Member Article

Leeds Digital Job Fair to 'raise the bar'

Almost 50 exhibitors have now signed up to showcase their vast array of exciting digital and tech career opportunities at Leeds Digital Job Fair 2.0 on Thursday 20 October.

Lhasa Limited, Sky, Sky Betting & Gaming, Callcredit and Google are just some of the major companies returning to the First Direct Arena following the success of the inaugural event in February.

And they will be joined by a significant number of other established employers making their first appearance at what is already regarded as one of the country’s premier digital and tech recruitment forums.

It is again being organised by Amy De-Balsi, the founder of online jobs board Herd, with support from LeedsBID, Leeds City Council, Leeds Beckett University and the First Direct Arena.

John Lettice, software development manager at Lhasa Limited, said: “Lhasa Limited is attending the Leeds Digital Job Fair 2.0 with the aim of increasing the recognition of Lhasa as an excellent place to work.

“After a rewarding visit in February, which resulted in over 100 enquiries from skilled candidates, we wish to recreate this success again.

“We are thrilled to be exhibiting alongside such well-known businesses, and hope to attract top talent to join our ever-growing team.”

One of the firms making their debut at the event is Pitchero, the Leeds-based sports website platform.

Jon Milsom, Pitchero’s co-founder and chief technology officer, said: “As the biggest online sports network in the UK, we are constantly looking for ways in which we can grow and improve our business and we see our amazing team as key to that.

“We are currently looking to expand our teams across three core areas - development, marketing and customer success - and we see the Digital Job Fair as a great way to meet some potentially awesome candidates.

“We have big plans for growth both nationally and internationally so we’re hoping to meet some potential future team members who will be able to contribute to our ongoing success.”

Another new exhibitor is DevAcademy, an IT training and resource provider headquartered in Newcastle upon Tyne, which offers free six-week training courses in software development in Leeds and Bradford. The next one starts at Bradford College next month.

And Rachel Peacock, DevAcademy’s managing director, had a message for local candidates interested in signing up.

She said: “DevAcademy are currently recruiting for trainee and junior developers, testers and support roles.

“If you want to kick start your career in technology, then come and have a chat with us at the Fair.”

Herd’s Amy De-Balsi said Leeds Digital Job Fair 2.0 was on well on-course to “raise the bar” following the success of its predecessor.

She commented: “We had 1,300 attendees and 35 digital and tech companies in February. I would expect around 2,000 people through the doors of the First Direct Arena next week with almost 50 exhibitors now on board.

“The first Leeds Digital Job Fair was put together from scratch and, by common consent, set an incredibly high standard for future events. But I believe we will raise the bar this time as we continue on the crusade to fill the digital and tech vacancies constantly being created in the Leeds city region.”

And Ms De-Balsi urged graduates and tech professionals to sign-up for free to attend Leeds Digital Job Fair 2.0.

She said: “There are some wonderful career opportunities available and I would encourage anyone seeking a new challenge to register online without delay. It could prove to be a life-changing decision.”

Leeds Digital Job Fair 2.0 will take place at the First Direct Arena on Thursday 20 October from noon until 4pm.

Employers still wishing to exhibit can request further information by emailing amy@herd.careers

Candidates wanting to register to book their place at the event or find out about current digital and tech vacancies on offer from Herd should visit www.herd.careers

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Barry White .