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Tech Community

Giving back to the tech community by sponsoring local tech user groups, awards and more


We’re Embedded in the Local Tech Community

As a specialist Software and Technology recruitment agency, our focus goes beyond sourcing and placing highly skilled candidates for tech jobs. Our people have a genuine desire to support and give back to the industry. We do this by engaging with the local tech community and sponsoring various regional tech user groups. These events allow aspiring tech talent, experienced IT professionals, and innovative companies within the industry to network and build their knowledge.

We’ve been giving back to the local tech community since 2012. Our sponsorship and support give these tech user groups a platform where exceptional IT talent can share their expertise, expand their skills and stay ahead of the curve in the fast-moving IT world. Our commitment to sponsoring local tech user groups and conferences gives people from all levels and diverse backgrounds a chance to kickstart or progress their careers in Software and Technology.

We Support These Tech Communities

Women in Tech Hampshire (WiTH)

The Women in Tech Hampshire user group is a networking group that meets every other month. Topics vary from how to enter the tech industry, to what it is like being a female leader in the tech industry. Panellists share their experiences within the industry, with networking opportunities provided and a chance for attendees to ask questions to their peers.

Developer South Coast User Group

Developer South Coast user group is a monthly meeting where top speakers from the tech industry provide deep insight into the local tech community. Discussions focus on topics such as the Microsoft development stack, platform neutrality, and methodology.

Data Platform and Cloud Southampton User Group

Since 2010, the Southampton Data Platform and Cloud user group have hosted monthly meet-ups, providing free, high-quality training to the data platform community. Meeting at the University of Southampton Science Park, these inclusive sessions cover various SQL Server and data platform topics.

PHP Hants

PHP Hants is a bi-monthly meeting, with the aims to help people learn, share knowledge and support the PHP community in Hampshire. They host a variety of talks and invite anyone with an interest in PHP to attend the meet-ups at Havant College.

Women in Tech Dorset (WiTD)

Women in Tech Dorset user group aims to provide a safe space for women to learn and inspire each other in tech. The WiTD advocates for building an inclusive community and encouraging women to progress and innovate in tech.

South Coast Tech & Innovation Awards

Since 2020, we’ve been the headline sponsor of the South Coast Tech & Innovation Awards. These awards celebrate excellence across tech fields such as cyber security and health tech, recognising a range of achievements and contributions across the industry. 

Building up the local tech community is a big part of what we stand for at Spectrum IT. When I was starting out in the software industry, there weren't any of these types of groups on offer. I think it’s an excellent way of growing networks and careers in the tech space. It’s been great to see these tech user groups flourish and see a cross section of people attend these events from entry-level engineers through to CTO.
Ian Cruickshank MD and Founding Director

What the Tech Community Has to Say

Alan Lindstrom Regional Business Manager, The Business Magazine

"Working with Spectrum IT Recruitment, particularly Ian Cruickshank and Lauren James, has been an absolute pleasure. As the headline sponsors of our South Coast Tech & Innovation Awards, their team consistently demonstrates a level of professionalism and enthusiasm that sets them apart. Their proactive approach, coupled with a warm and friendly demeanour, truly reflects their excellent company culture. Spectrum IT's expertise in IT sector recruitment and their readiness to assist make them an invaluable partner. Their commitment to the tech community in the South of the UK is commendable."

Mikey Bronowski Southampton Data Platform and Cloud Organiser

"I've worked with Spectrum IT Recruitment on organising the Data Platform user group in Southampton, and their support has been fantastic. They’ve always had a positive attitude and were incredibly organised and helpful. They promote our posts on social media, showing real commitment to our success. Even before we took over from the previous leaders, they had been supporting the group for many years. They are truly community-oriented and dedicated to helping other local groups. Their support has made a big difference for us, and I highly recommend them. "

Derek Mwanza Developer South Coast Organiser

"I have had the pleasure of working with Spectrum IT in my capacity of co-organiser for the Developer South Coast Meetup group. Spectrum IT’s continuous sponsorship of the event over many years has enabled the group to grow to over 1250 members, with monthly talks by industry leading software developers. The team are extremely supportive in everything we do, including regularly attending events and promoting the group."

Jess Pomfret Southampton Data Platform and Cloud Organiser

"Over the last couple of years I've seen first hand the positive impact Spectrum IT have had on our local community. The amount of time and resources they spend on ensuring local user groups have space, resources and food to be able to provide great meetups is second to none."

Lee Boynton PHP Hampshire Organiser

"We couldn't have run the PHP Hampshire user group without Spectrum IT's support over the years, who generously provided us with a venue to host our meet-ups and continued supporting us as we switched to online-only events during 2020-22. They are an asset to the south coast tech community!"

Steve Richmond Developer South Coast Organiser

"Spectrum IT is a great sponsor for Developer South Coast. During my time as co-organiser they gave us fantastic support, especially during Covid when we were online-only. The support was not only financial, they gave us lots of advice: Ian and Lauren always made themselves available to discuss things. They really believe in giving back to the community."

Looking for support for your User Group?

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