Reflections from Talent Day 2026: Why the future of Tech in Manchester has never looked brighter
Last week, the Naimuri team headed down to New Century Hall for the Manchester Digital Talent Day 2026.
As always, the energy in the room was electric. Amidst the buzz of the NOMA district, we spent the day surrounded by the next generation of software engineers, data scientists, and creative problem solvers.
At Naimuri, we often talk about "tech for good" and "making the UK a safer place." But those missions only succeed if we have the right people behind them.
Events like Talent Day are a vital reminder that the North West is a powerhouse of emerging talent.
Here are three of our biggest takeaways from our conversations with the "Class of 2026."
1. Curiosity is the new currency
The most impressive candidates we met weren't just those with the best grades, but those with the most curious minds.
We had fascinating conversations about everything from the ethics of AI to the future of cloud security.
To the students and career-switchers who came up to our stand: your willingness to ask "how does this work?" and "why does this matter?" is exactly what we look for.
Character over competency is a key driver for us when finding future candidates.
In a rapidly changing tech landscape, the ability to learn is just as important as what you already know.
2. Purpose-driven careers are the priority
One thing that stood out this year was how many young professionals are looking for more than just a paycheck. They want to know that their code has a real-world impact.
At Naimuri, we pride ourselves on tackling some of the most complex challenges for our customers.
Hearing so many attendees express a desire to work on projects that genuinely benefit society was incredibly heartening.
It’s clear that the next generation of tech talent is looking for a mission, not just a job.
3. Diversity of thought is our greatest strength
We met people from all walks of life - university graduates, bootcamp survivors, and self-taught developers.
This diversity is the lifeblood of the Manchester tech scene.
Some of our best ideas at Naimuri come from unconventional backgrounds, and seeing such a wide range of perspectives at Talent Day gives us great confidence in the future of our industry.
What’s next?
If you stopped by our stand and we didn’t get a chance to finish our chat, or if you couldn’t make it to New Century Hall, we’d still love to hear from you.
We’re growing and always looking for people who are passionate about using technology to solve big problems.
Whether you’re looking for an apprenticeship, a graduate role, or your next step in your tech career, keep an eye on our jobs page or reach out to us on LinkedIn. We have a range of roles in Manchester and across the UK.
A huge thank you to Manchester Digital for hosting another fantastic event. To everyone we met: stay curious, keep building, and we’ll hopefully see you in the Naimuri office soon!
