Hard-drive to success: Southampton IT recruitment firm marks 15 years

Southampton-based IT recruitment firm Spectrum IT has celebrated its 15^th birthday.

At its helm is Ian Cruickshank, a software engineering graduate, who looks back at his journey with Spectrum IT.

“Having started out with just three of us, it has been great to see us grow to 32 staff,” he said.

“I would like to think that Spectrum IT is a great place to work.

“We have many long serving employees. It is very satisfying to see our staff progress and develop within the business over an extended period and also see this within their own personal lives.”

With a decade and a half under its belt, the company has seen some huge changes in the IT industry it serves.

“The demand for tech has only grown over the years, and with that has come some significant changes in the way that we work.

“The covid pandemic highlighted the dependency that we all have on technology.

“The breadth of IT skills our clients are looking for is much wider now, and as the landscape has expanded and the sector has evolved the needs of both our clients and our candidates have become more specific and niche.”

Along with the company’s staff, Spectrum IT has seen its home grow too, moving from a small, start-up size office above a shop to various offices on the Southampton Science Park.

A recent move has seen Spectrum IT make its home in a newly refurbished space on the Science Park, which will allow further expansion.

“We see this as a base for further growth.

“A lot of thought went into the design of this workspace to make it fit for purpose and an attractive place to operate from.”

Along with further expanding the company’s staff, Ian hopes to continue Spectrum’s high level of engagement in local IT events.

“I think we’ve done a fantastic job getting our brand recognised while also helping to support the growth of the community we’re a part of.

“Our sponsorships of awards, user groups and women in tech events have been a real high point for me and I hope to continue to work with local partnerships in the IT sector going forward.

“More than anything, though, I hope to continue to support our current candidates and clients while onboarding new ones.

“I want to put on record my thanks to all colleagues, clients, candidates, the IT community, and the Southampton Science Park for the continued support that has been received over the last 15 years.

“It has been a real team effort!”