Six in 10 firms are struggling to meet new business demands in 2011 due to a lack of skilled IT staff, according to a survey by software project mentors, UPMentors.

The survey of more than 100 IT managers also found 15% admitting that they need to address the lack of talent and skills by ensuring existing staff were educated on new IT developments.

Julian Holmes, co-founder at UPMentors, says: “Maintaining a high skills level, particularly with competition for new business at its highest since the recession, is clearly a priority this year, but organisations need to make sure they end up investing in the right person for the job. Finding such good quality people may prove challenging and force employers to look to the contract market to bolster their in-house capability. Companies who are investing in training to raise the skills of their people will receive a double benefit of increased capability, loyalty and motivation from their existing employees that will no doubt make a difference to the business.”