PSISeptember2018

The UK’s fastest growing
security distributor
Many employers expect technical skills
shortage over coming year
Over 70% of employers believe that they will face a shortage
of technology professionals over the next year, according to
research from Robert Walters, totaljobs and Jobsite. Shortages
are expected to be most acute at mid-management level
(55%), while 36% of employers expect to struggle to secure
junior technology specialists. Just 9% expect the most severe
shortages at senior levels.
Ahsan Iqbal, Director, Robert Walters Manchester,
comments: “Britain’s technology sector has enjoyed a period
of unprecedented growth over the past few years through a
combination of overseas investment and a vibrant community
of start-up businesses operating in this space.
“While we are seeing a growing number of young people
entering the field with a wide range of skill sets, the legacy of
the 2008 financial crisis is creating ongoing challenges for
employers. Junior level hiring dropped significantly during the
recession, and this has created a skills bottleneck at the midlevel
today, with an insufficient number of professionals with
the required experience available to meet demand.”
The research also revealed that many employers believe
that Britain’s technology sector is unprepared to compete on
the global stage. Just 11% felt that the UK was very well
prepared while 24% felt that the UK was somewhat
unprepared, or very unprepared.
Ahsan Iqbal continues: “It is important to bear in mind that
almost half of employers believe that Britain is at least
somewhat prepared to compete in the global technology
market. However, with almost a quarter of employers
expressing concerns, hiring managers may have to consider
how they will attract and retain professionals with the
necessary skills to help their business flourish.
“Competitive salaries, flexible and remote working
strategies as well as the opportunity to work on interesting
projects are all effective in helping employers to source
desirable professionals.”
Martin Talbot, Director at totaljobs, adds: “The technology
sector boasts an incredible amount of exciting opportunities,
which will continue for years to come, thanks to continued
advancement in areas such as artificial intelligence. Rapid
technological progress means that many existing candidates
may not have the required level of specialist skills when it
comes to cyber security, BI and data management, or software
development. Therefore, it is important for employers to
remember the value of technology professionals’ transferable
skills, including project and programme management, as well
as strong interpersonal skills when recruiting.”
www.psimagazine.co.uk
sales@oprema.co.uk
+44 (0)2920 641 509
www.oprema.co.uk
THE BOTTOM LINE
IN ASSOCIATION WITH CSL
The interview that gets
the facts from the top
This month Simon Banks
talks to Matthew Williams,
owner of Ocean Fire &
Security. An NSI and BAFE
Approved Installer based in the South
West, Ocean have a large client portfolio
across the UK in both the commercial
and residential sectors.
You originally joined the Fire & Security industry as an
Apprentice. Can you remember what attracted you to our sector?
As with many of my peers, I somewhat fell into the industry! When I
was considering my career options at school, I always had a keen
interest in electronics and technology so considered becoming an
electrician. I was going to proceed down that route via college, but
during my final year of school a family friend suggested the Fire &
Security industry. After working on Saturdays for a very small local
company I eventually joined Guest Fire & Security. The owner, Clive,
and his engineers taught me everything there is to know about how to
correctly install and maintain systems and I also attended one of the
original NVQ courses on a day release.
Do you feel your Apprenticeship gave you the preparation you
needed to fulfil your potential in your later career?
The Apprenticeship gave me a good grounding in the industry.
Technology was a little more basic back then and wireless products
were not really on the market! Systems were always cabled so when
we started a job it was important to discuss with the client the cable
routes and any possible disruption this may cause. We carried out a
vast amount of work on a variety of sites and different systems which
gave me the experience, knowledge and confidence required to
proceed with my career in the industry.
What are the biggest challenges in setting up your own
Installation Company?
My previous employer couldn’t offer me a promotion, so I decided to
set up by myself. I purchased a van and equipment out of my savings
to hit the ground running. At first, while I was building up my client
base I was sub-contracting to other companies to maintain cash flow
and enable me to invest in advertising, a website and events. Later, we
were in the position where I needed an extra engineer to cope with the
workload and by chance someone I worked with as an Apprentice was
looking for a new position. This was a role reversal from the years I
spent as his Apprentice to now being his boss. He is a great asset to
the team and we all work well together. Since then we have added
several engineers to our team.
Now you’re an established Installer in your area, what’s the next
challenge?
My aim is to continue our steady business growth whilst adding more
national accounts to our portfolio and maintaining the level of service
our clients expect from us. In terms of our workforce, this year we have
employed our first Apprentice and I can already see that the next crop
of engineers are more technologically savvy than my generation! These
Apprentices are enabling us to keep up with the latest developments in
our industry. New technology is a part of the reason I enjoy working in
our sector. You must embrace it, but at the same time it should be
thoroughly tested before installation on site. IFSEC and other trade
shows are great ways of discovering the new technologies available in
the industry before they hit the market.
YOU SAID IT!
“Plug it in (CSL Router) and forget it, smart way for video surveillance, happy client”.
Bernard McTaggart – LinkedIn Post – 10th April
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