At Manchester Digital, we like to interview our members to find out a bit more about what they do and their work in the Greater Manchester digital and technology sphere. This week we're speaking with Ross Markall, Director of the Manchester office at iO Associates.
Please introduce yourself…
I am Ross Markall, Director of the Manchester office, iO Associates. I lead a team of expert specialist tech recruiters, providing best in class contingency recruitment (permanent and contract), RPO & SoW solutions, as well as a unique offshore service offering.
What do you enjoy most about working at iO Associates?
Delighting clients by finding them talent or project expertise that they would never have found without our help. This is a close, equal second place to changing candidates lives by helping find and secure their dream job.
First place is developing our people into world class recruitment experts and helping them reach their personal and business goals. Pure pride in jar, right there!
What emerging tech trends and innovations are you excited about in 2024?
I could list the obvious stuff like, AI, AR, VR, IoT, etc (all great by the way), but what’s exciting me the most is the re-emergence of face-to-face interaction. More and more opportunities and willingness for people in tech to get away from their laptop and build relationships at network events, tech festivals, round tables, etc.
This gives us the opportunity to have real in-depth dialogue about the rapidly evolving tech industry, where we can dispel fears around AI for example, rather than just being force fed the scare mongering that’s online. Or, hearing real life stories of the business benefits of new innovative tech, rather than over edited/marketed publications.
So, a long answer to a short question; most emerging tech excites me but the willingness to discuss the benefits in face-to-face forums makes it all much more fulfilling.
For companies, and start-ups, struggling to find the right tech talent locally, what unique value or insights could you provide them?
Spend time with your recruitment partner. The more insight and understanding of your business culture and true needs, the more they will reward you with the most accurately matched talent. A strong recruitment partner relationship for a scaling business is as important as a capable CFO of COO….
….but choose wisely!!
What excites you most about joining the Manchester Digital Community?
Growing our business together through collaboration, the sharing of ideas, mutually beneficial partnerships and proving that Manchester truly is the northern powerhouse for business.
Thank you Ross!
If you would like to find out more about iO Associates, Click here.
