The Changing Face of IT Recruitment: Insights from Tech Talk X - By Chris Lowden
As the Technology Director at Nine Twenty, I’ve had a front-row seat to the shifts happening across the UK’s IT and technology landscape. Recruitment in this space has always moved at pace, but the rate of change we’re seeing now—driven largely by emerging technologies like AI—is truly transformative.
Recently, we had the privilege of hosting our latest Tech Talk X event, bringing together 20 senior technology leaders from across Scotland for a focused conversation on the future of tech and talent. Held in partnership with our sponsor, Telefónica Tech, the event served as a vital sounding board for some of the region’s leading voices in IT and business strategy.
In the room, we welcomed decision-makers from companies including City FM, Allied Vehicles, Astrak, and Peter Vardy. Their perspectives gave us a unique window into how a diverse range of businesses—spanning facilities management, automotive, engineering, and beyond—are wrestling with the same big question: “What’s our AI strategy?”
AI: The Opportunity and the Imperative
It’s no secret that AI is dominating boardroom conversations. From automating business processes to transforming customer experiences, AI is no longer a ‘nice to have’—it’s quickly becoming a necessity.
During Tech Talk X, we explored how companies are approaching AI adoption. While enthusiasm was high, it was clear that many organisations are still in the early stages of defining what AI means for them—and more importantly, how to implement it in a way that’s responsible, strategic, and aligned with their broader business goals.
There’s a growing recognition that AI is not just a technology issue—it’s a people issue. As systems become more intelligent, the skills and profiles required across IT teams are evolving. We’re seeing a rising demand for hybrid talent: professionals who not only understand the technical underpinnings of AI, but who can also translate those capabilities into commercial value.
What This Means for Recruitment
From a recruitment standpoint, the implications are huge. As the market shifts, so too does the talent equation. Businesses are looking for IT leaders who can guide AI adoption, data professionals who can architect robust analytics environments, and developers with a fluency in emerging tools and platforms.
Yet, the talent pipeline remains tight—particularly in Scotland, where demand continues to outpace supply in several specialist areas. That’s where we see our role at Nine Twenty: helping businesses not just to fill roles, but to build future-ready tech teams that can navigate uncertainty and drive innovation.
We’re also seeing a cultural shift. Today’s tech professionals want more than just a job—they want purpose, growth, and flexibility. Companies that can offer clear career paths, meaningful projects, and progressive working models are winning the war for talent.
Looking Ahead
Tech Talk X reinforced what we already knew: community and collaboration matter. The tech landscape is evolving too fast for any one organisation to go it alone. That’s why events like this—where leaders come together to share challenges, ideas, and inspiration—are so crucial.
We’re proud to be facilitating these conversations at Nine Twenty, and we’re excited about what’s next. Whether you're a business leader thinking about your AI strategy, or a tech professional looking for your next challenge, we’re here to help you stay ahead of the curve.
If you'd like to be involved in future events or want to learn more about how we can support your IT recruitment needs, drop me a message at clowden@weareninetwenty.com.