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Tech Community

Giving back to the tech community across the South through user groups, events, awards and more


We’re Embedded in the South's Tech Community

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As a specialist Software and Technology recruitment agency, we've been part of the South's tech community since 2012. We support regional user groups, conferences and events, while also building our own Hampshire AI community and award-winning Women in Tech Hampshire group that bring tech professionals together from across the South.

Upcoming Events Past Events

Our sponsorship and support create opportunities for people across the tech community to connect, share knowledge, develop their skills and stay ahead in the fast-moving IT world, giving people at all levels and from diverse backgrounds the chance to kickstart or progress their careers in Software and Technology.

Join our growing Community

WiTH Women in Tech Hampshire

Women in Tech Hampshire (WiTH)

The Women in Tech Hampshire is a welcoming community that meets every other month, bringing people together from across the South. Topics range from entering the tech industry to experiences of female leadership in tech. Panellists share their insights, with opportunities to network, connect and ask questions.

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Hampshire AI

Hampshire AI

Hampshire AI is a community for developers, founders and technology leaders from across the South to connect, share knowledge and explore the evolving world of artificial intelligence. Through expert insights, real-world experiences and open discussion, this community meets every other month to explore practical AI adoption, innovation and emerging trends.

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We're proud to support these initiatives

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.

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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. 

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Southampton Microsoft Data Platform and Cloud User Group

Since 2010, the Southampton Microsoft 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.

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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.

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Ian Cruickshank
Building up the local tech community is a big part of what we stand for at Spectrum IT. When I started out, there were no groups like this, so it’s fantastic to now see demand for in-person events surge, with more people attending every month. This appetite for real, face-to-face connection is helping businesses and tech professionals collaborate, share knowledge, and stay ahead in a fast-changing landscape. We work hard to ensure our events stay relevant and valuable, and it’s great to see both familiar and new faces coming together - from entry-level engineers to CTOs. These groups are a safe space to learn and develop, and we’re committed to partnering with the tech community and supporting its continued growth.
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."

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