There’s a shortage of tech skills and expertise in the world right now that impacts negatively on businesses. By working with the right IT partner you can save your business the impact of falling behind.
Lack of available talent
Over the last 12 months, it’s been recognised that, globally, there is a lack of talent in the information technology and digital sectors. And, compounded with the exponential growth required in digital and tech services, the impact is increasingly predicted to hit those organisations eager to keep pace but slow to recruit or secure the right skills.
As a business, you’ll want, or have plans, to thrive in the digital space, with onboarding technology, perhaps systems integration and increasing abilities for clients to be able to access services online. But you won’t be able to do this without significant investment in digital expertise.
UK tech skills and knowledge shortage
Specialist knowledge and, ideally, certified skills, are not always the norm when it comes to either inhouse IT teams or experienced IT service providers. Particularly in cybersecurity, there are shortages of knowledge and capability. Out of 823 UK digital leaders recently surveyed, 43% reported a shortage of cybersecurity expertise.
And, the area of digital tech, is far-reaching, so it’s not possible to be an expert in every area, further increasing the pressure on the limited talent available.
What businesses can do to increase tech resource
One of the ways businesses can stay ahead of the curve is to make IT skills and knowledge a focus and be realistic about how one person or provider may be insufficient to develop the systems needed overnight.
Seek an IT partner rather than provider
It can be tempting to engage the first provider you find online. But rather than simply ticking service options on a provider’s list, companies that seek a long-term, experienced IT provider to work closely with, to develop systems and capabilities, experience increased innovation in the longer term.
Close working practices with an IT partner, who shares your business aims is more likely to be able to unlock the full value of your systems and offer.
There’s an increasing pressure for companies to innovate, but it’s the far-reaching skills of a business IT specialist working as a partner to your business that proves more effective in helping you stay ahead.
Valuable, specialist knowledge
IT specialists are up to date with the latest innovations and how they can be used and implemented correctly. They also work closely with tech vendors, so they have inside knowledge on software developments and rollouts and can recommend the right solution for your business’s needs.
The right tech partner you can trust will deliver long-term benefits as well as day-to-day help and support and become an effective extension and safeguard for your business.
How to spot an IT specialist provider
- Look for whether an IT consultancy or service provider offers consultancy and if they can flex their service offer to provide purpose-built support to align with your business objectives.
- Look to see if they offer strategic partnerships or white label services, that show they work as partners to businesses and the capabilities of their offer.
- Check out their accreditations and certifications and don’t forget to ask more questions about these. Are they Cyber Essentials qualified? Are they a Microsoft partner? Etc.
- Do they provide support for the leading software technologies?
- Look at the ethics of how they work. For example, do they take time to understand and know your business, or do they just want you to sign on the dotted line as quickly as possible? A contract that doesn’t tie you in is a good sign of a trusting relationship.
At Cultrix…
… we never tie you into a lengthy contract and will only work in the best interests of your business. From consultancy for specialist services to daily IT help at hand, we’re true partners for delivering the technology and innovation to power your business.
< Read more articles on our IT Academy
Business services like IT support, when they work properly, are a true partner to business. Here’s what it’s like when your IT support is a true partner.
If it can happen to McAfee, UNICEF and eBay…
It’s a wake-up call for brands – the SubdoMailing attack sees 8000 household names’ domains hijacked and exploited. Here’s why and how to protect your brand.