Impact Data Metrics, which operates in Liverpol’s Baltic Triangle, has created IDM Work Insights, a subscription service that allows users to sift through sectors from across an economic area

A Liverpool-based ‘big data’ firm has launched a new services that can help public and private sector organisations quickly identify skills gaps in specific geographical areas.

Impact Data Metrics (IDM), which operates in the city’s Baltic Triangle, has created IDM Work Insights, a subscription service that allows users to sift through sectors from across an economic area to find out where demand for specific skills is highest and what level of investment in education and training an area might require.

Aimed primarily at those working in local authorities and in skills development, IDM Work Insights has the potential to influence policy makers’ decisions when allocating funding to specific industries.

IDM chief executive Neil Murray said: “If you are making an investment decision it’s imperative that you have data that is timely, accurate and has granularity.

“It offers bespoke data intelligence that is superior to the service provided by traditional data consultancies – it’s about getting to the essential insights that clients require and enabling them to make better decisions based on the data they need.

“Looking at the bigger picture, the country has had years of ploughing money into education, pushing standards up and driving excellence in schools and universities, so there is certainly a question mark over where these skills gaps are and why they exist.

“The IDM Work Insights web app has been created to help with this issue – if we can look at skills and training against employer demand, we then have the knowledge that’s needed to make a change and generate accurate economic forecasts.”

Established in 2017, IDM works with clients from across the public and private sectors, with a particular focus on economic development, property and healthcare.

The company uses artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to harvest, ingest, store and access data, sourcing information from more than 9,000 repositories globally.

Mr Murray added: “We have trialed IDM Work Insights with a number of users and it has been extremely well received. This product has been almost a year in the making – we’re excited about the launch and seeing how it can make a real difference to those trying to navigate skills gaps across various sectors.”