficiency improvement&rdquo;</em>.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Helpdesk and internal support</strong>: AI-powered virtual agents are reducing response times, improving issue resolution rates, and freeing up human capacity for more complex queries. As one digital leader shared in the Digital Leadership Report, <em>&ldquo;We implemented an AI-powered customer service chatbot&hellip;it reduced support costs by 30%, improved customer satisfaction, and increased sales conversions, with the system continuously improving to deliver significant ROI&rdquo;</em>.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Management of information/insights: </strong>Organisations are using AI to analyse data and support faster, more confident decisions. In the Digital Leadership Report, one leader noted, <em>&ldquo;We have used it to automate processing of incoming documents&hellip;success rates are significantly higher, reducing the number of incidents needing a person to review&rdquo;</em>.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Marketing and sales</strong>: From lead scoring to content generation and customer insights, AI is reshaping marketing and sales operations and sharpening targeting effectiveness. As one digital leader mentioned in the Digital Leadership Report, this has delivered <em>&ldquo;multi-million revenue uplifts through recommended outreach lists for client advisors rather than the previously human-led approach&rdquo;</em>.</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">These examples illustrate that when AI is targeted at well-defined problems, with structured data and clear objectives, it moves quickly from concept to impact.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">What separates success stories from stalled projects?</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">One standout finding from the report is that the biggest barrier to scaling AI isn&rsquo;t technology, it&rsquo;s the business case. Almost half (49%) of digital leaders cite <em>&ldquo;demonstrating the business case&rdquo;</em> as their top hurdle.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">But what if business cases are being built on weak foundations? In a recent episode of our industry-leading podcast, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-talks">&lsquo;Tech Talks,</a>&rsquo; Kyle Hauptfleisch (Chief Growth Officer at Daemon) shared that his view was that too many organisations had a broad, vague AI strategy rather than focusing on specific friction points.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><em>"What is the business trying to achieve? And then where are the friction points?... It's all about unlocking value, whether that's internally or for your customers, in a meaningful manner. It's got to move the needle; you can have multiple AI pilots that sit on the sideline, which have drained some resources but might offer good talking points, and maybe some decent lessons. But unless it's moving the business needle, it could become sunk cost".</em></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This sentiment was certainly backed up by our wider conversations with digital leaders. We know the difference comes down to a few critical factors:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Clear alignment with operational priorities</strong>: Boards are sharpening their focus on operational efficiency, with 53% citing it as their top technology objective. AI projects that tie directly to cost savings, productivity gains, or customer improvements are far more likely to gain traction.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Cross-functional ownership</strong>: The most successful AI adopters embed AI into core business processes, not just within IT functions. Teams from operations, HR, customer service, and product development are involved in shaping AI initiatives, ensuring they address business<a style="mso-comment-reference: RW_4; mso-comment-date: 20250819T0743;">&nbsp;</a><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span>needs.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Scalable infrastructure</strong>: From data platforms to governance frameworks, building the right technical foundations enables AI to be scaled across departments rather than remaining a niche experiment.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Targeted skills development</strong>: Despite AI&rsquo;s growing prevalence, more than half of organisations are not yet upskilling teams on generative AI. Those investing in internal capability building, particularly in AI literacy for non-technical teams, report smoother adoption and faster ROI.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">From pilot to productivity: Building your AI business case</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">For senior technology leaders, the question is no longer whether AI delivers value, but how to turn that value into real, scalable results.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Based on insights from the Digital Leadership Report, successful organisations approach AI with three guiding principles:</p>
<ol style="margin-top: 0cm;" start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Business-first, tech-enabled</strong>: Start with operational challenges and growth opportunities, then explore how AI can accelerate or enhance outcomes.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Embed, don&rsquo;t bolt on</strong>: Avoid treating AI as a side project. Integrate it into everyday workflows and decision-making processes.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Prove early, scale fast</strong>: Focus pilots on areas where quick wins are possible, quantify success, and use those wins to secure broader buy-in and investment.</li>
</ol>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">The road ahead</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">AI is rapidly moving from experimentation to enterprise-wide productivity. Organisations that act now to build strong business cases, foster alignment across teams, and invest in scalable AI strategies will be best placed to unlock sustainable competitive advantages.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Central to this shift is the evolving role of the CIO. Oracle&rsquo;s Country Leader, Siobhan Wilson, spoke to <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-talks">&lsquo;Tech Talks&rsquo;</a> to emphasise that the CIO's role itself is <em>"becoming much more aligned to the business as opposed to the business telling them what they want"</em>, leading to a <em>"much more collaborative conversation now"</em>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">AI success requires a unified effort across departments, not just within IT, impacting the digital leaders' outlook and remit.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For more insights into AI and digital leadership, download the <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">2025 Nash Squared / Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report</a></p>
<p>As a specialist IT and technology recruitment agency, we can support your AI recruitment needs, securing the skills and talent your organisation requires for a successful AI journey,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/contact-us">get in touch with our team today</a></p>

AI: From pilot to productivity

<h2><span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">The Price of Progress: Tech, Data, and Our Planet</span></h2>
<div class="x_x_x_x_elementToProof">The glittering promise of technological progress, from the entertainment spectacle of Las Vegas's Sphere to the relentless march of AI, often conceals a staggering environmental cost. Our digital world is drowning in data, projected to reach&nbsp;<strong>175 zettabytes by 2025</strong>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;<strong>yottabyte by 2030</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; a scale so immense it equates to every person on Earth carrying&nbsp;<strong>300 iPhones</strong>. This deluge places unprecedented strain on critical infrastructure; consider that data centers already consume&nbsp;<strong>21% of Ireland's electricity</strong>, with AI's power demands escalating this challenge dramatically. Most startling,&nbsp;<strong>68% of the data we store is "single-use garbage," generating more emissions than the entire airline industry</strong>. This Tech Flix documentary peels back the curtain on the invisible carbon footprint of our digital lives, exposing an industry that too often relies on the hope that "someone else is going to pick up the bar tab".</div>
<div class="x_x_x_x_elementToProof">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_x_x_x_elementToProof">Yet, is technology truly the problem, or can it also be our most potent solution? This film delves into the complex trade-offs and human decisions shaping our digital future. We explore the critical questions about corporate responsibility, the innovative potential of low-energy AI and quantum computing, and the search for balance in an era of unprecedented data demand. Watch the full documentary below, as we challenge assumptions and push for a more thoughtful, honest tech culture, revealing the real impact and the urgent need for proactive solutions to the climate crisis.</div>
<div class="x_x_x_x_elementToProof">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_x_x_x_elementToProof">This is our fifth <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-flix">Tech Flix</a> documentary, which explores the hidden sustainability impact of AI, cloud storage, and unstructured data and asks leading voices from within the tech industry what the answer is. <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/david-savage">David Savage</a>, Harvey Nash Technology Evangelist, <span data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">spotlights some of the very real challenges and potential costs of our pursuit of innovation in this latest film.</span></div>
<div class="x_x_x_x_elementToProof">&nbsp;</div>
<p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FQVvOMKxXJA?si=kqBr3eFuYCzLzOff" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin"></iframe></p>
<p class="x_x_MsoNormal"><strong>Key Takeaways for the film:</strong></p>
<p class="x_x_MsoNormal">The Hidden Cost of Data &amp; AI:</p>
<ul>
<li class="x_x_MsoNormal">Unused data is driving up energy consumption, creating an overlooked sustainability crisis.</li>
<li class="x_x_MsoNormal">AI&rsquo;s demand for power is increasing&mdash;without smarter data practices, its environmental impact will spiral.</li>
</ul>
<p class="x_x_MsoNormal">From Innovation to Accountability:</p>
<ul>
<li class="x_x_MsoNormal">Businesses must rethink data storage and AI usage to reduce waste and carbon footprint.</li>
<li class="x_x_MsoNormal">Sustainable data strategies can cut costs, improve efficiency, and drive responsible innovation.</li>
</ul>
<p class="x_x_MsoNormal">Solving the AI Energy Challenge:</p>
<ul>
<li class="x_x_MsoNormal">Companies have the tools to make AI and cloud computing greener&mdash;so why aren&rsquo;t they using them?</li>
<li class="x_x_MsoNormal">The tech industry must step up before data inefficiency becomes a climate disaster.</li>
</ul>
<p class="ewa-rteLine">&nbsp;</p>
<h1 class="ewa-rteLine">Tech Flix</h1>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Tech Flix is an innovative and thought-provoking docuseries hosted by Nash Squared Tech Evangelist,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/david-savage">David Savage</a>, that delves deep into the dynamic world of technology, where cutting-edge innovation meets human ingenuity. In this captivating exploration, David embarks on a journey to unravel various aspects of the tech universe, from the pioneers shaping our digital future to the ethical dilemmas that arise in an ever-connected world.</div>
<div class="ewa-rteLine">Find all the Tech Flix documentaries <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-flix">here.</a></div>

Tech Flix: Data's Untold Story 

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">The Great Search Rewire: What AI &amp; Video Mean for SEO's Future</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">SEO is having its most fundamental shift in 25 years. Georgie Kemp, SEO Lead at VEED, unpacks how AI search and the rise of video are rewriting the rules of discoverability. Forget the 'blue links'&mdash;we're diving into 'search everywhere optimization' and what still matters for cutting through the noise in a rapidly evolving digital world. Is SEO dead? Georgie says it's thriving, and more creative than ever.</span></p>
<h1><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2IIg0yVA2q3FDZ0sfxc7Eq?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe></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: Georgie Kemp, SEO Lead, VEED

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">&ldquo;Last Women Standing": The Fight to Keep Women in Tech on the Map Amidst Funding Cuts</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">The tech sector is facing a critical challenge: women are increasingly leaving the industry. But as Dr. Vanessa Vallely OBE, founder of We Are Tech Women, reveals, the answer isn't just about attracting new talent, but passionately fostering a vibrant, nationwide community for those already here.<br>Inspired by Ada Lovelace Day, Women in Tech Week is a grassroots movement that defied expectations, growing from an idea to 70 events in its first year, spanning from Falmouth to Edinburgh. Despite facing significant funding cuts in the wider industry, Vanessa discusses how they've doubled corporate interest this year, spotlighting crucial topics like AI, cyber, and the impacts of the Lovelace Report. This conversation explores the power of community, the fight for visibility, and why putting "Women in Tech on the map" is more vital than ever to ensure a thoughtful and honest tech culture for all leaders, builders, and learners.</span></p>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6qSc3yvhuJALYSxzJpm69S?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe></span></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: Dr. Vanessa Vallely OBE, Founder, We Are Tech Women

<p>Cybersecurity has taken centre stage in the UK this year. With threats growing more sophisticated and regulatory scrutiny tightening, businesses are investing heavily to protect their data, systems and people. As a result, demand for cyber professionals is climbing at pace, and the competition to secure top talent is intensifying.</p>
<p>At <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/talent-solutions/technology-digital-recruitment">Harvey Nash</a>, we&rsquo;ve seen cybersecurity evolve from a back-office concern to a boardroom priority. Over the past year, the nature of hiring has shifted. Employers are looking for more than just technical firepower. They want strategic thinkers who can embed security into every part of the organisation.</p>
<p>2025 feels like a turning point. The risks are greater, the stakes are higher, and the need for experienced, capable cyber talent is now critical. As a recruitment partner, our role is to help organisations understand what&rsquo;s happening in the market, and how to respond.</p>
<h2>Why Cybersecurity Talent Is in High Demand</h2>
<p>Across the UK, cyber threats are increasing in both frequency and severity. <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">The Nash Squared/Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report revealed 29% of digital leaders have&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">experienced a major cyberattack in the past 2 years, ending a 5-year decline.</a> The National Cyber Security Centre has also reported a significant rise in ransomware, phishing campaigns and attacks on critical infrastructure. For many businesses, the challenge is no longer just preventing breaches, but also being ready to respond, recover and learn.</p>
<p>At the same time, regulations are tightening. From data protection requirements to the Online Safety Act, organisations face growing pressure to demonstrate strong governance and accountability. For sectors like finance, healthcare, energy and the public sector, this is especially urgent.</p>
<p>Digital transformation is also playing a role. As cloud adoption accelerates and hybrid working becomes the norm, the attack surface expands. New technologies bring incredible opportunities, but also introduce new risks.</p>
<p>These combined forces are making cybersecurity talent one of the most sought-after resources in the UK job market today.</p>
<h2>Key Cybersecurity Trends Shaping the UK in 2025</h2>
<p>To understand the hiring landscape, it&rsquo;s important to look at what&rsquo;s actually happening on the ground. Here are the key trends shaping the cybersecurity conversation this year.</p>
<p><strong>Ransomware remains a major threat</strong></p>
<p>Attackers are becoming more targeted, more professional and more damaging, according to the Nash Squared/Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report organised crime remains the biggest concern for digital leaders.</p>
<p>Public services, councils and healthcare providers continue to be high-profile victims. This is driving demand for security operations specialists, incident response teams and forensic analysts.</p>
<p><strong>Supply chain risk is under the spotlight</strong></p>
<p>Breaches linked to third-party providers have exposed vulnerabilities beyond company walls. In response, organisations are investing in governance, risk and compliance roles to help manage vendor relationships and strengthen oversight.</p>
<p><strong>AI is creating both opportunities and risks</strong></p>
<p>Artificial intelligence is helping defenders automate responses and improve detection. But it is also giving attackers new tools to generate phishing emails, create deepfakes or even write malicious code. Employers are starting to look for professionals who understand how to manage this emerging risk.</p>
<p><strong>Data privacy is more important than ever</strong></p>
<p>The UK Information Commissioner&rsquo;s Office is taking a more assertive stance on enforcement, particularly around how customer data is stored and shared. This has led to growing interest in privacy-focused roles, especially in data-heavy sectors like retail and financial services.</p>
<p><strong>Zero Trust architecture is gaining traction</strong></p>
<p>Many organisations are moving towards a Zero Trust approach, where nobody inside or outside the network is trusted by default. This model requires specialists who understand identity management, access control and modern network design.</p>
<p><strong>Cloud misconfigurations are still causing problems</strong></p>
<p>Despite advances in tooling, simple mistakes in cloud setup continue to be a leading cause of breaches. This has made cloud security engineers essential, particularly those who can work closely with DevOps teams.</p>
<p><strong>Human error remains a challenge</strong></p>
<p>People are still at the heart of many breaches, whether through phishing, mis clicks or insider mistakes. Employers are increasingly focused on awareness, behaviour and building a culture of shared responsibility across their teams.</p>
<h2>The Most In-Demand Cybersecurity Roles for 2025</h2>
<p>The hiring market is being shaped by a push for resilience, agility and long-term thinking. Cybersecurity has emerged as the third most in-demand skill, with talent shortages up 6% on last year. These cyber focused roles are seeing consistent demand across the UK:</p>
<ul type="disc">
<li>
<p>SOC Analyst &ndash; Specialists who monitor threats, investigate incidents and act as the first line of defence.<br>Typical salary: &pound;40,000 to &pound;60,000</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Cloud Security Engineer &ndash; Experts in building and securing infrastructure in AWS, Azure or Google Cloud.<br>Typical salary: &pound;70,000 to &pound;100,000</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>GRC Specialist &ndash; Professionals who align security with risk, compliance and governance frameworks.<br>Typical salary: &pound;60,000 to &pound;90,000</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>IAM Lead &ndash; Focused on identity and access management, a vital area as companies adopt Zero Trust models.<br>Typical salary: &pound;65,000 to &pound;95,000</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>DevSecOps Engineer &ndash; Combining development, operations and embedded security across the software lifecycle.<br>Typical salary: &pound;75,000 to &pound;110,000</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Threat Intelligence Analyst &ndash; Providing real-time insight into evolving threats and advising on proactive measures.<br>Typical salary: &pound;50,000 to &pound;85,000</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Cybersecurity Analyst &ndash; A key all-rounder role, analysts monitor networks, investigate suspicious activity and support incident response efforts. They are often the first to identify and flag vulnerabilities.<br>Typical salary: &pound;45,000 to &pound;70,000</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>We&rsquo;re also seeing new hybrid titles emerge, such as Cyber Risk Manager or AI Security Consultant, reflecting the broader integration of security across the business.</p>
<h2>The Skills Employers Are Prioritising</h2>
<p>Employers are looking for more than technical knowledge, they&rsquo;re searching for people who can make a real impact.</p>
<p>Core technical skills include:</p>
<ul type="disc">
<li>
<p>Cloud security</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Incident response and threat hunting</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Identity and access management</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Zero Trust architecture</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Familiarity with UK regulatory standards and NCSC guidance</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Certifications often requested:</p>
<ul type="disc">
<li>
<p>CISSP, CISM, CISA</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>CompTIA Security+</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>ISO 27001</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Cloud security credentials (e.g. AWS or Azure certification)</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Soft skills are playing a bigger role too:</p>
<ul type="disc">
<li>
<p>Strong communication, especially with non-technical stakeholders</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Problem-solving in fast-moving environments</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Collaboration across departments</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Adaptability and strategic thinking</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Security is no longer confined to the IT team. Cyber professionals need to work closely with legal, operations, HR and even marketing , making soft skills essential.</p>
<h2>Challenges in Hiring Cybersecurity Talent</h2>
<p>There is no shortage of demand, but there are still real barriers when it comes to finding the right people.</p>
<ul type="disc">
<li>
<p>There simply aren&rsquo;t enough candidates, particularly in areas like cloud security, GRC and threat analysis.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Top talent is being snapped up quickly, often with multiple offers on the table.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Hiring processes can be too slow or not well aligned with the role, leading to missed opportunities.</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>Many employers struggle to assess technical capability, especially for niche roles.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Cybersecurity professionals often need to be approached directly. Many are not actively applying for jobs, but may be open to a change if the role and organisation feel right.</p>
<h2>How Harvey Nash Supports Cybersecurity Recruitment</h2>
<p>At Harvey Nash, we have been supporting UK organisations with technology recruitment for over 35 years. Cybersecurity is now a fast-growing part of that journey.</p>
<p>While this may be a newer specialism for us, we bring depth of experience, a broad talent network and a reputation for delivering results. We focus on understanding what makes each organisation unique, and tailoring our approach to find people who not only match the job description, but align with culture, values and long-term goals.</p>
<p>Our consultants are embedded in the UK technology ecosystem and speak to cyber professionals every day. We&rsquo;re able to advise on salary expectations, skill trends, and how to position roles in a competitive market.</p>
<p>If you are building out your cyber team in 2025, and looking for a recruitment partner who understands both the urgency and complexity of the task, we&rsquo;d love to talk. Please contact us <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/contact-us">here. </a></p>
<p>Find all our cybersecurity jobs <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/jobs/#/information-security">here. </a></p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, it&rsquo;s a board-level priority and a key pillar of operational resilience. The landscape is changing fast, and the organisations that succeed will be those that invest early in the right people.</p>
<p>2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for cybersecurity hiring. Whether you&rsquo;re scaling up your team, building capability from scratch, or rethinking your security strategy, the right talent can make all the difference.</p>
<p>At Harvey Nash, we&rsquo;re here to help you navigate the market, connect with the right people and build a team fit for the future.</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;d like to explore how we can support your cybersecurity hiring plans, get in touch with our team<a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/contact-us"> here.</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/mo-gaibee">Mo Gaibee &ndash; Cyber Security </a></p>

Cybersecurity Trends 2025: A UK Hiring Outlook

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">Cyber War Stories, Supply Chain Blind Spots &amp; Why AI Is the New Risk Frontier</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">Cyberattacks are no longer an &ldquo;if&rdquo;&mdash;they&rsquo;re a &ldquo;when.&rdquo;<br><br>Emma Wright, Partner at Crowell &amp; Moring and a leading voice in privacy and cybersecurity law, joins Tech Talks to share what really happens when your systems go down, why supply chain vulnerabilities keep boards awake, and how ransomware gangs like Scattered Spider operate.<br><br>We explore the hidden weak spots, why basic attacks still succeed, and how boards can prepare for the chaos when&mdash;not if&mdash;a breach hits. Plus, Emma unpacks the legal and operational risks of rushing AI adoption without proper governance.</span></p>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1lQkqX51BqafuKkO7D4NEX?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe></span></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: Emma Wright, Partner, Crowell & Moring

<p>The demand for AI skills is outpacing supply at an extraordinary rate. According to the latest <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">Nash Squared/Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report,</a> 51% of global tech leaders now say their organisation has an AI skills shortage, almost double the 28% reported just a year ago. AI has leapt from sixth to the number one most-scarce skill in just 18 months, marking the steepest rise seen in over 15 years of research.</p>
<p>Featured in a recent ZDNet article, Nash Squared CIO Ankur Anand , offers timely insight into why the gap has grown so significantly, and what organisations can do to address it. He points to the speed of innovation as a key factor:</p>
<p>&ldquo;There&rsquo;s an unprecedented pace of development in generative AI and the supporting large language models&hellip; Professionals must learn new skills quickly, and traditional learning methods can&rsquo;t keep pace.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The article explores how forward-thinking leaders are adapting, from rethinking recruitment to embedding continuous learning, and ensuring their organisations can attract and retain the right blend of AI expertise and ethical awareness.</p>
<p>You can read the full <a href="https://www.zdnet.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ZDNet</a> article, including Ankur Anand&rsquo;s insights and reflections on the fast-moving AI skills landscape, <a href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-ai-skills-gap-keeps-growing-here-are-five-ways-to-fill-it/">here</a>.</p>

How are employers rethinking talent to keep pace with AI innovation?

<p>On 16th July 2025, we gathered with some of Yorkshire&rsquo;s most influential tech leaders to mark the Leeds launch of the <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">Nash Squared / Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report 2025</a>. This wasn&rsquo;t just a celebration of 26 years of industry-leading insight; it was a chance to reflect on how national and global trends are being shaped and challenged on a local level.</p>
<p>With data drawn from over 2,000 digital leaders across 62 countries, the DLR is a global barometer for tech strategy, transformation, and talent. But at our Leeds event, the spotlight was on the voices shaping that strategy here in the North.</p>
<h2>What the data tells us</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/david-savage">David Savage</a>, Tech Evangelist at Nash Squared, opened the event by walking us through the key findings of this year&rsquo;s report, highlighting rapid growth in AI investment, mounting cybersecurity concerns, the shifting shape of hybrid work, and how digital leaders are recalibrating priorities in an uncertain economic landscape.</p>
<p>But while the stats were compelling, it was the panel that brought the numbers to life.</p>
<h2>Panel: Leadership in action</h2>
<p>Our panel featured a diverse mix of digital leaders from across public services, healthcare, financial services and academia:</p>
<p>Jennifer Anderson, CIO, National Wealth Fund</p>
<p>Jo Graham, CDIO, Pharmacy2U</p>
<p>Ann-Marie Orange, CIO &amp; Global Head of R&amp;D, ArisGlobal</p>
<p>Tyrrell Basson, Director of Information Technology, University of York</p>
<p>Each panellist shared their lived experience of leadership, what&rsquo;s shifting in their own teams, and how the report&rsquo;s trends are unfolding in real-time.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/d8fk89qbsyd0wzhv8xwwhxehxo6v" alt="" width="500" height="375"></p>
<h2>Tech leadership is becoming more human</h2>
<p>One of the strongest takeaways from the panel was how human the role of a digital leader has become. It&rsquo;s no longer just about tools and transformation; it&rsquo;s about trust, empathy, and bringing people with you.</p>
<p>The panel reflected on the challenge of modernising critical public infrastructure while maintaining public trust and securing stakeholder alignment. They also discussed the broader challenge of driving innovation in a way that builds confidence, ensures ethical implementation, and delivers meaningful outcomes, particularly when introducing technologies like AI that require cultural change as much as technical capability.</p>
<p>The panel highlighted the growing need for cross-functional leadership in increasingly tech-driven environments. Effective digital leaders, they noted, are those who blend technical expertise with emotional intelligence, and who understand that meaningful innovation is driven by people as much as by technology.</p>
<h2>AI, skills and the new competitive edge</h2>
<p>There was a clear consensus that AI is no longer a future trend; it&rsquo;s today&rsquo;s reality. But the panel pushed beyond the hype, focusing on how businesses can practically apply AI to drive outcomes, not just headlines.</p>
<p>The panel discussed the importance of investing in both infrastructure and people to support the growing role of AI across industries. They also touched on the widening digital skills gap, emphasising the shared responsibility organisations have, not just to adopt new technologies, but to help build and sustain the workforce needed to support them. A recurring theme was that while AI has the power to transform tasks, it&rsquo;s human talent that will ultimately determine success.</p>
<h2>Cyber resilience is a board-level conversation</h2>
<p>With the report showing a rise in major cyber incidents, our panel didn&rsquo;t shy away from tough conversations. There was agreement that cybersecurity can no longer be siloed within IT; leaders need to create cultures of cyber awareness and resilience across every level of the business. Importantly, this isn&rsquo;t just a risk issue, but a leadership one.</p>
<h2>Leeds: A digital hub with a human heart</h2>
<p>The event highlighted what makes Leeds and the broader Yorkshire tech ecosystem so unique, with innovation grounded in purpose. Whether delivering public services, developing life-changing drugs, or rethinking education delivery, our panel showed that digital leadership here is values-led, community-focused, and deeply collaborative.</p>
<p>Thank you to our brilliant panel and all who attended for making the Leeds launch such a powerful conversation. We left with a deeper understanding of what it means to lead through change and how local leadership is helping to shape global impact.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">Explore the full findings in the Nash Squared / Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report 2025.</a></p>

Leeds Digital Leadership Report launch event highlights

<p>Harvey Nash&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/helen-fleming">Helen Fleming</a>, Executive Director, and <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/peter-birch">Peter Birch</a>, Director of Technology and Digital Executive Search recently featured in a Computing article exploring why some technology leaders are receiving inflation-busting salary increases, and what sets them apart.</p>
<p>Drawing on the latest insights from the 2025<a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025"> Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report</a>, the article reveals that over half of technology leaders globally received a pay rise last year, with 11% securing an uplift of over 10%.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/wueolfmopcghmkbvp6ff5gt6f3q8" alt="" width="727" height="283"></p>
<p>The data points to a clear pattern, the most rewarded leaders are working in businesses where technology is seen as a growth engine, not just a cost centre. These organisations are more likely to be investing in AI at scale, expanding their tech teams, and backed by leaders who view technology as a strategic enabler.</p>
<p>Helen and Peter share advice for tech leaders looking to improve their earning potential - from aligning with forward-thinking, tech-driven organisations to choosing sectors with stronger demand and budgets for senior digital talent, such as financial services, healthcare, and defense.</p>
<p>To find out how the most successful leaders are shaping their careers &ndash; and their compensation &ndash; read the full article in <a href="https://www.computing.co.uk/opinion/2025/bigger-pay-rises-for-tech-leaders-at-ai-progressive-businesses" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Computing.</a></p>

How are tech leaders securing the biggest pay rises?

<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Skills shortages continue to stalk the technology industry. Although not as acute as in the post-pandemic period, large proportions of technology leaders admit that skills shortages are holding them back. In this year&rsquo;s </span><a href="https://www.nashsquared.com/dlr-2025/dlr-2025"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Nash Squared/Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report (DLR)</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">, AI tops the list with 51% of leaders reporting a skills shortage, but other areas rank highly too, notably big data/data engineering (36%), cyber security (33%), and cloud and platform engineers (26%).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">It isn&rsquo;t just that these skills are hard to find &ndash; some technology leaders may not have the headcount room to recruit additional staff. Although a healthy 41% of technology leaders expect to see headcount growth in their teams this year, this is down from 50% in 2023. Budgets follow a similar pattern &ndash; with a slight fall in leaders expecting a technology budget increase, from 45% in 2023 to 39% now. While many digital leaders are still anticipating headcount and budget growth, the numbers have subsided somewhat in a tighter economic environment.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">The DLR shows us that for many technology leaders, at least part of the solution to this conundrum is outsourcing &ndash; using external solution providers for specific projects and activities. Over four in ten technology leaders expect their use of outsourcing to increase in the coming year, compared to 34% who say directly employed headcount will rise, and 29% who expect indirectly employed headcount (contractors, temporary staff) to increase. Only 15% of leaders expect outsourcing to decrease, a much lower proportion than those who say that of direct employment (25%) and indirect (20%). Tech leaders&rsquo; sentiment towards increasing outsourcing in the coming year has been backed up by </span><a href="https://www.statista.com/outlook/tmo/it-services/it-outsourcing/united-kingdom"><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Statista</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">, that forecasts the IT outsourcing market<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>will <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>be worth &pound;44bn in 2025, with a projected annual growth rate of over 9% from 2025-2029.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Outsourcing attractions</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Given the cost of outsourcing as a solution, it may seem almost counter-intuitive that it tops the list at a time of economic caution. However, I believe there are a number of compelling factors that are putting it higher on tech leaders&rsquo; agendas.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Firstly, outsourcing is very flexible. In times of uncertainty, having a resourcing model that can quickly ramp up and down as needed is appealing.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Secondly, it&rsquo;s easy. Most organisations, certainly large ones, will have agreements already in place with a number of consultancies and solutions providers that can be activated or extended when needed. It&rsquo;s a quick and straightforward fix to a resourcing or workload issue. It&rsquo;s a reflection too of how the barrier between what lies inside an organisation and what lies outside has lowered. Technology itself, like cloud and the productisation of software and business activities that previously were home-grown, has made it easier for some things, especially operational activities, to be done externally. The explosion in remote working has lowered the barrier even further.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">It is also a route to quality. With the right provider, backed up by precise SLAs and rigorous performance metrics, a buyer should be assuring themselves of a good outcome that achieves the goals and objectives set. It&rsquo;s rather like the old saying that &ldquo;no one got fired for buying IBM&rdquo;. If you&rsquo;re using a leading consultancy/solutions provider, you should be on safe ground. With ever more solutions specialists and niche providers in the market, it&rsquo;s also possible to find support for practically any need &ndash; whether that&rsquo;s a managed service, application transformation, cyber, data and AI, or cloud. There are often a number of wider benefits too. Beyond the immediate work they&rsquo;re doing, a good consultancy will offer wider guidance, best practice insights and thought leadership on emerging areas such as AI.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">But perhaps equal to all of these factors in the current climate is that outsourcing doesn&rsquo;t add to headcount &ndash; it&rsquo;s just spend. As long as there is room in the existing budget, there is no need &ndash; or only a limited one &ndash; for difficult discussions with HR or other leadership. At a time when the cost of employment is rising through NI increases, and when IR35 changes are also making the use of contractors more complicated, contracting with an outsourced service provider becomes more attractive.&nbsp;</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">Balancing resourcing models</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">This is something we&rsquo;re seeing ourselves at Harvey Nash, where increasingly more clients are asking us to put together a team of people under a services agreement, rather than to recruit individuals in different roles. It&rsquo;s a variation on going to a services provider and is becoming a more common ask across the recruitment industry.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">That&rsquo;s not to say other models won&rsquo;t continue to be key. Indirect employment of contractors and freelancers remains another flexible tool that always grows when market conditions are tight. Meanwhile, organisations continue to hunt for the right talent to bring in internally. Tech leaders still place primacy on their own teams. Candidates with the requisite skills and experience remain in demand.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;">More than anything, our findings underline that managing technology in a continually evolving environment is complex. That&rsquo;s why technology leaders need to juggle multiple resourcing models and continually assess the balance as they strive to help their businesses modernise, transform and grow.</span></p>

Why Tech Leaders Are Turning to Outsourcing to address skills gaps

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">Sustainability Is Good Business&mdash;But Show Me the Numbers</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">Regulation. Data overload. Greenwashing. Welcome to the frontline of corporate sustainability.<br>In this episode, David speaks with Raphael G&uuml;ller, Chief Product Officer at Sweep&mdash;a company helping businesses manage their carbon footprint with the same precision they apply to finance.<br>Raphael shares why compliance isn&rsquo;t enough, why Scope 3 emissions are often ignored, and how AI and automation are reshaping sustainability from a reporting headache into a real business advantage.<br>This conversation is a must-listen for anyone serious about ESG strategy, proving ROI to the board, or building a resilient organisation in a low-carbon economy.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h1><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/4wYaXfqjNzm7SwuNyu9L4f?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe></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: Raphael Güller, Chief Product Officer, Sweep

<p>On 26th June 2025, we gathered with a brilliant group of digital and business leaders in<a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/contact-us/birmingham"> Birmingham</a> to mark the regional launch of the Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report 2025. The event brought together voices from across the Midlands to explore what digital leadership looks like in a time of constraint, transformation, and opportunity.</p>
<p>Now in its 26th year, the <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">Digital Leadership Report</a> is the world&rsquo;s largest and longest-running survey of senior technology decision-makers. It continues to offer a unique lens into the evolving priorities, technologies, and risks shaping the digital landscape &mdash; and the leaders navigating it.</p>
<p>This year&rsquo;s report draws on insights from 2,015 digital leaders across 62 countries. It captures a global moment of recalibration, where AI is moving from experimentation to execution, cybersecurity threats are rising again, and hybrid work continues to evolve. But more than anything, it reflects a shift in mindset: from growth at all costs to clarity, focus, and resilience.</p>
<h2>Voices from the frontline of public sector transformation</h2>
<p>The evening was hosted by Nash Squared&rsquo;s Tech Evangelist, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/david-savage">David Savage</a>, and featured two keynote speakers who brought the report&rsquo;s themes to life through the lens of public sector leadership.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-goodwin-mba-citp-mbcs-1b932655/">Kelly Goodwin </a>MBA, CITP MBCS, CIO at the University of Wolverhampton, opened the evening with a keynote focused on navigating digital transformation in higher education. Her presentation, titled &ldquo;Mission Impossible: Finding power in priorities when investment slows,&rdquo; explored how institutions can move beyond reactive decision-making and instead focus on strategic clarity. She spoke about the importance of prioritising what truly matters, especially when resources are limited, a theme that echoed the report&rsquo;s finding that while investment is slowing, priorities are sharpening&nbsp;</p>
<p>Her emphasis on resilience over speed aligned with the report&rsquo;s broader narrative around leadership recalibration. As AI adoption accelerates, digital leaders are being called to lead with intention, not urgency. The report revealed that organisations furthest ahead with AI are 24% more likely to be increasing tech headcount, particularly in areas like AI and data.</p>
<p>Kelly reinforced this by highlighting the need to build empowered teams that can drive transformation, not just implement it.</p>
<h2>Doing more with less</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinjsadler/">Martin Sadler</a>, Director of Digital &amp; Technology Services at Birmingham City Council, followed with a keynote that offered a candid look at digital leadership in the context of financial constraint. His talk focused on the challenge of delivering scalable digital services in a time of budget pressure , a reality faced by many public sector organisations.</p>
<p>The report&rsquo;s findings on board-level priorities felt especially relevant to the discussion. Despite signs of slowing investment, over half of digital leaders (53%) say their number one priority is using technology to improve operational efficiency.</p>
<p>Martin explored how this shift applies in the public sector, where the goal is not profit but public value. His reflections on cross-sector collaboration and strategic reinvestment brought the report&rsquo;s themes into sharp focus, showing how local authorities can remain agile and impactful even in difficult circumstances.</p>
<h2>AI, cybersecurity and the skills challenge</h2>
<p>Both speakers touched on the growing role of AI in shaping digital strategy. The report shows that nearly 1 in 5 organisations are now running large-scale AI projects, almost double last year&rsquo;s figure&nbsp;</p>
<p>But the message from Birmingham was clear: AI must be purposeful. It&rsquo;s not about chasing trends, but about solving real problems and unlocking capacity.</p>
<p>Cybersecurity also featured prominently in the discussion. With 29% of digital leaders reporting a major cyberattack in the past two years, the report highlights a renewed urgency around digital risk&nbsp;</p>
<p>Martin spoke about embedding resilience into every layer of the organisation, not just in systems, but in culture and leadership.</p>
<p>The skills gap was another shared concern. The report revealed an 82% increase in organisations citing AI as their top skills challenge&nbsp;</p>
<p>Kelly addressed this directly, emphasising the need to invest in people, not just platforms. Her call to &ldquo;build the A-Team&rdquo; reflected a broader shift in leadership thinking, one that values capability, adaptability, and collaboration.</p>
<h2>Beyond the numbers</h2>
<p>The Birmingham launch wasn&rsquo;t just a presentation of findings; it was a conversation. A moment to reflect on the data, but also to hear how it&rsquo;s being lived, challenged, and reimagined by leaders on the ground. From universities to city councils, the evening showcased the courage, creativity, and clarity that define today&rsquo;s digital leadership.</p>
<p>Thank you to our keynote speakers, Kelly Goodwin and Martin Sadler, and to all our guests for making the Birmingham launch such a thoughtful and noteworthy event.</p>

Birmingham Digital Leadership Report Launch Event Highlights

<h1>Lessons in Leadership: What schools can teach the tech industry</h1>
<div class="xgmjVLxjqfcXK5BV_XyN">David returns to his old school, Bedlington Academy, for a powerful conversation with Deputy Head Simon Collins. On the surface, it&rsquo;s a story about education. But listen closely and it&rsquo;s a story every business leader needs to hear. Simon reveals how modern schools are navigating AI, digital literacy, and real-world career paths&mdash;while building resilience, independence, and ambition in communities too often overlooked.</div>
<div class="xgmjVLxjqfcXK5BV_XyN">
<p class="e-9960-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued umouqjSkMUbvF4I_Xz6r" data-encore-id="text">From AI in the classroom to unlocking aspiration in post-industrial towns, this isn&rsquo;t just a lesson in pedagogy&mdash;it&rsquo;s a call to industry to meet education halfway.</p>
</div>
<div class="xgmjVLxjqfcXK5BV_XyN">
<p class="e-9960-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued umouqjSkMUbvF4I_Xz6r" data-encore-id="text">Education and tech have more in common than you&rsquo;d think&mdash;fast-moving environments, shifting expectations, and a duty to prepare people for the future. In this episode, Simon Collins unpacks how schools like Bedlington Academy are embracing AI, personal development, and creativity to prepare students for careers that didn&rsquo;t exist a decade ago. He&rsquo;s clear: the tech world needs to show up, not just with advice&mdash;but with collaboration, empathy, and opportunity.</p>
</div>
<h1><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5no40fSxNlKAda5qluO5F9?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe></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: Simon Collins, Deputy Head, Bedlington Academy

Digital Leadership Report 2025: London Event Launch Highlights

<h1>Just Breathe: Gwyn Williams on Tech, Health and Scaling with Purpose</h1>
<div class="xgmjVLxjqfcXK5BV_XyN">What if the next innovation in health tech isn&rsquo;t an app&mdash;but a smarter way to inhale steam? Gwyn Williams joins us to unpack how WellO₂ is turning breathing into a performance metric, from elite football to everyday wellness.</div>
<div class="xgmjVLxjqfcXK5BV_XyN">
<p class="e-9960-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued umouqjSkMUbvF4I_Xz6r" data-encore-id="text">Gwyn Williams, UK Sales and Marketing lead for Finnish healthtech firm WellO₂, joins David to explore how their steam-powered breathing trainer is tackling one of the world&rsquo;s most overlooked health issues: how we breathe. From clinical use to elite football partnerships (👋 West Ham), WellO₂ combines resistance, steam, and smart tech to support recovery, boost vocal strength, and battle the invisible strain of urban living.</p>
<p class="e-9960-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued umouqjSkMUbvF4I_Xz6r" data-encore-id="text"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5kS8pqCOyTENA4OlSRd4fn?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe></p>
</div>
<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: Gwyn Williams, UK Sales and Marketing, WellO₂

<h1>Beyond the Buzzwords: AI, Bias and Staying Relevant</h1>
<p>If AI feels like it&rsquo;s moving faster than your ability to keep up&mdash;you&rsquo;re not alone. But according to Fawad Qureshi, staying relevant isn&rsquo;t about knowing everything. It&rsquo;s about learning to ask the right questions.From &ldquo;data plumber&rdquo; to field CTO at Snowflake, Fawad Qureshi has made a career out of translating complexity into clarity. In this wide-ranging conversation, he joins David to break down the psychology of AI adoption, the myth of machine intelligence, and why the most dangerous phrase in tech is &ldquo;that sounds smart.&rdquo; From AI hallucinations to deepfake threats, Fawad urges leaders to lean into critical thinking, reject hype, and rethink the skills that really matter in an age of accelerating automation.</p>
<p><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6ll0N4x6vJlF2GikWcMnNp?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></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: Fawad Qureshi, Field CTO, Snowflake

<h1>Scaling Fast, Dressing Smart: Engineering lessons from Rent the Runway</h1>
<div class="xgmjVLxjqfcXK5BV_XyN">What do you get when a fashion disruptor scales into a tech-first logistics machine? A story about pivoting through a pandemic, building globally distributed teams, and making engineering culture fit for the runway.</div>
<div class="xgmjVLxjqfcXK5BV_XyN">
<p class="e-9960-text encore-text-body-medium encore-internal-color-text-subdued umouqjSkMUbvF4I_Xz6r" data-encore-id="text">SVP of Engineering Becky Case and VP Engineering Ronan Conlon from Rent the Runway join David at Dublin Tech Summit to talk leadership, culture, and the realities behind scaling a business that blends tech, logistics, and luxury fashion. From launching a Galway engineering hub just before COVID, to avoiding the temptation of hypergrowth, Becky and Ronan share the backstage view on building with intent&mdash;and what it takes to preserve creativity and collaboration when you&rsquo;re growing fast.</p>
</div>
<h1><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6xUHVyacGgGFgRUxxnG7tO?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe></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: Becky Case and Ronan Conlon, Rent the Runway

<p class="MsoNormal">On 16th May, Andy Heyes, Managing Director UK&amp;I &amp; Central Europe, joined industry leaders and policymakers at parliament for the official launch of the UK&rsquo;s National Hiring Taskforce, a new initiative from the Better Hiring Institute.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The event brought together voices from across government, business, and recruitment to discuss how the UK can modernise and improve its hiring landscape. With a central theme of &lsquo;reimagining recruitment&rsquo;, the Taskforce aims to explore how we can make hiring faster, fairer, and more inclusive through technology, data, and innovation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Andy represented Harvey Nash in discussions focused on the evolving role of technology in recruitment, particularly how innovation can reduce friction in the hiring process and unlock untapped talent across all regions and sectors. A key theme was the need to move beyond traditional job titles and qualifications, instead focusing on individuals&rsquo; potential and transferable skills to build more diverse, agile and skills-driven workforces.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">By bringing together key decision-makers and forward-thinking organisations, the launch highlighted a shared commitment to making recruitment work better for everyone in the UK.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As a leader in technology recruitment, Harvey Nash is proud to contribute to these important conversations. We see daily how innovation can connect people to meaningful opportunities and help organisations build diverse, high-performing tech teams. Being part of the National Hiring Taskforce reflects our continued dedication to shaping a recruitment industry that is modern, inclusive, and future-ready.</p>

Harvey Nash backs launch of UK Hiring Taskforce at Parliament

<h1>Cybercrime in the Age of Accelerants</h1>
<p>Trend Micro&rsquo;s Director of Forward-Looking Threat Research, Robert McArdle, joins David to unpack how large-language-model (LLM) tech is changing the economics of cyber-crime&mdash;and what leaders can do to keep risk at &ldquo;walk-down-the-main-street&rdquo; levels instead of &ldquo;Rio-back-alley&rdquo; chaos. From TikTok&ndash;style malware baits to zero-trust guard-rails, Robert explains why awareness, adaptive security and simple governance steps matter more than ever.</p>
<h1><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5xuYeNoAzDNHlteACkFnZ4?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe></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: Robert McArdle, Director, Trend Micro

<h1>The Last Digital Transformation</h1>
<p>Richard Skinner, CEO of Phased AI, joins Tech Talks to discuss why the AI revolution may be the final seismic shift in digital transformation&mdash;and what that means for businesses, technologists, and society. In a wide-ranging conversation from the floor of Dublin Tech Summit, Richard talks about governance, skill gaps, the creative limits of LLMs, and how bottom-up adoption is reshaping enterprise AI.</p>
<p><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6eZGBmDmTZ6TbhoSgEEEBQ?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe>&nbsp;</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: Richard Skinner, CEO, Phased AI

<h1>Philosophy, Privacy and the Future of AI</h1>
<p>In this episode, Jared Browne&mdash;philosopher-turned-lawyer and Group Head of Privacy and AI Governance at Fexco&mdash;joins David to explore the moral and regulatory tightrope companies must walk in the age of generative and agentic AI. Jared shares why human oversight is still essential, how our relationship with AI is evolving, and why the risks of unchecked interaction&mdash;especially with hyper-personalised systems&mdash;shouldn&rsquo;t be underestimated.</p>
<p><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5h4MtaVU2sgAFO6KqxzMiP?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></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>
<p>&nbsp;</p>

Tech Talks: Jared Browne, Head of Privacy and AI Governance, Fexco

<p class="MsoNormal">On 17th June, the <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/contact-us/newcastle">Harvey Nash Newcastle</a> team attended TechNExt, the North East&rsquo;s flagship technology festival, bringing together thousands of attendees across five days to celebrate the region&rsquo;s thriving tech scene.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As part of the festival the team took to the TechNExt Sustainability Hub alongside <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/david-savage">David Savage</a>, Group Technology Evangelist, to showcase the fifth instalment of the <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-flix">Tech Flix docuseries</a>, &lsquo;Data&rsquo;s Untold Story: The AI Energy Crisis&rsquo;, a thought-provoking documentary exploring the growing tension between innovation, data and sustainability.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Held in Blyth, the session welcomed attendees with an introduction by <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/michael-day">Michael Day, Associate Consultant</a>, who set the scene for what is becoming an increasingly urgent issue: the exponential growth of data versus the energy required to sustain it. The documentary was then presented to the audience, which explores the mounting challenge of energy consumption in technology and data and what that means for our digital future.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Following the screening, a panel of industry leaders took to the stage to reflect on the film&rsquo;s themes and share their own perspectives. The panel featured:</p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Joanne Todd, CIO, St John Ambulance</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Jayne Routledge, Digital, Data and Technology Director, Everyturn Mental Health</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Paul Fitton, Director of Digital and Innovation Northern Powergrid</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">Stuart Redshaw, IT Manager, Tombola</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">Moderated by David Savage, the panel tackled some of the film&rsquo;s most pressing questions: What is the true cost of storing our ever-growing digital data, and how do we maintain long-term sustainability strategies when the average tenure of a senior leader is just over three years? - as reported in the Nash Squared/Harvey Nash <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">Digital Leadership Report 2025</a>.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Key themes from the discussion included:</h2>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Return on impact</strong>: Rather than focusing solely on traditional ROI, panellists stressed the importance of understanding the broader impact of sustainability projects, both environmentally and socially. Jane Routledge highlighted the challenge of aligning the board with long-term sustainability goals, advocating for a shift in how value is measured and communicated.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Leadership turnover and continuity</strong>: A recurring theme from both the film and the panel was the issue of leadership churn. With digital leaders often in post for less than four years, the panel questioned how organisations could maintain momentum and accountability for long-term net-zero goals.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Shared responsibility in the digital supply chain</strong>: The panel also discussed the role of major cloud and tech providers, such as Microsoft and AWS, in the sustainability equation. It's not just about individual business actions; suppliers too must take accountability for the energy their platforms consume.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>The ethics of AI and data consumption</strong>: As AI becomes more integrated into business operations, ethical concerns around its environmental impact surfaced. Questions from the floor explored whether issues like AI governance and energy usage were being properly discussed at board level, the general consensus was that they&rsquo;re not, but they <em>should</em> be.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Should data consumption be taxed?</strong> One particularly provocative idea raised by the audience was the introduction of a &ldquo;gigabyte tax&rdquo; on data consumption, similar to a carbon tax. While the idea was ultimately deemed unworkable (due to the risk of rising end-user costs), it sparked important dialogue around how governments and regulators might incentivise more sustainable tech practices.</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal">While the session didn&rsquo;t promise clear-cut answers, what it offered was arguably more important: a space for debate, reflection and collective responsibility. From practical strategies to philosophical challenges, the panel opened new ways of thinking about tech&rsquo;s role in sustainability.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As <a href="https://www.nashsquared.com/">Nash Squared</a>/Harvey Nash&rsquo;s Tech Flix series continues to tour the UK, events like this provide a critical platform to drive forward the conversation - not just about <em>what</em> the problems are, but about <em>who</em> is responsible and <em>how</em> we move forward together.</p>

TechNExt 2025: Tech Flix goes North

<h1>From Touchline to Timeline: James Doyle on AI's Playbook for Sport</h1>
<p>James Doyle, CEO of iReel, joins Tech Talks to explore how generative and agentic AI are transforming elite sport. With roots in football and a reach across multiple sports, iReel is helping clubs move beyond dashboards and into conversational analytics&mdash;making once-siloed performance data accessible, insightful, and actionable. James discusses the startup&rsquo;s fast rise, the risk of robotic sport, and why human creativity still has a vital role in the AI age.</p>
<p><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5731Q34sWLtvEaIxC60vk7?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></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: James Doyle, CEO, iReel

<p>This year, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/david-savage">David Savage</a>, Tech Evangelist at <a href="https://www.nashsquared.com/">Nash Squared</a>/Harvey Nash, returned to <a href="https://londontechweek.com/speakers/david-savage">London Tech Week</a>, an event that unites global innovators, investors, and enterprise leaders shaping the technologies of tomorrow.</p>
<p>Between moderating main-stage conversations and connecting with leaders across the City, David found this year&rsquo;s agenda striking a more urgent tone, one focused not just on innovation, but on responsibility.</p>
<p>Read on for David&rsquo;s reflections on the moments that mattered, the voices that stood out, and the powerful reminder that tech done right means putting deeds before dogma.</p>
<h2>A week that hit differently</h2>
<p>There are conference weeks, and then there are weeks. My London Tech Week 2025 (and its wider supporting events) definitely fell into the latter category.</p>
<p>Between moderating on-stage at Olympia alongside NetApp&rsquo;s wonderfully engaging Director Paul van der Lingen, and screening our latest Tech Flix documentary inside Parliament, the week sparked some urgent conversations around leadership, sustainability, and the environmental cost of our digital future - conversations I felt were echoed around the City the whole week!</p>
<h2>Deed over dogma</h2>
<p>The phrase that kept ringing in my ears all week was &ldquo;Deed over dogma.&rdquo; It came from Ali Zaidi, a climate policy advisor in President Biden&rsquo;s administration, a speaker I was lucky to meet after his talk on the Sustainability Stage.</p>
<p>It perfectly captured the tone of the discussions we were having and hearing. In a space increasingly filled with hype and half-truths, there&rsquo;s a growing appetite from technologists and business leaders alike to cut through the noise and focus on meaningful, measurable action.</p>
<p>The hidden footprint of digital innovation</p>
<p>That sentiment was front and centre in our <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-flix">Tech Flix</a> film, which shines a light on the environmental impact of unused data and AI workloads. 68% of enterprise data sits idle, consuming power, water, and resources, often stored &ldquo;just in case&rdquo;. It&rsquo;s a silent crisis, one that&rsquo;s growing in scale, yet rarely discussed in mainstream AI conversations. NetApp labelled it the &ldquo;digital landfill&rdquo;.</p>
<p>Screening Tech Flix 5 at Parliament, with support from MP Victoria Collins (the LibDem Science, Innovation and Technology spokesperson), brought the message into the heart of policy conversations. If we want AI to scale responsibly, we can&rsquo;t ignore the physical footprint it leaves behind.</p>
<h2>From problem-spotting to problem-solving</h2>
<p>But <a href="https://londontechweek.com/">London Tech Week</a> didn&rsquo;t just expose the problems, it also brought forward real momentum for solutions. Across stages, we heard calls for better questions, clearer measurement, and more inclusive innovation. This isn&rsquo;t just about moving faster, it&rsquo;s about moving smarter - and that&rsquo;s the real challenge for digital leaders.</p>
<p>The answer isn&rsquo;t to slow down innovation (there is zero appetite from the board or customers for that), but to lead it with intent. To rethink what progress looks like, to measure not only how much data we collect, but what value we actually derive from it. To interrogate our architectures, our platforms, and our policies and ask if they&rsquo;re fit for the future we say we want.</p>
<h2>A new kind of digital transformation</h2>
<p>If London Tech Week was a reminder of anything, it&rsquo;s that digital transformation can&rsquo;t afford to be a buzzword anymore. It must be grounded in responsibility, sustainability, and a sense of urgency that extends beyond quarterly metrics.</p>
<p>Because we&rsquo;re not just building tech ecosystems. We&rsquo;re shaping the infrastructure of society itself.</p>
<p>The question is: are we building something worth sustaining?</p>
<h2>About David Savage, Group Technology Evangelist</h2>
<p>David is Nash Squared's Group Technology Evangelist. He crafts podcasts, hosts video debates, speaks, moderates conferences, and chairs keynote stages. A passionate advocate for technology, David focuses on exploring both its challenges and opportunities.</p>
<p>Since 2015, he has been the editor and host of <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-talks">Tech Talks, </a>a podcast about leadership and technology that&rsquo;s ranked among the most popular podcasts in the world.</p>
<p>David has spoken at leading global events including Web Summit, Collision, IFA Berlin, Web Summit Rio, Unleash World, Unleash Paris, Unbound, Big Data World, and Viva Tech.</p>

London Tech Week 2025 - Reflections from David Savage

<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The UK financial services sector is facing its biggest technology skills shortage in over 15 years, driven by rapid advances in AI. <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/rhodri-hughes">Rhodri Hughes</a>, Executive Director for Financial Services at Harvey Nash, featured in a recent <a href="https://www.cityam.com/">City AM</a> article, warns that this growing AI talent gap threatens the UK&rsquo;s status as a leading global financial hub.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our 2025 Digital Leadership Report reveals a 260% (up from seventh to the most scarce technology skill) in just 18 months. Despite 89% of financial services tech leaders investing in AI, more than doubling from the previous year, over half are not providing essential AI training, widening the skills gap.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Larger firms with budgets exceeding $500 million report better returns on AI investments, but intense competition for AI talent is leading financial institutions to recruit heavily from big tech companies. At the same time, internal software engineers are increasingly seeking AI experience to advance their careers.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Looking ahead, Rhodri predicts that by 2030, UK banks will have smaller but more specialised tech teams adept at working alongside AI tools.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However, as Rhodri explains, regulatory frameworks are struggling to keep pace, with few firms feeling ready for upcoming AI regulations, a gap Hughes highlights as a critical concern.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Read the full City AM article featuring Rhodri Hughes </span><a href="https://www.cityam.com/ai-triggers-biggest-financial-services-skills-crunch-in-15-years/" target="_new"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.</span></p>

Financial services seek AI talent

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Management Today - Five ways to bridge the growing AI skills chasm</strong></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In a recent article for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.managementtoday.co.uk/five-ways-bridge-growing-ai-skills-chasm/opinion-and-analysis/article/1917877?bulletin=mtbulletin&amp;utm_medium=EMAIL&amp;utm_campaign=eNews%20Bulletin&amp;utm_source=20250519&amp;utm_content=Daily%20News%20Bulletin%20(108)::www_managementtoday_co_uk_arti&amp;email_hash="><em>Management Today</em></a>, Ankur Anand, Chief Information Officer, and Andrew Neal, Chief People Officer at Nash Squared - parent company to Harvey Nash-&nbsp;shared their perspective on one of the most urgent challenges facing technology leaders today - the widening AI skills gap.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With the latest Harvey Nash/Nash Squared Digital Leadership Report revealing that 9 in 10 organisations have some form of investment in to AI (up from just 59% only 18 months ago) the demand for AI capability has never been higher. In the UK, AI has rapidly risen to become the most in-demand tech skill, with over half of technology leaders now reporting a shortage in this area. Despite this, many organisations are still not investing in upskilling their teams or embedding AI training across their workforce.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the article, Ankur and Andrew reflect on the need for businesses to act with clarity and intent. This means setting a strong leadership vision for how AI will be used, allocating appropriate resources to learning and development, engaging with available government initiatives, and working closely with trusted technology partners to expand internal capabilities. Just as importantly, they highlight the shift in hiring priorities, where AI aptitude and willingness to learn are increasingly seen as non-negotiables for future-fit talent.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As generative AI continues to evolve at speed, Ankur and Andrew provide a timely and practical perspective on how organisations can respond.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the full <a href="https://www.managementtoday.co.uk/"><em>Management Today</em></a> piece, they outline five principles to help businesses build a more AI-ready workforce, read the full article <a href="https://www.managementtoday.co.uk/five-ways-bridge-growing-ai-skills-chasm/opinion-and-analysis/article/1917877?bulletin=mtbulletin&amp;utm_medium=EMAIL&amp;utm_campaign=eNews%20Bulletin&amp;utm_source=20250519&amp;utm_content=Daily%20News%20Bulletin%20(108)::www_managementtoday_co_uk_arti&amp;email_hash="><span style="mso-field-code: HYPERLINK;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">here</span></span>.</a></p>

Bridging the AI skills gap

<p class="MsoNormal">This year, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/david-savage">David Savage</a>, Tech Evangelist at Harvey Nash attended <a href="https://dublintechsummit.tech/">Dublin Tech Summit</a> for the first time, immersing himself in the tech community of Ireland&rsquo;s capital. As a seasoned tech evangelist and conference host, David found the event refreshingly human-centred, with conversations that went beyond technology hype to explore real-world impact and challenges.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Discover David&rsquo;s own reflection on the summit and the themes that stayed with him.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">My trip to Dublin Tech Summit</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">My trip to Dublin Tech Summit marked my first time attending this vibrant event in the heart of the Irish capital. Having been lucky enough to moderate and speak at conferences around the world, it&rsquo;s easy for the themes and stories to blur together - &ldquo;Did someone really say that? And was it in Lisbon, London, or Amsterdam?!&rdquo; But Dublin stood out in a refreshing way. The atmosphere felt distinctly more human and less about tech hype, which made the conversations far more compelling. So, as I sit back at my desk reflecting, here are a few key lessons still resonating with me.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">The illusion of intelligence in AI</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Several speakers challenged the notion that AI is truly intelligent. We know it&rsquo;s not &ldquo;smart&rdquo; in the human sense, it&rsquo;s fundamentally about predicting patterns in zeros and ones. But when the output sounds convincing, it&rsquo;s easy to forget that. A chatbot saying it wants to see the mountains doesn&rsquo;t come across as fake, it sounds self-aware. But it isn&rsquo;t.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fawad Qureshi, Field CTO at Snowflake, put it well when he called AI a &ldquo;stochastic parrot&rdquo;, confident, yet a shallow mimicry of real intelligence. The takeaway? We need to stop anthropomorphising AI and remember the philosophical gap: AI will never genuinely understand emotion, values, or principles.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">From problem-solving to problem-framing</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">As AI tools grow more powerful, our role evolves. Richard Skinner of Phased AI described this as the last digital transformation we&rsquo;ll experience. Going forward, it&rsquo;s about how we apply judgement and curation. We must act as the ethical handbrake, because abdicating responsibility risks catastrophic consequences. His argument was a strong one for teaching people to ask better questions, not just to write better code.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">AI adoption from the ground up</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">It&rsquo;s not only leaders or IT teams driving change; frontline workers are experimenting with AI tools to solve problems in real time. Shadow ChatGPT usage is on the rise.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">James Doyle, founder of iReal, is harnessing AI to democratise training insights in sport, levelling the playing field for modestly resourced clubs with high-quality data. But he also cautioned against the risks, sport could become overly robotic as data dominance grows. Arsenal&rsquo;s obsession with corners, which has hurt their open-play scoring, is a cautionary tale. Is there a lesson there for all of us? If we lean too heavily on AI for creativity, do we risk losing our own human ingenuity?</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Democratisation is exciting, but boundaries and oversight remain crucial.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">Meaningful debate and authentic conversations</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">The panels I attended and hosted were rich in debate, authentic, and tackled the real challenges we face - both as an industry and a society. That felt meaningful, and I applaud Dublin Tech Summit for creating the space where this could happen. Thank you to everyone who gave their time and shared their candour.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I&rsquo;m also excited to share that we recorded six &lsquo;<a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/tech-talks">Tech Talks</a>&rsquo; podcasts live from the conference floor, launching from June 16th. Tune in to hear the voices of Dublin Tech Summit, along with ideas and actions you can take into your own work.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>David Savage, Tech Evangelist and host of Tech Talks, hosted two panels at DTS:</strong><br><br>'Ops! AI Did it Again!'<br><br>AI is driving business and redefining how we work, but let&rsquo;s be honest, sometimes it gets things dangerously, or financially wrong. From hallucinating chatbots and autopilot failures to AI-generated fake news and billion-dollar compliance risks, this session takes a no-filter look at the most unexpected, absurd, and high-stakes AI blunders and what companies can actually do to prevent them. We&rsquo;ll dive into: When does AI&rsquo;s confidence become its biggest flaw? How do enterprises build AI that knows what it doesn&rsquo;t know? How do businesses prove real AI innovation without getting caught in the hype trap? AI is now making financial, legal, healthcare, and enterprise-critical decisions. But what happens when it gets things very, very wrong? What operational guardrails actually work to stop bad AI decisions before they go live? Key Takeaways: How enterprises can spot and prevent AI hallucinations before they cost money, credibility, or compliance fines. Practical strategies to test, validate, and govern AI outputs before they cause reputational or financial damage. What AI regulations and compliance trends mean for businesses using AI at scale and why no company is immune to AI failures. How AI leaders across industries are building smarter, safer, and more resilient AI ecosystems for real-world deployment Let&rsquo;s unpack what happens when machines make mistakes at scale and what to do when it&rsquo;s your AI that screws up.<br><br><em>Panel included: Fawad Qureshi, Global Field CTO, Snowflake, Emerald De Leeuw, Global Had of privacy and AI, Logitech, Nathan Cullen, General Manager, IBM Ireland, Laetitita Cailleteau, Accenture Responsible AI Lead, Accenture.&nbsp;</em><br><br>&lsquo;The New Org Chart: Humans, AI, and the End of Traditional Leadership.&rsquo;<br><br>In a world driven by disruption, the future of leadership isn&rsquo;t just about being faster or smarter, it&rsquo;s about being purposeful. The rise of AI-powered intelligence and fractional leadership is shattering old corporate hierarchies and making room for leaner, more agile, and values-driven structures that align with how we should work in the future. This isn&rsquo;t about scaling for the sake of growth, it&rsquo;s about rethinking leadership to drive innovation with intention, fuel human potential, and build organisations designed for real impact. Here, AI augments decision-making, and fractional leaders bring precision expertise without the full-time bloat&mdash;creating dynamic leadership ecosystems that are flexible, scalable, and ethically focused. This is leadership with purpose blending human ingenuity with machine intelligence to forge teams that lead with vision, not just velocity. Key Takeaways Purpose-Driven Disruption&nbsp; Fractional Leadership for Smart Scaling&nbsp; Human-AI Synergy for Ethical Decision-Making&nbsp; Building an Agile, Impact-First Organisation&nbsp; Scaling With Purpose.<br><br><em>Panel included: Charlene Hunter MBE, CEO &amp; Founder, Coding Black Females, Mark Jordan, CEO, Skillnet, Samuel Legrand, EMEA Field CTO, ControlUp, Essam Elhalhuli, Senior Enterprise Account Manager, Coursera.&nbsp;</em><br><br>These sessions dove deep into how AI is reshaping continuous learning, leadership models, and the delicate balance between risk and opportunity.</p>

Dublin Tech Summit 2025: Highlights from David Savage

<p>On June 10, 2025, we were proud to host the exclusive launch of the 2025 Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report. This landmark event brought together a global audience to explore the findings of the world&rsquo;s largest and longest-running study of digital leadership. With insights drawn from over 2,000 digital leaders worldwide, the webinar provided a comprehensive view of the evolving digital landscape and the strategic priorities shaping the future of technology leadership.</p>
<p>Our expert panel featured distinguished voices from across the tech and innovation spectrum: Jessica Constantinidis, Innovation Officer EMEA and Chief Strategy Officer at ServiceNow; Jeff Macdonald, Corporate Social Responsibility Lead EMEA at IBM; Lama Arabiat, Director of Artificial Intelligence at the Ministry of Digital Economy &amp; Entrepreneurship; and M. Brett McMickell, Chief Technology Officer at Kubota Corporation North America. Together, they unpacked the report&rsquo;s key themes, offering real-world perspectives on how organisations are navigating the complexities of digital transformation, talent shortages, and emerging technologies.</p>
<p>Among the most compelling discussions were those focused on artificial intelligence&mdash;what&rsquo;s working, what&rsquo;s not, and where investment is most impactful. The panel also addressed the ongoing tech skills gap, highlighting the most in-demand capabilities and the strategies digital leaders are adopting to attract and retain talent. Cybersecurity emerged as another critical theme, with rising threats prompting a deeper conversation around resilience, risk management, and leadership accountability.</p>
<p>We are grateful to everyone who joined us live and contributed to the dynamic Q&amp;A session. For those who were unable to attend or would like to revisit the insights shared, the full recording of the webinar is now available below.&nbsp;</p>
<p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YPjDBpUVSMs?si=MfaaX7vMmZuofGFk" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>
<h2>Harvey Nash Digital Leadership report 2025&nbsp;</h2>
<p>The&nbsp;Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report 2025 stands as the definitive global benchmark for digital leadership, offering unparalleled insight into the strategies, challenges, and priorities shaping the technology landscape. Drawing on the perspectives of over 2,000 senior digital leaders across the world, this year&rsquo;s report provides a critical lens into how organisations are navigating rapid technological change, talent shortages, and the evolving role of AI. As the longest-running and most comprehensive study of its kind, the report empowers business and technology leaders with the data and foresight needed to drive innovation, resilience, and competitive advantage in an increasingly complex digital era.</p>
<p>You can find out more about the report <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">here.</a></p>

Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report EMEA webinar

<p class="MsoNormal">In a recent Computer Weekly article, <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/graeme-mcnaull">Graeme McNaull</a>, Executive Director for the <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/sectors/public-sector">Public Sector </a>at Harvey Nash UK&amp;I, shared his perspective on how the public sector can better attract and retain digital talent.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While salary is of course important and sometimes seen as the main hurdle, Graeme highlights the importance of showcasing the full value of public sector roles, from strong pension contributions to additional pay for high-demand skills.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the article, Graeme also challenges the perception that public sector tech lags behind. From AI adoption to major digital transformation projects used by millions, the work is often just as innovative (and arguably more impactful) than that in the private sector.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With flexible working, a strong sense of purpose, and the opportunity to deliver meaningful change at scale, the public sector has unique strengths that are often under-communicated. Graeme also emphasises the need to streamline recruitment processes &ndash; from digitising applications to creating alternative entry routes like apprenticeships &ndash; to improve candidate experience and widen access to talent for the Public Sector.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Read the full article on <a href="https://www.computerweekly.com/news/366625000/Four-successful-strategies-for-public-sector-technology-recruitment">ComputerWeekly.com</a></p>

How can the public sector overcome its tech talent challenge?

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">Reforming Fitness: How Tech is Reshaping Pilates with Data, Design &amp; Mind-Body Impact</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">David Savage speaks with Yvette McGaffin, co-founder of Reform RX, about how her company is reimagining Pilates for the digital age. What began as a traditional studio has transformed into a tech-forward fitness platform that combines sleek design, biometric feedback, and data-led training&mdash;making the modality more accessible and scalable. Yvette shares her entrepreneurial journey, the tech powering Reform RX, and how innovation is helping overcome outdated perceptions around fitness, especially for men and older audiences.</span></p>
<h1><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/37P5bLy1NVKIvkRs7rcESf/video?utm_source=generator&amp;theme=0" width="496" height="279" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe></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: Yvette McGaffin, Co-founder, Reform RX

<p style="text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"></p>
<p style="text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">AI becomes world&rsquo;s most in-demand tech skill in shortest timeframe</span></em></p>
<p style="text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">Half of global technology leaders now have an AI skills shortage</span></em></p>
<p style="text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">Steep rise linked to 90% of tech leaders investing in AI</span></em></p>
<p style="text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">But over half of companies aren&rsquo;t upskilling in GenAI</span></em></p>
<p style="text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">LONDON, 19th May 2025 - Artificial intelligence has created the world&rsquo;s biggest and fastest developing tech skills shortage in over 15 years, finds a new <a href="http://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">Nash Squared/Harvey Nash report</a> that has been tracking the views of technology leaders since the late 1990s.</p>
<p style="text-indent: -18pt; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">Nash Squared/Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report</a>, the largest and longest-running survey of technology leadership in the world, found that AI has jumped from the 6th most scarce technology skill to number one in just 18 months &ndash; the steepest and largest jump in any technology skills shortage recorded for over 15 years.&nbsp;<br><br>Almost twice as many technology leaders (51%) compared to the previous report (28%) now say they are suffering an AI skills shortage, an 82% jump. In the previous 16 years that Nash Squared/Harvey Nash has tracked technology skills shortages globally, the next biggest reported jump was a shortage in Big Data skills, with a jump of just 38%. Even with Cyber skills, for which demand continues to grow, the increase in scarcity has been gradual &ndash; rising from 16% in 2009 to 33% this year.<br><br>This rapidly developing AI skills shortage is closely linked to a significant growth in investment, with 90% of global technology leaders now reporting they are either piloting AI or investing in small - or large-scale developments. This has skyrocketed from 59% in the previous Digital Leadership Report. Despite this steep rise, over two thirds (67%) of all technology leaders report they have not received measurable ROI from piloting AI. Larger organisations, however, are faring better in quantifying results: more than half (53%) of larger organisations with technology budgets exceeding $500 million report a measurable return.<br><br>Although AI investment has helped create this rapidly-developing tech skills shortage, technology leaders and their companies still are working on how to respond to the crisis, and the report found that over half of companies (52%) are not upskilling in GenAI. But it is not just a skills question: operating models will need to change as the tech team is increasingly supplemented by AI and activities like software development are revolutionised.&nbsp;<br><br><strong><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/bev-white">Bev White</a>, CEO of Nash Squared said:</strong><br><em>&ldquo;As AI continues to accelerate, the scale of the skills challenge is becoming clear. Businesses have a pressing need to ensure their technology teams are equipped with the skills to leverage AI to full effect, or the implementations they are making could fall short. As AI is so new, there is no &lsquo;playbook&rsquo; here &ndash; it&rsquo;s about a mix of approaches including formal training where available, reskilling IT staff and staff outside of the traditional IT function to widen the pool, on-the-job experimentation, and knowledge sharing and transfer. This needs to coincide with the development of a new operating model where AI is stitched in. Quite simply, those organisations that rise most effectively to the AI challenge will be in the driving seat to succeed.&rdquo;</em><br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>AI shaping investment decisions:</strong></span><br>Boards backing AI-driven spend &ndash; Overall, as with other business functions in uncertain economic and geopolitical times, the outlook for technology budgets has dipped from the highs seen during and after the pandemic &ndash; but still, over a third (39%) of technology leaders expect their budget to rise.&nbsp; Investment has become more selective. Boards are most attracted to clear business cases tied to operational efficiency and AI-powered growth.<br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>AI increases headcount rather than replaces it:</strong></span><br>AI organisations recruit more technologists &ndash; The organisations most ahead with large-scale implementations of AI are 24% more likely to be increasing their tech headcount than their peers, mostly in areas of AI and data.<br><br>AI&rsquo;s impact on future hiring - Tech leaders expect one in five of their technology jobs to be fulfilled by AI in the next five years. But the Nash Squared/Harvey Nash report highlights that AI isn&rsquo;t replacing people, it&rsquo;s changing the kind of people leaders want to hire and the operational models they are part of.<br><br>AI equivalent to 3 years&rsquo; tech experience &ndash; Almost two thirds (65%) of tech leaders would choose an AI enabled software developer with just two years&rsquo; experience over one with a five-year career but without AI skills.<br><br>Organisations that engage with Gen Z are making more progress in AI - Compared to the global average, organisations that attract, retain and incorporate the viewpoints of Gen Z are twice as likely to be prepared for the demands of AI and one-fifth more likely to report a measurable ROI from AI.<br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Demand up for cyber skills - but down for software engineers:</strong></span><br>Demand for cyber security skills jumps - After a period of decline, cyber-attacks have once again increased, and the skill demand has grown in response (up 22% since the last report).<br><br>Major decline in software engineer shortages &ndash; With software development the most widely adopted use case for AI, it appears to be plugging a skills gap that has long been a challenge to recruit. Software engineer shortages dropped 26% since the last report.<br><br>Enterprise/solution architecture sees the biggest fall - The growth in agile methods as well as the use of cloud technologies has decentralised project delivery and reduced the need for heavyweight roles in enterprise/solution architecture.<br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Cyber-crime jumps for the first time in five years:</strong></span><br>Major cyber-attacks are rising again &ndash; 29% of tech leaders were subjected to a major attack in the last two years, the highest level since 2019 (32%) and breaking a downward trend in the last five years.<br><br>Threat from &lsquo;foreign powers&rsquo; and &lsquo;insiders&rsquo; rise steeply - While organised crime remains the primary cause for concern, there has been significant growth in the threat from &lsquo;foreign powers&rsquo; (40% in 2022 to 50%) and &lsquo;insiders&rsquo; (33% to 42%).<br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>DEI progress, but gender parity flatlines:</strong></span><br>DEI efforts remain strong despite shifting political winds - Four in ten organisations have ramped up their DEI focus over the last two years, and very few tech leaders report DEI reducing.<br><br>Recognising neurodiversity - Around one-fifth of a tech team could be considered neurodivergent, and nearly half of leaders (47%) have practices in place to support neurodivergent talent. &nbsp;<br><br>Progress on gender is stuck - Just 23% of tech teams are women &ndash; the same as two years ago. Women in leadership has dropped from 14% to 13% since the last report.<br><br><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>AI-focused organisations have increased tech leader pay:</strong></span><br>Pay rises - Over half of tech leaders have had a salary rise in the last year, but for four in ten, pay has remained static.<br><br>Tech leaders that have had a pay rise of 10% or more are distinct - Firstly, their CEO is significantly more focused on technology making versus saving money for the organisation (73% compared to the 66% global average.) They are also more likely to have a large-scale implementation of AI (27% versus 19%) and more likely to be increasing tech headcount (50% versus 41%).<br><br><strong><a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/andy-heyes">Andy Heyes</a>, Managing Director, Harvey Nash, UK&amp;I and Central Europe concluded:</strong><br><em>&ldquo;AI is front and centre of most organisations&rsquo; technology plans &ndash; and it&rsquo;s encouraging to see that the businesses that are the furthest ahead also have the biggest people need. Rather than killing jobs, AI is changing them and creating new working models. It is also spilling over into a higher likelihood of pay rises, on average, for technology leaders. AI is changing the technology industry and the people dynamics within it, creating new fields of opportunity for those that embrace the challenge.&rdquo;</em><br><br>-ENDS-<br><br>About the Report<br>In its 26th year of publication, the 2025 Nash Squared/Harvey Nash Digital Leadership Report is the world&rsquo;s largest and longest-running survey of senior technology decision makers. Launched in 1998 and previously called the Harvey Nash CIO Survey, it has been an influential and respected indicator of major trends in technology and digital for over two decades. This year the survey of 2,015 technology/digital leaders globally took place between 13th December 2024 and 26th March 2025 across 62 countries. This period captures the impact of major geopolitical changes that occurred following the change of Administration in the US.<br><br>To request a full copy of the results, please visit <a href="http://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025">http://www.harveynash.co.uk/research-whitepapers/digital-leadership-report-2025</a><br><br><br>About Nash Squared<br>Nash Squared are the leading global provider of talent and technology solutions.<br>We&rsquo;re equipped with a unique network, that realises the potential where people and technology meet. For over three decades we&rsquo;ve been helping clients solve broad and complex problems, building and transforming their technology and digital capability.<br><a href="https://www.nashsquared.com/">www.nashsquared.com</a><br>Follow us on LinkedIn at&nbsp;https://www.linkedin.com/company/nash-squared/<br><br>About Harvey Nash<br>Harvey Nash are masters of technology recruitment. We help organisations find the very best specialist talent &ndash; from Cloud Services to Data and Analytics, DevOps to Cybersecurity, Engineering and App Development through to AI, Business Transformation and Technology Leadership. With over 35 years&rsquo; experience and global reach, we have an unparalleled knowledge and capability in all areas of technology.<br>We are part of Nash Squared - the leading global provider of talent and technology solutions, equipped with a unique network that realises the potential of where technology and talent meet.<br><a href="https://www.harveynash.com/">www.harveynash.com</a><br>Follow us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvey-nash/<br><br>Media Contacts:<br>David Pippett<br>ProServ PR<br><a href="mailto:david@proservpr.com">david@proservpr.com</a><br>+44 (0) 7899 798197<br><br>Michelle Thomas<br>Harvey Nash<br><a href="mailto:michelle.thomas@harveynash.com">michelle.thomas@harveynash.com</a><br>+44 (20) 7333 2677</p>

AI drives biggest tech skills shortage in 15+ years finds Harvey Nash

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<h2><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW7597715 BCX8">26</span><span class="NormalTextRun Superscript SCXW7597715 BCX8" data-fontsize="11">th</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW7597715 BCX8">&nbsp;edition of the Digital Leadership Report</span><span class="EOP SCXW7597715 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{}">&nbsp;</span></h2>
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<p><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW78798821 BCX8">The 2025 Nash Squared Digital Leadership Report is the world&rsquo;s largest and longest-running survey of senior technology decision-makers. Launched in 1998 and previously called the CIO Survey, it has been an influential and respected indicator of major trends in technology and digital for over two decades.&nbsp;</span><span class="EOP SCXW78798821 BCX8" data-ccp-props="{&quot;335559685&quot;:720}">&nbsp;</span></p>
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Digital Leadership Report 2025

<h1>Dying Changed My Mind: Sasha Lund on Legacy, Leadership &amp; Gut Instinct</h1>
<p>Sasha Lund&mdash;founder of Core Values Consulting and editor of The Rising Role of Women in Family Offices and Family Businesses&mdash;joins David Savage to explore the evolving dynamics of leadership, legacy, and decision-making. After a profound near-death experience, Sasha rebuilt her life with a renewed sense of purpose&mdash;championing values-led leadership, emotional intelligence, and the long-overlooked contributions of women in legacy-driven industries. This episode offers transformative insights for anyone rethinking the future of business, succession, and human-centred leadership.</p>
<h1><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1iEHsL5VmdftHZmawIjcWt/video?utm_source=generator" width="496" height="279" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe></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: Sasha Lund, Founder, Core Values Consulting

<p class="MsoNormal">Is a degree still an essential qualification to have these days? Or are we seeing a major shift in how employers view university degrees. <a href="https://www.harveynash.co.uk/team/andy-heyes">Andy Heyes</a>, Managing Director of Harvey Nash UK, Ireland &amp; Central Europe shared his thoughts with the <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/article/d60e3855-bd41-419c-9ec2-abc592b3460a?shareToken=62fc6fb13d23a21c9cc9c4d9c2d8d66a">Sunday Times</a>.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The article examines the growing number of businesses across the UK that are removing academic barriers to entry in favour of more inclusive, skills-based hiring. With rising tuition fees and a changing skills landscape driven by rapid technological advancement, more employers are prioritising potential, practical experience, and soft skills over formal qualifications.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Andy was quoted discussing the role recruitment partners like Harvey Nash play in helping businesses adapt to this new way of thinking:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">&ldquo;Inclusive hiring and skills-based hiring processes have come to the fore so that employers can broaden the talent pool. It better reflects the society and communities that businesses are serving and selling to&rdquo; said Andy Heyes.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The article also includes insights from major employers, each offering their perspective on why widening access to opportunity is not only fairer, but often more effective in meeting evolving business needs.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This is a timely and important conversation, especially as industries face growing skills shortages and seek to build more diverse, future-ready workforces.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Read the full article on <a href="https://www.thetimes.com/article/d60e3855-bd41-419c-9ec2-abc592b3460a?shareToken=62fc6fb13d23a21c9cc9c4d9c2d8d66a">The Sunday Times website</a></p>

No degree? No problem. Why employers are choosing non-graduates? 

<h1><span data-sheets-root="1">Building Motorway: From Bootstrapped Grit to a &pound;250M-Backed Unicorn</span></h1>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1">Tom Leathes, CEO and co-founder of Motorway, joins David Savage to talk about the startup journey from humble beginnings to unicorn status. In a &pound;180B market full of noise, Tom&rsquo;s team cut through by focusing relentlessly on one thing: helping people sell cars better. He shares lessons from five businesses, insights on scaling lean, and why staying laser-focused on the customer problem still drives everything&mdash;even after &pound;250 million raised.</span></p>
<p><span data-sheets-root="1"><iframe style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2MUtxOboWri523bJFSUjg3?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="152" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" loading="lazy"></iframe></span></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>

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