It seems that Flutter Entertainment is on the lookout for local talent as the multinational gambling group embarks on an initiative with Leeds Trinity University.
The company plans on launching a digital skills programme with the University, one of three in the city, starting with a three day workshop which the educational institution states is designed to give attendees tools, confidence and insider knowledge.
Flutter’s talent acquisition team will be on site at the workshop, indicating future recruitment plans. The company and University aim to provide expertise from key personnel, direct access to IT equipment, and advice on leveraging a social media presence.
Although run in conjunction with Leeds Trinity University, the event has been made open to anyone from across the wider West Yorkshire county.
This could open participation up to attendees with other institutions like the University of Leeds, Leeds Becker University, the University of Huddersfield and University of Bradford, as well as people from non-academic backgrounds who may be looking to start a career in tech.
Leeds is an important city for Flutter, with Yorkshire’s largest city having hosted its Sky Bet brand since its foundation, prior to the brand’s acquisition by the group. Technology seems to be the main focus of the workshop, however, not areas like betting trading or marketing.
In more recent years, the city has taken on more significance for the firm’s tech ambitions, going beyond its position as the headquarters of Sky Bet – though this is still significant given Sky Bet’s status as one of the UK’s biggest online bookmakers.
Back in 2021 Flutter decided to scale up its presence in Leeds with the opening up of a tech hub in the city centre. The hub employs over 1,000 people, is backed with tens of millions of pounds in investment, and focuses on development, software engineering, research and insights, though it was also the site of layoffs earlier this year.
The company’s desire to attract new tech talent, whether in Leeds or elsewhere, comes at a crucial time. Flutter, already the largest gambling company in the world with a market cap of £38bn, is showing no signs of slowing down on global growth.
This year alone has seen the firm close three key M&A deals. Most recently secured terms to fully acquire its highly valuable US asset FanDuel, while earlier in the year it closed its takeover of Italy’s SNAI and agreed to buyout leading Brazilian firm Betnacional.
