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<a style="color: #3598db;" href="https://channellife.news/story/iam-market-surges-as-practical-skills-outpace-degrees-in-hiring">Published by Channel Life US</a> The U.S. Identity and Access Management (IAM) hiring market is experiencing a critical inflection point. Driven by the surge in Zero Trust adoption, AI-powered threat defense, and the&nbsp;decentralization of identity systems, IAM has transitioned from a background IT concern to a central pillar of cybersecurity strategy.
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According to a new study from SPG Resourcing, a global specialist technology recruiter, the U.S. IAM market is valued at $7.36 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 15.53 percent through 2030. By 2034, the global market is forecast to reach $65.7 billion. This rapid expansion is being led by major hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Washington, D.C., where enterprise security demands are intensifying.
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Key hiring trends in the IAM landscape include:
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;Salaries are rising sharply. IAM roles have seen 8 to 12 percent annual increases. Entry-level analysts now average $98,400, while senior architects can earn over $165,000. Contractors with high-demand expertise in platforms like Okta, Ping, and SailPoint regularly command rates between $100 and $150 per hour. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">The skills employers seek are evolving. Traditional credentials are giving way to hybrid experience. IAM professionals who can implement Zero Trust frameworks, automate identity provisioning, or build AI-driven threat detection models are in highest demand. Hiring is increasingly focused on capabilities in behavioral analytics, decentralized identity, cryptographic agility, and real-time policy enforcement. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Degrees matter less than demonstrated ability. A shift toward skills-first hiring is reshaping how candidates are evaluated. Practical experience with tools like FIDO2, SAML/OIDC, and post-quantum cryptography often outweighs formal academic backgrounds. Hands-on labs, cloud platform certifications, and real-world problem solving are the new benchmarks. </li>
</ul>
The talent realignment is being accelerated by broader industry shifts, including Zero Trust becoming the default model. Continuous authentication, least-privilege access, and machine identity management are now embedded in IAM architecture. Engineers must manage real-time policy engines and session controls that span on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. 
MFA is also evolving with risk-based and AI-enhanced multifactor authentication replacing traditional methods. Passwordless solutions, such as biometrics and hardware tokens, are gaining traction for their security and usability advantages. 
AI continues to transform identity security, from anomaly detection to automated provisioning, and it is now embedded across the IAM lifecycle. Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) is becoming a baseline capability for enterprise security teams. 
Blockchain and decentralized identity are on the rise with decentralized identity wallets and verifiable credentials creating new trust models that reduce dependence on central identity authorities. These innovations are particularly relevant in privacy-conscious sectors and government applications. 
<ul>
<li class="MsoNormal">IAM now extends to IoT and the edge. As devices proliferate, IAM platforms must secure not just people, but also endpoints, APIs, and machine identities across distributed ecosystems. </li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Regulation is intensifying. Compliance with laws such as GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA reinforces the need for IAM systems that incorporate real-time auditing, automated access reviews, and documented policy enforcement. </li>
</ul>
Richard Howarth, Associate Director at SPG Resourcing, believes that successful employers must rethink their entire approach to IAM talent: &ldquo;The smartest companies in 2025 are thinking beyond job titles and CVs. You need to clearly define IAM career ladders so candidates see a future with your team, not just a job. Prioritize practical skills, if someone can design a Zero Trust policy engine or run IAM threat simulations, that&rsquo;s more valuable than a degree.
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<blockquote>
&ldquo;Invest in real upskilling and train your people on protocols like SAML, FIDO2, and crypto-agile authentication. Expand your pipelines by collaborating with boot camps and offering fractional roles. And above all, position IAM as a strategic enabler, not just a security checkbox. When candidates see that they&rsquo;ll be shaping innovation, they show up.&rdquo;
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With hiring timelines now stretching from 65 to 75 days and a reported 17 percent talent shortfall in IAM-specific roles, companies that act boldly and creatively will secure the talent needed to stay secure and compliant in an increasingly digital world.
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US IAM hiring in 2025: trends, salaries, and what smart employers can do differently

Posted by <a href="https://topicuk.co.uk/md-gets-ready-for-fight-night/">Topic Uk</a> Local businessman Sam Hameed has laced up his gloves to raise money for the Children&rsquo;s Heart Surgery Fund.
Sam will be fighting in the Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB) event on 19 July to raise &pound;1,000 for charity. The boxing training has seen him lose over four stone and discover a love for pugilism.
Commenting on the event, Sam Hameed, group managing director of Solution Performance Group, said: &ldquo;I&rsquo;ve never trained boxing before and it&rsquo;s been a real challenge, but the more work you put in, the better you get. I&rsquo;m hoping for a good result on the night and to raise money for a fantastic charity.&rdquo;
The Children's Heart Surgery Fund supports children and adults born with congenital heart defects across Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. Working alongside the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit at LGI, we are funded by donations from the general public.
Solution Performance Group is a group of technology companies that provides expert consultancy, Cloud Intelligence, Applied Intelligence, Cyber Intelligence, data and AI capabilities, and specialist technology talent services. Headquartered in Leeds and Newcastle, it operates globally, supporting organisations in navigating digital challenges and driving growth.
He is training with UCWB at Bad Company Gym in Bramley and coaching with Daniel "Pembo" Pemberton at the Golden Team Thai Boxing Gym in Hunslet.
White-collar boxing has become firmly established in the UK, with numerous companies running events nationwide. The sport attracts thousands of participants and spectators each year, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. A variety of organisations offer participants the chance to compete and raise money for charity.
Major organisers, such as UCWB, founded in 2009, have played a key role in the sport&rsquo;s expansion. UWCB now hosts events in over 110 towns and cities across the UK, organising more than 450 events annually. Each year, around 15,000 people participate in these events, and over 50,000 have taken part since UWCB&rsquo;s inception.

MD gets ready for fight night

<a href="https://yorkshiretimes.co.uk/article/AI-will-become-every-companys-first-line-of-defence">Published on The Yorshire Times</a>
The cyber attack on Marks &amp; Spencer, which compromised personal data and disrupted systems, highlighted the increasingly sophisticated nature of cybercrime and the vulnerabilities facing even the most established British businesses. While M&amp;S assures the public that no passwords or full card numbers were exposed, the breach reminds us that in the digital age, data is as valuable and as vulnerable as any physical asset. It should prompt every boardroom to ask not just whether their security is sufficient, but whether their strategy is evolving quickly enough to match the pace of today&rsquo;s threats. Traditional approaches, reliant on static defences and reactive methods, are increasingly inadequate. This is where artificial intelligence must take a central role, not in the future, but now. AI is already transforming the way organisations protect themselves. Unlike conventional tools that require constant manual oversight, AI systems are capable of continuously monitoring network traffic, employee behaviour and system activity. By establishing a baseline of what normal looks like, AI can detect the subtle anomalies that often signal an attack. These threats are often too complex or well-disguised for human analysts to catch in time. AI, however, works around the clock and doesn&rsquo;t get tired. Machine learning models can identify malware not just based on known signatures but by spotting behaviours that deviate from the norm. It allows businesses to identify and contain threats that may have never been seen before. 
<div class="article_pic left"><img class="lazy" src="https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/p.ublished/media2/2025/may/87041/Sam%20Hameed%20May%202025.jpg" alt="Sam Hameed " is="">
<div class="img_caption">&nbsp;</div>
<div class="img_caption">Sam Hameed "AI is already transforming the way organisations protect themselves."</div>
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The benefits of AI go beyond detection. Automated systems can respond to threats in real time by isolating devices, shutting down compromised processes, and blocking malicious access before damage is done. At a time when minutes can mean the difference between a contained incident and a costly breach, this speed is not a luxury but a necessity. With facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, and behavioural biometrics, gaining unauthorised access has become much harder for attackers. AI can detect brute-force login attempts and enforce extra verification when something seems amiss. Phishing remains one of the most common entry points for cybercriminals, particularly those targeting employees through deceptive emails. AI can be trained to understand a company&rsquo;s staff's communication patterns and flag messages that don&rsquo;t fit those patterns. The strength of AI lies not just in what it can do today but also in its ability to evolve. By scanning systems for vulnerabilities and using predictive analytics, AI can help patch weaknesses before they are exploited. It enables companies to stay one step ahead. It&rsquo;s essential to build AI cybersecurity experts into IT teams. AI can handle the monotonous and time-consuming tasks, allowing professionals to focus on strategy and decision-making. This is crucial for businesses that lack large IT departments. In this way, AI becomes not just a security tool but a workforce multiplier. As criminals begin to use AI to craft more complex and targeted attacks, companies can only keep pace by embracing these technologies. AI allows us to simulate attacks, adapt to emerging tactics, and maintain vigilance across every corner of the business, from cloud environments to internal networks. In the wake of the M&amp;S incident, it is clear that no company is immune. But with AI integrated into their defences, businesses can move from being reactive victims to active defenders.

AI Will Become Every Company’s First Line Of Defence

According to the latest data from IT Jobs Watch, there are 85,046 technology roles currently advertised across the UK, and 22,818 are listed as either hybrid or remote, making up more than a quarter of all vacancies. Sam Hameed, Co-Founder of SPG Resourcing, commented: &ldquo;Our own survey shows 40 per cent of respondents now work fully from home, 7 per cent are office-based, and a majority of 53 per cent follow a hybrid working pattern.&rdquo; <a style="color: #3598db;" href="https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/companies-that-fail-to-offer-flexibility-could-lose-their-best-staff-says-spg-resourcing-5088182">Full Article Published by The Yorkshire Post</a>
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Companies That Fail To Offer Flexibility Could Lose Their Best Staff

<a style="color: #3598db;" href="https://yorkshiretimes.co.uk/article/Construction-Industry-Urged-To-Embrace-Hybrid-Working-To-Attract-Digital-Talent">Published by Yorkshire Times</a> The construction sector must adopt hybrid working and strengthen its employer brand to bridge the growing digital skills gap, according to SPG Resourcing. A global survey by PlanRadar found that over 70% of construction companies struggle to implement new technologies, highlighting a significant slowdown in digitalisation within the industry. Despite this, 97% of construction professionals anticipate increased digital investment over the next three years, particularly in construction project management software. There has been a sharp decline in the number of 16-to-30-year-olds entering the industry, resulting in a less agile and less digitally literate workforce at a time when digital transformation is crucial. The sector&rsquo;s limited engagement with digital tools and an ageing workforce has made it difficult to attract younger talent. Smart technology will be key to the sector&rsquo;s future. Automation, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, 3D printing, robotics, and cloud computing are just some of the innovations that could transform the industry. However, despite their availability, adoption remains limited. SPG Resourcing believes construction firms must retrain or recruit professionals from outside the sector with expertise in system integration and data science. However, to attract such talent, companies must rethink how they position themselves as employers. Sam Hameed, founder of SPG Resourcing, commented: &ldquo;The construction industry of the future will require digitally literate, multi-skilled professionals who can operate in varied environments. We need a workforce capable of managing product integration, complex logistics, and collaborating effectively across site-based and manufacturing teams. &ldquo;The construction industry is competing with the digital sector for talent. Digital firms often offer flexible working arrangements and employee benefits that far exceed what construction firms currently provide. Employers must adapt if they are to attract the best talent.&rdquo; Future operating models for major construction projects will incorporate fully interactive Building Information Modelling (BIM) capabilities from concept through to asset operation and decommissioning. Smart construction methodologies featuring automated manufacturing processes and multi-trade sub-assemblies will increase productivity and reduce on-site work. While these advancements are in development, they currently exist only in isolated pockets of excellence. To fully integrate them across the industry, construction firms must invest in digital skills development and make the sector more attractive to young, tech-savvy workers. SPG Resourcing is a technology talent advisory business with offices in Leeds and Newcastle. It provides interim and permanent technology resources to a broad range of companies, including those in insurance and financial services, health, housing, and large FTSE businesses.

Construction Industry Urged To Embrace Hybrid Working To Attract Digital Talent

<a style="color: #3598db;" href="https://www.theglobalrecruiter.com/key-appointment-for-spg-resourcing/">Published by Global Recruiter</a> SPG Resourcing has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Sham Chohan to lead the growth of its European cyber security recruitment division.
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With an extensive background in technology recruitment, Sham brings a wealth of expertise, particularly in the technology and security sectors. His appointment signals SPG Resourcing&rsquo;s commitment to addressing the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals across Europe.
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SPG Resourcing, part of Solution Performance Group, has established itself as a key player in technology recruitment, supporting organisations in finding the digital talent they need to thrive.
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With offices in Newcastle and Leeds, the company continues to experience rapid growth, helping businesses secure technology talent.
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Sham Chohan commented on his new role: &ldquo;The cyber security landscape is evolving rapidly, and organisations need access to the right talent to stay ahead of emerging threats. SPG Resourcing has built a strong reputation in technology recruitment. I&rsquo;m excited to lead the cyber security division, further expanding our capabilities and connecting businesses with the expertise they need.&rdquo;
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As cyber security remains a critical priority for businesses worldwide, SPG Resourcing&rsquo;s latest move underscores its commitment to strengthening its specialist recruitment offerings. The company continues to expand its reach with expertise in Europe and the US.
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Sam Hameed, co-founder and managing director of SPG Resourcing, concluded: &ldquo;With cyber security threats on the rise, the need for skilled professionals has never been greater. Sham&rsquo;s leadership and deep industry knowledge will be instrumental in driving our cyber security recruitment division forward, ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality talent solutions for our clients.&rdquo;
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SPG Resourcing Supports Cybersecurity Expansion With Key Appointment

We&rsquo;re thrilled to announce that SPG has been ranked 192nd in the prestigious <a href="https://www.tussell.com/tech200">Tech200</a> list, which recognises the UK&rsquo;s 200 fastest-growing technology suppliers in the public sector. Published annually by Tussell, in partnership with techUK, the Tech200 highlights companies that have experienced the highest percentage growth in direct public sector revenue between fiscal years FY22/23 and FY23/24. This achievement reflects SPG&rsquo;s continued commitment to delivering innovative technology solutions to the public sector and marks an exciting milestone in our growth journey.&nbsp;
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<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/d6jv3xxkhkhsccpuzim3yxzbrwah" alt="" width="1000" height="593">
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Tussell&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.tussell.com/tech200">Tech200</a> provides a detailed overview of the dynamic landscape of technology suppliers in the UK public sector. The list is compiled using Tussell&rsquo;s cutting-edge market intelligence platform, which tracks billions of pounds in public sector spend, enabling accurate analysis of sector growth.
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Inclusion in the Tech200 is a recognition of both performance and impact, showcasing companies that are driving technological innovation in government, healthcare, education, and other public services. To explore the full list and learn more about the companies making waves in the public sector, visit Tussell&rsquo;s website <a href="https://www.tussell.com/tech200">here</a>. We are proud to be part of such a distinguished group and look forward to continuing our contribution to the UK public sector&rsquo;s digital transformation.
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SPG Ranked 192nd in the Prestigious Tech200

When we first received the news that our company,&nbsp;SPG Resourcing, had been selected as a finalist for the prestigious Best Tech Recruiter award, we were filled with excitement and a deep sense of validation. This nomination served as recognition for the outstanding work we have been doing since the inception of SPG Resourcing. As a fast-growing Technology Talent Partner within the SPG umbrella, we have been redefining industry standards and delivering unparalleled technology recruitment solutions.
SPG Resourcing operates alongside our sister companies, SPG Transformation and SPG Software, playing a crucial role in providing Digital Transformation and custom Software development services across diverse industries. We established SPG Resourcing in August 2021 in response to the dissatisfaction expressed by clients with the offerings of the IT Recruitment industry. We set out with a clear mission to raise the bar by focusing on quality and integrity throughout the hiring process. Our meticulous candidate screening, comprehensive security clearance checks, and thorough online presence evaluations have become the hallmark of our approach. Our team, equipped with technical expertise and industry knowledge, ensures the technical competence of recommended candidates, setting us apart in the recruitment landscape.
One achievement that earned us the nomination was our invaluable support provided to Yorkshire Building Society (YBS) during their Senior Business Analyst recruitment campaign in 2022. YBS faced significant challenges in attracting and recruiting top Business Analysts due to intense competition. We, led by James Hill, stepped in as a trusted partner, armed with our connections and recruitment expertise. James invested time in understanding YBS&rsquo;s specific requirements, and together, we achieved exceptional results.
Our recruitment process demonstrated remarkable efficiency and effectiveness, boasting a 100% ratio of CVs received to interviews granted. This highlighted the high-quality matches made between candidates and the desired criteria. Impressively, the subsequent conversion rate from interviews to job offers stood at 80%, showcasing the success of our candidate selection and evaluation methods. By partnering with us, YBS secured top-tier talent and triumphed over the challenging market landscape.
Collaboration lies at the heart of our success. Our team comprises technically qualified vertical market specialists who possess a deeper understanding of the roles they deliver. This expertise allows us to engage in meaningful technical conversations, building trust and credibility with both clients and candidates. Additionally, our unique offering of technical-based interviews, managed by our consulting team, ensures a 92% hit rate against all permanent roles worked. This collaborative approach strengthens our ability to identify and deliver the best talent to our clients.
Our motivation behind entering the awards was to be recognised as a leading Talent agency and technology business. We wanted to showcase our commitment to delivering a superior service and setting new industry standards. Being selected as a finalist reaffirmed our vision and served as motivation to continue being the driving force for positive change within the recruitment industry. It highlighted our ability to consistently provide exceptional results and validated our unwavering dedication to our clients and candidates.
One of our Talent Partners, Jacob Gulliver, shared his thoughts saying:
&nbsp;&ldquo;We set out with a vision to do things differently and deliver a superior service to our clients and candidates. In an industry where quality is often sacrificed in a race to the bottom with regards to time and cost, the success we&rsquo;ve had over the past 2 year has confirmed that there is a better way to do things. To be recognised for this award is the icing on the cake and motivates us to continue to do what we do and be the change in the recruitment industry.&rdquo;
As a finalist for the Best Tech Recruiter award, we are immensely proud of the recognition we have received for our exceptional work at SPG Resourcing. This nomination serves as a testament to our commitment to excellence and innovation in the technology recruitment landscape. We will continue to strive for excellence in delivering unparalleled technology recruitment solutions.

UK Business Tech Awards Finalists

A Leeds-based technology company is encouraging businesses to join its challenge to raise funds for Children&rsquo;s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF).
The SPG Group is leading the 10 for 24 Challenge, where participants will run, walk, and jog with a 10kg weight for 24 hours, keeping it moving the entire time.
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CHSF will use the funds to help buy a special MRI Safe Mobile Monitoring Unit for the MRI department&rsquo;s state-of-the-art baby incubator. The monitoring unit will give clinicians more detailed oxygen saturation measurements in the poorliest babies before, during and after an MRI.
Leeds is the first centre in Europe to use the baby MRI incubator for scans using this process and equipment, which is raising the profile of the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit around the world.
Research suggests that as many as 10 children in the UK and the Republic of Ireland undergo heart surgery every 24 hours.
Commenting on the fundraising, Sam Hameed, co-founder of SPG Group and managing director of SPG Resourcing, said: &ldquo;We&rsquo;re asking for as many businesses as possible in Leeds to get involved. It will help to maximise the amount of money we raise with the 10 for 24 Challenge and benefit the great work undertaken by Children&rsquo;s Heart Surgery Fund. They say many hands make light work, and the more people we can get involved, the better.&rdquo;
The challenge will start at 9 am on 6 June 2024, at Wellington Place, Leeds, and finish at 9 am the following morning.
CHSF helps children from across the region. Children like young Ava Brearley, an 11-year-old girl from Liversedge, West Yorkshire, who needed open heart surgery at the age of 10 weeks due to her birth defects and is now dancing with Yorkshire Theatre Ballet.
The challenge is inspired by the J9 Advisory &pound;100,000 fundraising campaign to raise funds for specialist equipment for local charities: Children&rsquo;s Heart Surgery Fund, Candlelighters, and Leeds Baby Bank.
Johnny Abrahams, managing director at J9 Advisory, said: &ldquo;We are really pleased to have our friends at SPG on board with the &pound;100k challenge, which is bringing businesses together to raise funds to buy specific equipment for the Leeds General Infirmary. The support has been overwhelming, and I cannot thank our supporters enough&rdquo;
Kate Hainsworth, interim CEO of CHSF, said: &ldquo;The invaluable work of Children&rsquo;s Heart Surgery Fund wouldn&rsquo;t be possible without the support of the public and companies like the SPG Group. We wish everyone taking part in the challenge the best of luck.&rdquo;

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