// INTELLIGENT TECHNOLOGY //
Majority of UK mid-market organisations are facing an IT skills shortage
partners will continue playing a critical role in delivering out-of-hours services. This will include supporting newly recruited employees and relieving the challenges of operational availability.”
The scale of the problem cannot be underestimated: nearly one-third of business leaders believe that the current IT skills shortage constitutes the most significant external influence on their organisation’ s IT strategy.
N ode4 ' s latest piece of independent research, Unlocking Growth in the Mid-Market, reveals 93 % of mid-market organisations are experiencing an IT skills shortage, with over half stating that it is having a significant operational impact. The findings show IT support and helpdesk roles are the most difficult to hire and retain – followed by data scientists and analysts, then DevOps and software engineers.
Nevertheless, 29 % of mid-market business leaders are prioritising a reduction in IT headcounts or implementing hiring freezes in response to economic pressures. If this situation goes unchecked, companies will struggle to achieve their full growth and profit potential. This, in turn, could lead to a productivity slump across a major section of the UK’ s economy.
Fortunately, more than three-quarters of business leaders are taking steps to address IT skills shortages within their organisation. Strategies include hiring external consultants or contractors( 44 %), investing in upskilling and training( 43 %), increasing use of AI and automation( 41 %) and expanding partnerships with MSPs( 39 %). Worryingly, however, over 20 % admit that they are not taking any action at all.
“ Most mid-market organisations intend to hire contractors or consultants to address IT skills shortages. We believe this is a short-term fix to help with – or while – upskilling employees or getting to grips with using AI and automation,” said Richard Moseley, CEO, Node4.
He continued:“ It’ s noteworthy that mid-market companies also intend to expand partnerships with MSPs. This will provide short-term support while organisations look to fill individual IT roles and plug skills gaps. However, even after a successful recruitment drive, we believe these trusted IT
Furthermore, a quarter of respondents cite access to skilled data professionals as the biggest challenge in developing their organisation’ s data strategy. Yet business leaders remain optimistic. Over three-quarters think they will make significant progress in solving their skill shortages issues over the next 12 months.
“ Business leaders at mid-market organisations continue to tell us that they’ re facing a tough economic climate, so everything is focused on maximising their potential,” Moseley said.
“ This aligns with data from our report, which highlights business expansion and market growth as the top priority for the next 12 months, alongside workforce productivity and skills development.”
He concluded:“ The findings show business leaders within these companies understand that skills gaps are a limiting factor across every strategic objective, from Digital Transformation to growth and innovation. They know they can’ t hire, build or automate their way forward without the right people. It’ s a strong signal that the mid-market recognises talent as a core enabler, not just a HR problem.” �
Intelligent SME. tech
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