A trading update released today by Prime People shows the staffing group is following a pattern common to many large recruitment firms; its UK operations are suffering while overseas growth is providing buoyancy.

“As referred to in the company’s most recent report and accounts”, the update reads, “the political and economic background to our UK activity had become more rather than less uncertain”.

Group net fee income (NFI) declined 8.6% in the four months to July compared with the same period in the previous year, with NFI declining by 24% in the UK but growing 31% internationally.

The company recently opened a Singapore office and group managing director Peter Moore will relocate there at the end of the month.

The update also notes that headcount in the Hong Kong office has increased, but adds: “The board has confidence that the strength of the business and relationships in the UK and the steps being taken to provide continued growth in our fee generation outside the UK will ensure the business is well positioned in the medium term.”