Leeds-based Spike has promoted Steve Bailey to SEO Training Director.
Bailey, who retrained in SEO 15 years ago after working as a primary school teacher, was previously Head of Technical SEO.
His new role will see him assessing the strengths and weaknesses of employees in Spike’s SEO team with a view to upskill staff as a way of addressing the chronic shortage of SEO specialists throughout the UK.
Bailey said: “Working with graduates from scratch is a fantastic way to invest in young talent and this for me is the most exciting part for Spike. Internships and local engagement with universities will both be key factors to explore once we are in a position where our training processes are fully developed.”
Spike has over 20 staff and works with clients including Travelodge, Maximuscle, Rohan, Planet Sport and Atech Cloud.
Duncan Colman, Director of Spike, added: “SEO is not a primary subject studied at university and this is one of the reasons why there is a skill shortage gap.
“Steve will be entrusted to work on building up training processes and investing in effective ways to reach young people, giving them an opportunity to develop key skills in SEO.
“Alongside this, Steve will be upskilling current Spike employees within the SEO team and helping to cross-upskill in other channels.”
