Diversity in Digital: Josh Kidd Discusses Techbuyer’s Focus on People

We were delighted to attend the Diversity in Digital event in Everyman Cinema, Harrogate yesterday evening. Hosted by Harrogate Digital who connect tech and media companies through networking events, the evening focused on how the workplace can become a more inclusive place, and the processes needed to make this happen.

Josh Kidd, UK Sales Director at Techbuyer, spoke about how diversity fits into company culture and the hiring process. Joining the company in 2012 when there were only seven employees, Josh now manages a team of 16 employees, is involved in the hiring and training process and has over 150 colleagues in seven sites across the world.

Josh commented that, “During the hiring process I’m interested in attitudes… I’m always looking for someone who can learn, graft hard, and put the effort in." What’s more, Techbuyer’s extensive training means that newcomers can be hired based on their hardworking nature, rather than their previous employment or background.

Throughout Techbuyer’s expansion, the focus has remained firmly on the people. At the event Josh explained that now there are 150 employees across the world, “It means we can have 150 opinions and ideas, and you can learn something from every single person that we have in the business.” For instance, Techbuyer has a digital platform with a user ideas section, where anybody in the company can anonymously send their idea of how to improve operations. Each month the best idea is chosen and given a prize, ensuring that employees are involved in company decisions.

Also speaking at the event was Wendy Puckrin, an Analyst at FinancialForce who discussed how she overcame barriers when returning to the workplace after maternity leave. She explained that starting a new position with flexible working hours enabled her to care for her 5-year old child, Elijah, who happens to have Down Syndrome. Joanne Rewcastle, Head of Internal and Cross-Government Engagement at DWP Digital also gave a talk, discussing how they engage colleagues and produce inclusive content for both internal and external audiences.

It was an interesting and eye-opening evening, and we have taken away more ideas about how to diversify our work environment. It is great to be a part of the thriving tech industry in Yorkshire and we are looking forward to taking part in similar events soon.