Applause IT Recruitment

Technology, Digital and Sales Recruitment in Leeds

Whether you're looking for your next job or you need a talent partner to help you grow, we're here to help. 

While cities like Manchester are well-established as UK tech hotspots, other big cities are now emerging as prime locations for skilled IT workers and employers alike. Leeds is rapidly gaining such a reputation thanks to a powerful mix of startups and established tech companies, the wealth of local talent, and the scale of venture capital investment.

There are now over 1,300 tech companies in Leeds, and information & communication employment in the city has more than doubled since 2015.

Large companies like Snowflake, the cloud data platform valued at $1.2 billion, have put down roots in Leeds to take advantage of the local scene, and smaller startups and scale-ups are no different. HyperFinity, a decision intelligence startup, and Panintelligence, an embedded analytics & business intelligence software for SaaS, are both based in Leeds and demonstrate the scale and innovation of the city’s IT and tech scene.

Why look for IT jobs in Leeds?

Highly skilled IT and tech workers are more in-demand than ever, especially in an up-and-coming city like Leeds. The tech revolution there had led to a spike in demand for local talent - so much so that tech jobs now account for a fifth of all available roles in Leeds. Even better, software developers are now the most sought-after workers in the city.

Leeds has benefited from the trend of larger companies moving out of London in search of cheaper rates and a deeper candidate pool - businesses like Asda, First Direct, Centrica, Evri, and Direct Line are all based in the city.

One of the most well-known examples of a company moving to Leeds is Channel 4, which moved its national headquarters to the city from the capital in 2021. While some staff remain in London, many positions have relocated, including the entirety of the channel’s in-house digital content studio, 4Studio.

As for living in Leeds, there’s plenty to gain. Regular tech meet-ups offer the city’s digital community a chance to connect, and events like Leeds Digital Fest give a first look at exciting new innovations in the city.

If the city’s innovation and rich tech background have inspired you to look for an IT job in Leeds, then Applause IT can help. With over 20 years’ experience, we can help to find the right fit for you, supporting you throughout the hiring process and beyond. To begin or advance your IT career in Leeds, get in touch for a friendly, no-obligation call with one of our consultants. 

Or, check out our current roles. Our extensive network of clients means we have access to a wide variety of roles, and we recruit across a number of specialisms:

IT recruitment in Leeds

It’s no secret that tech and IT companies of all sizes are flocking to Leeds to take advantage of the growing talent pool and evolving tech scene.

The sheer volume of IT and tech graduates is a big draw for companies considering a move to Leeds. 73% of the total city population are educated to NVQ Level 2 or above, and the city keeps 56% of its graduates, meaning a wealth of freshly-trained and talented IT recruits every year. 18,000 of these grads study STEAM subjects - that’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths - so plenty of diverse talent. Even better, the city is actually making a net gain on graduates, with 70% of those who leave to study elsewhere returning to leads post-graduation.

Transport links also help to solidify Leeds’ position as one of the key hubs in the North. All major cities in the UK are accessible by train in a few hours thanks to the large 17-platform station, and Leeds Bradford Airport is not only the 15th busiest UK airport, but also serves as the UK headquarters for airline Jet2.

So, if you’re looking for an IT recruitment agency in Leeds to unlock the city’s potential for your business, Applause IT can help. We pride ourselves on our long-term working relationships, and we work on both IT contract jobs and permanent roles, so there’s no one better to help with your IT recruitment in Leeds. Get in touch today to find out how we can best assist your hiring process.

Work with us

Wherever you are, Applause IT can help make the recruitment process simple. Explore the other key cities we hire in, or get in touch for help with a role elsewhere.