Specialist recruiter Empresaria Group plc (LON:EMR) has told investors it enjoyed a record first half of the year, buoyed by increased hiring activity in its home UK market.
There were fears that last summer’s Brexit vote would lead to many UK-based firms holding back on their recruitment plans, but Empresaria is the latest staffing group to report otherwise.
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The AIM-quoted group said the UK, along with continental Europe and the Asia Pacific regions, saw the “strongest trading” in the first six months of 2017.
Net fee income soars by 26% in first half
For the six months to 30 June, net fee income soared by 26% compared to the same period last year, which Empresaria said puts it on track to meet current full-year expectations.
Empresaria has recently been investing in new staff and is bringing together certain brands, the benefits of which are expected to be realised over the coming period.
Speaking of recent investments, Rishworth Aviation and ConSol Partners have been integrated into the wider group and the company is happy with their performances so far.
Well balanced business, says boss
“Empresaria has delivered strong growth in net fee income in the first half year, which is testament to our strategy of building a multi-branded group that is diversified and balanced by geography and sector,” said chief executive Joost Kreulen.
“We are focused on ensuring that our group is best positioned for the future, particularly given the political uncertainty in various markets. In light of this we have continued to strengthen our brands and progress initiatives to deliver savings.
“We have a clear strategy to develop leading specialist brands with sector expertise and we continue to look for further investment opportunities. With our diversified business and mix of service lines, we are confident in our ability to deliver profitable growth.”
Empresaria will publish its interim results on 22 August.
Shares opened 3.4% higher at 151.5p on Friday morning.
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