Scotland’s pioneering technology sector could be left trailing behind other countries in the race to develop artificial intelligence, software and cybersecurity because of an acute skills shortage, a leading tech expert fears.
Businessman Austen Clark believes that competition to recruit from Scotland’s talent pool is so great that firms need to invest in school leavers and young people by offering apprenticeships and training.
Clark IT has appointed Michael Brown as its operations director.
With a background in IT service delivery management, Michael’s promoted post will see him dealing with all of Clark’s day to day service delivery to clients as well as managing projects including improvements and operational strategy. This is a new position to enhance Clark IT’s service to clients by bringing all operations under one banner.
Since joining Clark IT in 2013, Michael has gained a reputation for achieving goals and putting clients at the heart of all Clark IT does.
Clark IT managing director Austen Clark said: “As we grow our portfolio, it’s important to have the right people in place and Michael has an extensive skills set and is a great leader of the engineering team, dedicated to the personal development of his team.
“Michael is well respected within the business and his knowledge and skills will bolster our operational capacity.”
Part of the management team of Highland League side Keith FC, Michael is assistant manager of the Maroons and lives in Newmachar with his wife and two teenage sons.
He said: “Clark IT is a forward thinking business that delivers high levels of satisfaction to clients. I look forward to supporting Clark IT in growth, and to maximise its commercial advantage.”
Most cyber attacks aren’t sophisticated – they’re opportunistic, with hackers looking for exploitable gaps and vulnerabilities. Read how to build a cyber-aware environment in your workplace in this article from Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce.
https://www.agcc.co.uk/news-article/security-conscious-workplace-first-defence-against-hack-attacks
Channel Executive Magazine posed the question to Austen Clark.
In an ever changing landscape, Austen looks at trends, opportunities, knowledge, learning and solutions.
You can read his indepth take on the subject here:
https://www.channelexecutivemag.com/doc/managed-services-vs-managed-security-which-is-more-applicable-to-msps-today-0001
As the digital security landscape continues to change is it possible to beat hardcore hackers? Austen Clark and other leading IT vendors were asked for their views on whether the glass is half full – or half empty when it comes to security by Digitalisation World. Read Austen’s opinions here:
