UKFast sees four-fold increase in job applications in a year

Manchester hosting and IT services firm UKFast says it has seen a four-fold increase in the number of job applications it has received in the first half of 2016, which it says reinforces the national trend for job growth in the tech sector.

National statistics show the IT sector is outperforming all others in the UK in terms of job creation in recent years, growing 32 percent faster than the rest of the UK’s economy.

Despite concerns among tech industry analysts following the Brexit vote, UKFast CEO Lawrence Jones expects the demand for roles in tech and digital to keep growing.

He said: “Brexit or no Brexit, people want to work in tech and for exciting tech businesses. It’s the fastest growing and most exciting industry in the world and Britain is one of the leading players.

“The best and brightest want to come into our industry and that can only be a good thing, but at the same time more people are realising that a career in tech can be accessible to anyone with the right attitude and a willingness to learn.”

The 5,626 applicants for roles at UKFast in the first half of 2016 represent a massive increase from the 1,384 candidates who applied during the same period last year. Jones has his sights set on boosting overall staff numbers to 350 this year, having grown headcount from 200 in early 2015 to its current level of 300.

“Building something this special requires special people and lots of them. We are growing so quickly that we have to bring in new superstars to deliver amazing service to our growing base of clients and partners,” Jones said.

The firm says it is on track to top £40 million in turnover this year.

@AntonySavvas